Essential to air-to–air operations is the detection and evasion of threats. Radar Warning Receivers (RWRs), which are very useful tools in this area, are crucial. It can detect radar on other aircraft and alert pilots to the danger's location. The pilot can then take evasive measures to avoid the threat. It can also assist the pilot in detecting a missile lock on.
An antenna network around an aircraft is the typical part of an airborne RWR. The radar signal is then interpreted by an analogue signal processor, which identifies the pulse trains associated with particular radars. The signals then get sorted and prioritized. It takes a lot of computing power to interpret these signals.
A typical airborne RWR system scans the frequency bands periodically for radar signals. Each signal is deinterleaved and then sorted by type. The signals are further sorted according to threat priority. This data is then fed to the cockpit display as synthetic symbols. The symbols can be customized to reflect the type and location of the radar. The symbols also indicate azimuth direction. They are also called "painted radar" The symbols are in a circular shape, with the innermost showing the threat's classification and the outer displaying its range or strength.
The pilot can then use this information to plan future missions. The information can also be used by the pilot to determine the danger level. The pilot can then take evasive actions to break the missile lock-on. A non-combat aircraft may decide to turn off its radar for a short period of time, or may steer around the threat. Adjusting the priority detection target can do this. The radar warning receiver is also able to be disabled after an alarm condition was acknowledged. The alarm's audible alert can be distracting if it goes on for a prolonged period.
The AN/ALR-56C Radar Warning Receiver is an advanced receiver that detects and analyzes incoming radar signals. It is also designed to manage companion countermeasures systems. It can detect RF signal in a range from 6-20 GHz. A TEWS display alerts the receiver to aircrews. The radar guided threat environment system was created to enhance aircrew situational awareness. The system was designed to enhance the mission survivability of tactical aircraft. The receiver required a processor/memory capacity upgrade to improve the performance of the system.
The AN/APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver is now the AN/APR-39E (V)2. It is a digital RWR intended to improve survivability. It uses the proven technologies of the previous generation. It uses advanced algorithms for 360-degree warning. It is in production for the military. It can be used over a wide frequency range to ensure maximum survivability. It features an intelligent antenna that can detect agile threats over a wide frequency spectrum. The receiver can also be used to support mission critical equipment. BAE Systems can service it. The AN/ALR-56C has many uses.