RTX's Raytheon completes first flight test for PhantomStrike radar

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX's Raytheon has successfully completed the first flight test of its PhantomStrike radar in Ontario, California. The next-generation radar system, which successfully tracked airborne targets and mapped terrain, is a fully air-cooled, fire-control radar designed for long-range threat detection. Key features include:

PhantomStrike costs nearly half the price of typical fire control radars while delivering superior capabilities through faster digital beam, advanced target detection, and jamming resistance. Powered by gallium nitride (GaN), the radar weighs approximately half of a modern AESA radar and is compatible with various platforms including uncrewed aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters, and ground-based towers.

Production takes place across facilities in Forest, Mississippi; Tucson, Arizona; and Scotland, with support from Raytheon UK.

Positive

• Successfully completed first flight test with demonstrated target tracking capabilities
• Costs approximately 50% less than typical fire control radars
• Superior radar capabilities with faster digital beam and advanced jamming resistance
• Weighs about 50% less than modern AESA radars
• Versatile platform compatibility including fighter jets, helicopters, and uncrewed aircraft

Negative

• None.

Next-generation radar provides superior threat detection

ONTARIO, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has successfully completed the first flight test of its PhantomStrike radar on its Multi-Program Testbed aircraft in Ontario, California.  PhantomStrike successfully tracked several airborne targets and accurately mapped the terrain.

PhantomStrike is a first-of-its-kind fully air-cooled, fire-control radar that's designed to provide long-range threat detection, tracking and targeting. At nearly half the cost of a typical fire control radar, it delivers superior radar capability due to its faster, more agile digital beam, advanced target detection and resistance to jamming.

"The threat environment is evolving, and this test demonstrates how PhantomStrike can make enhanced situational awareness available to a broader set of our partners and allies – offering unparalleled performance and potential U.S. weapons integration – at an affordable price," said Bryan Rosselli, president of Advanced Products and Solutions at Raytheon. "This next-generation radar dramatically changes how we identify and respond to threats."

PhantomStrike is a gallium nitride (GaN) powered radar that enables aircrew to see farther. It's designed for a range of platforms, including uncrewed and light-attack aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters and ground-based towers. It harnesses the fire control power of a fighter in its lightest form factor ever – weighing nearly half of a modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

Production of the radars takes place in Forest, Mississippi; Tucson, Arizona; and Scotland, with support from Raytheon UK.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space. 

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is RTX's PhantomStrike radar and what are its key features?

PhantomStrike is a next-generation, air-cooled fire-control radar that provides long-range threat detection. Key features include GaN-powered technology, superior radar capability with faster digital beam, advanced target detection, and jamming resistance, all at half the cost of typical fire control radars.

How much does RTX's PhantomStrike radar cost compared to traditional fire control radars?

PhantomStrike costs approximately half the price of a typical fire control radar while delivering superior radar capabilities.

Where is RTX's PhantomStrike radar being manufactured?

PhantomStrike radar production takes place in Forest, Mississippi; Tucson, Arizona; and Scotland, with support from Raytheon UK.

What platforms can use RTX's PhantomStrike radar system?

PhantomStrike is designed for multiple platforms, including uncrewed aircraft, light-attack aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters, and ground-based towers.

What are the weight advantages of RTX's PhantomStrike radar?

PhantomStrike weighs approximately half of a modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, making it the lightest form factor ever for its fire control capabilities.