science

Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array

Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array is a science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array rather than just read about it. In short: The Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) is an active electronically scanned array surveillance radar system for the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft. The radar is produced by Northrop Grumman.

Key takeaways

Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

The Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) is an active electronically scanned array surveillance radar system for the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft. The radar is produced by Northrop Grumman.

Design and development In the 1990s, Australia recognized a need for an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. In 1996, Australia issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the aircraft for the RAAF under Project Wedgetail, referring to the Wedge-tailed eagle. In 1999, Australia awarded Boeing Integrated Defense Systems a contract to supply four AEW&C aircraft with options for three additional aircraft. The L band (1 to 2 GHz) electronically scanned AEW and surveillance radar is located on a dorsal fin on top of the fuselage, dubbed the "top hat", and is designed for minimal aerodynamic effect. The radar is capable of simultaneous air and sea search, fighter control and area search, with a maximum range of over 600 km (look-up mode). When operating in look-down mode against fighter-sized target, the maximum range is in excess of 370 km. When used against maritime targets, the maximum range is over 240 km for frigate-sized targets. MESA is capable of simultaneously tracking 180 targets and conducting 24 intercepts. In addition, the radar antenna array is also doubled as an ELINT array, with a maximum range of over 850 km at 30,000 feet (9,000 m) altitude. The 10.8 m long by 3.4 m high antenna assembly incorporates 7.3 m long by 2.7 m high Side-Emitting Electronic Manifold array, with the top hat supporting array providing 120° coverage on port and starboard side, while the top hat array itself provides 60° fore and aft, thus providing a complete 360° coverage. The radar's beam can be set for a 2° to 8° width, while scan duration can be set from 3 s to 40 s. Radar signal processing equipment and central computer are installed directly below the antenna array. The cabin features eight operator consoles with sufficient space for four more; the Australian fleet will operate ten consoles with space for two more (four on starboard side and six on the port side).

Applications Boeing E-7 Wedgetail

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array

In research: Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Aircraft radars, Military electronics of the United States, Military radars of the United States, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array in simple terms?

Why does Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array.