MAWS detection range

[Thorluis2]

I remember seeing a file showing that the Eurofighter's maws could pick up targets with RCS of 1 at 10nm, 0.01 at 1nm, etc, and was wondering if these figures are correct and if anyone has a file of the example sheet I remember.

[MRTX]

All publically available information about the detection range of the MAWS are guesstimations at best. The only concrete facts that we can work with is the size of the rear MAWS antenna and its operating frequency in the K band. 

The big factor we have no idea about is the power output. On top of  that the MAWS is designed with LPI characteristics in mind and therefore most likely operating with a rather low power output at rather dynamic PRF's, which is not helping in making any accurate estimates either. 

Overall the best shot we probably have at making out a threshold for a minimum of performance we can expect from the MAWS is looking at what its designed to do. Obviously the MAWS's most appealing function is to detect non radar guided missiles, predominantly MANPAD's and short range IR missiles. These tend to be small in size, therefore often have rather low RCS's (often well below 0.1 square meters). Most MANPAD's out there have ranges of 2-3nm. (4-6km.) resulting in an extremely low time to impact even at max range. This means that in order to give an Aircraft enough time to react, it's pretty much a requirement for the MAWS to be able to detect an approaching missile almost instantaneously after launch. Hence why i find it reasonable to believe that the MAWS should at least be able to detect targets with an RCS >0.01 at 2nm. in order to fullfill its function properly. 

Obviously this is still just speculation and by no means indicative of the exact realworld performance of the MAWS of the Eurofighter.

 

[Mike_Romeo]

On 8/16/2023 at 2:50 AM, Thorluis2 said:

and was wondering if these figures are correct

They are classified and change a lot with enviroment conditions