The Rise of the Active-Element Phased-Array Radar

The War in the Persian Gulf has recently underscored the vast leverage of advanced electronics to U.S. military power. Advanced electronics to U.S. military power. Advanced electronics will likely plan an even greater role in the U.S. military in the future. Under declining budgets, the U.S. forces are experiencing drastic reductions in manpower and resources. To offset these reductions, the military has turned to high technology in general as a force multiplier. In terms of projecting air power, a key force multiplier involves the use of electronic sensors for reconnaissance, surveillance, and tracking. One type of sensor is tactical aircraft, fire control radar, has proven to be a crucial element in establishing air superiority over potential adversaries in war. This paper will discuss the advantages, history of development, and enabling technologies of a superior and emerging technology for fire control radars.