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Why can AESA radar track multiple targets at the same time? What is the technology behind it?
In the development of today's aviation and military technology, the Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar System (AESA) has attracted widespread attention. This advanced radar system can not only track multiple targets at the same time, but also transmit signals in different directions without moving the antenna. How does it do this? This article will take an in-depth look at how AESA radar works and the technology behind it.
AESA is a phased array antenna, a computer-controlled antenna array in which each antenna element is connected to a small solid-state transmit/receive module (TRM). Here, the transmitting and receiving functions are completely under computer control.
Basic principles of AESA
The basic working principle of a radar system is to connect an antenna to a powerful radio transmitter and send out a short pulse of signal. After the transmitter sends out a signal, it switches to receiving mode and determines the distance of the target by enhancing the echo from the target object. Unlike traditional radars, which require physical rotation of the antenna, AESA radar uses electronic tap delay technology to allow the emission of radar waves to rapidly change direction.
The main advantage of AESA is that it can generate multiple independent signals at the same time and can transmit at different frequencies, which makes its detection range wider.
Technological evolution of AESA
Since the concept of phased array radar was first proposed in the 1960s, it has experienced many technological upgrades. The original PESA system could only emit a signal on a single frequency, but the development of AESA radar made it possible to operate multiple frequencies simultaneously. Each TRM module can now operate independently, meaning each module can emit signals from different frequencies, so multiple targets can be tracked simultaneously.
The advancement of this technology has allowed AESA to not only improve the accuracy of target identification, but also increase the difficulty of being jammed, making it an important part of modern military systems.
AESA application
AESA radar systems are widely used in modern fighter jets such as the F-22 and F-35. These systems can perform gunfire control, air surveillance and missile tracking tasks. The versatility of AESA radar enables it to maintain battlefield advantage in varying conditions.
In addition to military applications, AESA radar technology has also been introduced into conflict avoidance systems in civil aviation. Its precise tracking capabilities help improve flight safety.
Low interference and high anti-interference ability
The AESA system was born to increase the stealth of combat. It uses changing transmission frequencies to reduce the probability of detection by enemy radar. In addition, the AESA system has strong anti-jamming capabilities, allowing it to maintain effective communication and surveillance functions in the face of electronic warfare.
These features not only enhance mission success rates, but also reduce the chance of enemy targeting, making modern combat more complex.
Advantages in actual combat
In actual air battles, the multi-beam tracking, full-range signal transmission and instant response capabilities provided by AESA radar make the challenges faced by fighter jets in a multi-target environment more controllable. This capability allows fighter jets to make quick and accurate judgments on a rapidly changing battlefield.
In addition to improving the flexibility of military operations, this cutting-edge technology also lays the foundation for future drones and automated combat systems.
Potential limitations and prospects
Despite its many advantages, AESA radar still faces some challenges. For example, the spacing between array elements limits its maximum beam angle, which means it needs to be used in conjunction with other technologies in some cases. But as technology continues to advance, these obstacles are expected to be gradually overcome.
With the advancement of AESA technology, more efficient and low-cost solutions may emerge in the future, further increasing the intelligence and autonomy of combat systems.
All in all, the development of the AESA radar system shows how technology is driving changes in the way warfare is fought. This technology is not only important in the military field, but will also play a key role in future civilian and commercial applications. Can we foresee the unlimited possibilities of future military technology in all-round surveillance?
