Detecting and evading threats is essential to air-to-air operations. Radar Warning Receivers (RWRs), which are very useful tools in this area, are crucial. It can detect radar signals from other aircraft and alert the pilot about the threat's presence. The pilot can then take evasive action to avoid the threat. It can also be used to help pilots detect missile lock-on.
A typical RWR system for airborne is made up of several antennas located around an aircraft. An analogue processor interprets radar signals and determines which pulse trains are associated with specific 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 first deinterleaved before being sorted by type. The signals are then sorted by threat priority. This data is then transmitted to the cockpit display as synthetic symbol. The symbols vary according to the type of radar being detected. These symbols indicate azimuth direction. They are also called "painted radar" The symbols are displayed in a circle. The inner ring displays the threat's level and strength, while the outer rings display its range.
This information can be used by the pilot to plan future missions. The information can also be used by the pilot to determine the danger level. The pilot can then take evasive steps to break the missile lock. An aircraft that is not a combat aircraft might decide to disable its radar for a brief time or avoid the threat. This can be accomplished by changing the priority detection targets. The radar warning receiver can also be disabled once an alarm condition has been acknowledged. This is because the audible alarm can become distracting when the alarm is going on for a long period of time.
The AN/ALR-56C Radar Warning Receiver is an advanced receiver designed to detect and analyze incoming radar signals. It is also designed to manage companion countermeasures systems. It can detect RF signals from 6-20 GHz. The receiver also alerts aircrews through a TEWS display. The radar-guided danger environment was made aware to aircrews by the system. The system was also intended to increase mission survival for tactical aircraft. The receiver needed to be upgraded in processor/memory capacities in order to improve its performance.
The AN/APR-39 Radar Warning Receiver is now the AN/APR-39E. It is a digital RWR that increases survivability. It is based on the existing technologies. It uses advanced algorithms to provide a 360-degree warning. It is in production for the military. It has a large frequency range and was designed to maximize survival. It also features an intelligent antenna that detects agile threats over a wide frequency range. It can also support mission-critical equipment. BAE Systems is able to service the receiver. The AN/ALR-56C is used in a variety of tactical aircraft.