Marshall Aerospace unveils ARC-Radar
Marshall Aerospace has unveiled ARC-Radar, a modular sensor suite that allows operators of tactical transport aircraft to rapidly and temporarily outfit their fleet for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)…
Marshall Aerospace has unveiled ARC-Radar, a modular sensor suite that allows operators of tactical transport aircraft to rapidly and temporarily outfit their fleet for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
ARC-Radar is the first of several products that will be rolled out within the Marshall Adaptable Role-fit Capability (ARC) family in the near future.
Marshall ARC-Radar solves a key logistical problem facing fleet operators: since ISR tasks require complex combinations of sensitive equipment, system installation tends to require extensive and typically permanent modifications to their aircraft or investment in a purpose-built ISR airframe.
No modifications required
By contrast, Marshall ARC-Radar is a role-fit palletised solution with no permanent integration and no modifications required, utilising only existing aircraft power outlets.
The system comprises a two-panel Leonardo Osprey 30 multi-domain active electronically scanned array (AESA) surveillance radar, two modified paratroop doors containing a Marshall-designed and manufactured ultra-low-profile conformal radome, a rear pallet containing two articulated radar mounts and line-replaceable unit (LRU) rack, and a forward pallet containing a mission management console.
The industry-leading capabilities of Leonardo’s radar, combined with the inherent multi-role flexibility of tactical transport platforms, means that Marshall ARC-Radar’s potential applications are remarkably broad, ranging from military ISR land, sea or air missions to applied civilian operations such as search and rescue, humanitarian support, and disaster relief. Despite being fitted temporarily, the Osprey 30 radar suite maintains full performance during operation.
Quick fitting
The entire Marshall system can be fitted or removed in under four hours, guaranteeing minimal aircraft downtime. No modifications need to be made to the underlying aircraft and there are no performance or handling penalties with the product installed. The result is that fleet operators are freely able to alter the role of an aircraft on a day-by-day basis. The role-fit nature of the solution means that operators are not constrained to the availability of a single aircraft.
The system provides significant cost savings by offering the core capability of a dedicated ISR system but with the added flexibility of a transferable multi-mission system utilising an existing fleet – a potential saving of millions. The scalable nature of the system also allows for future growth of ISR capability at minimal cost.
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