Airborne early warning radar

Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Radar meets the operational requirement of detection and tracking of both low- and high-flying aircraft. The important and fundamental radar parameters of RF, PRF, pulse length, and transmitter power are discussed together with a number of factors relating to the antenna. An overview of the modern fixed-wing systems Nimrod AEW, E-2C Hawkeye, and E-3A AWACS currently in service is given together with a description of other AEW systems, including the Sea King helicopter AEW. Some speculation on topics of relevance to AEW radar in the future is given.