AN/ASQ-236 Dragon's Eye Radar Pod

AN/ASQ-236 Dragon's Eye Radar Pod

The AN/ASQ-236 Dragon's Eye radar pod is a tactical Ku band Airborne Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar surveillance pod. The Dragon's Eye pod provides aircrew with all-weather multi-target detection, track and engagement.

Learn more about Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radars

What is an AESA Radar?

At the heart of an AESA radar are miniature transmit /receive modules (TR modules). Unlike previous radars, the TR modules on an AESA radar are electronically steered together to provide nearly instantaneous beam repositioning. AESA radars typically have over 1,000 sites and include an advanced receiver/exciter capable of extreme waveform agility. Because there are no moving parts in an AESA radar, system reliability is typically three to five times greater than a mechanically scanned radar.

What is an AESA Radar Pod?

An AESA radar pod provides a self-contained electronically scanned radar system that includes the antenna, processor, receiver/exciter, inertial navigation system, and cooling system and can be mounted to a host aircraft to provide advanced radar capabilities for mission success.

AN/ASQ-236 Dragon's Eye radar pod Capabilities

The AN/ASQ-236 Dragon's Eye radar pod provides:

High-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) maps for surveillance and target detection
All-weather precision geo-location against fixed, moving and maritime targets
Three position, large field of regard complements nose radar fixed field of regard
Bomb impact assessment analysis
Advanced radar modes developed and shared across Northrop Grumman's enterprise of 5^th Gen fighter radars

Current Configurations of the Dragon's Eye Pod

The AN/ASQ-236 Dragon's Eye pod is currently operational on the U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, and will soon be operational on Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command F-16s. The Pod is capable of integrating on both large and fighter sized platforms. Northrop Grumman has previously integrated the AN/ASQ-236 pod on an Air Force Special Operations Command AC-130. The AN/ASQ-236 pod was also integrated on the Air Force Global Strike Command B-52 as a proof of concept demonstration.