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Citat:Blue Vixen
Advanced Multi-Mode / Multi-function Radar
Specifically developed to exploit the capabilities of AMRAAM, Blue Vixen is in service in the Sea Harrier F/A 2. It incorporates a high degree of automation to provide a two-seat capability in a single-seat fighter. The pilot is able to keep his hands on throttle and stick (HOTAS) while selecting functions and weapons. The radar automatically selects the appropriate mode according to target density and clutter background, and the targets are clearly presented without further intervention of the pilot.
The Blue Vixen multimode, pulse-Doppler, I-band radar from GEC-Marconi Avionics (GMAv) was designed specifically for the UK Royal Navy's (RN) Sea Harrier FA.2 upgrade, to be used in conjunction with the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) beyond-visual-range (BVR) weapon. With miniature components, elements of the system are remotely sited (in the rear fuselage) and connected by a fiber-optic link.
Blue Vixen offers full all-weather capability across both land and sea in look-up/ look-down modes. The system automatically selects a high, medium, or low pulse-repetition frequency (PRF) for optimum detection, depending on the target density or background clutter. Tracks can be formed at ranges of between 75 nm and 80 nm (139-148 km). In look-down mode, a low PRF provides accurate range/velocity with all-aspect detection, while a high PRF offers detection of high-speed targets in a high-clutter environment. RN experience in the skies over Bosnia proved that the radar is capable of detecting slow-flying helicopters at low level. Intelligent automation reduces the pilot's workload in such areas as track-forming, mode selection, and threat prioritization.
According to Cdr Richard Hawkins, Commander Air Warfare at the Sea Harrier base of Yeovilton, in the air-to-air mode "the big winner is the BVR track-while-scan capability." He told IDR that "we don't require to single-target track: if you put out a lot of continuous-wave energy, this trips a radar warning receiver, but with our BVR capability the other guy has no idea you are engaging. We are flying a 1960s platform but knocking down 1980s platforms all the time." Hawkins maintains that the Blue Vixen/Sea Harrier combination is "the best air-defense aircraft in Europe - a view shared by all who have come up against it."
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