Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Leonardo’s radar development site in Edinburgh, where I was given an in-depth look at the cutting-edge Osprey radar system.
The facility, which employs over 2,500 people, is a hub of innovation and development, creating advanced radar and surveillance solutions for military applications. During my visit, I spoke to Dave Shaw, Vice President of Sales at Leonardo for the Radar and Advanced Targeting line of business.
Shaw explained the growing demand for flexible and reliable surveillance radars, particularly those that can be used across multiple platforms. “We’re seeing significant growth in the surveillance radar market across the spectrum of platforms we provide into,” he said. “From small, uncrewed rotary platforms up to larger, more significant business jet integrations, Leonardo offers a suite of multi-domain radars that can be flexibly integrated.”
Watch my report on Osprey below.
One of the standout systems developed at the site is the Osprey radar, a low size, weight, and power (SWaP) AESA radar designed for a range of applications. What makes Osprey particularly interesting is its ability to integrate with various aircraft types without significantly impacting performance. Shaw noted that the radar can be mounted on small gimbals for 360-degree coverage or configured with fixed panels that sit conformally under the skin of the aircraft.
With its second-generation AESA technology, Osprey can seamlessly perform multiple roles at once – for instance, conducting maritime surveillance while simultaneously tracking weather and airborne targets – a feat that highlights the radar’s multi-domain prowess. Drawing on the company’s deep radar heritage, the Osprey family is widely regarded as best-in-class. Leonardo points out that its AESA surveillance radars “set the standard for surveillance radars internationally,” underscoring the system’s reputation for exceptional capability.
The Osprey’s success in service further confirms its world-class status. It was the first radar of its type to offer true multi-domain operation, and by early 2022 it had been adopted by 12 international operators for missions ranging from military surveillance and border security to search-and-rescue. Notably, the radar has been chosen to equip platforms as varied as Norway’s all-weather AW101 rescue helicopters and the U.S. Navy’s new MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter.
In U.S. service (designated AN/ZPY-8), Osprey first deployed operationally in late 2021, demonstrating the ability to track long-range contacts even in rough seas and poor weather conditions. Its appeal lies in a combination of cutting-edge features – from a unique, patented small-target detection mode capable of spotting something like a submarine periscope at long range, to a low size, weight and power profile that lets it fit on platforms from small drones up to large patrol aircraft.
With dozens of units delivered and more on order, Leonardo’s Osprey radar has firmly established itself among the most capable surveillance sensors in its class, earning interest from armed forces and emergency services alike.
How Osprey stands out
Osprey is built to be adaptable, designed for both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, including uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). This adaptability is crucial, given that many modern defence missions demand platforms that can operate from unprepared surfaces or in complex environments. One of Osprey’s key advantages is its belly-free design, allowing the radar to be mounted without obstructing the aircraft’s ability to land on rough or uneven terrain.
In addition to its physical flexibility, Osprey offers a range of advanced capabilities. One of its most notable features is the patented Small Target Mode (STM), which is designed to detect small, slow-moving objects in challenging environments. Shaw described it as the “crown jewel” of the radar system, emphasising how the technology uses advanced signal processing to pick out small objects, such as a person bobbing in the sea, even when surrounded by waves and clutter. “While it may be hard to spot visually, the radar will pick up a small target very quickly,” Shaw explained.
The Osprey radar system represents a significant leap forward from older mechanically scanned radars. Unlike those legacy systems, which physically move to track targets, Osprey uses electronically scanned array (AESA) technology. This means that the radar beam is electronically steered rather than mechanically rotated, allowing for faster, more precise target acquisition. The AESA configuration also reduces mechanical wear, increasing the system’s reliability during extended operations.
In practical terms, this advanced scanning technology allows Osprey to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously. The radar can also switch between different operational modes, such as air-to-air surveillance, ground mapping, and maritime surface tracking, without losing track of its primary targets. This makes it highly effective for multi-role aircraft that might need to conduct surveillance while remaining ready for other mission profiles.
Osprey’s design also supports a range of advanced operational modes, including maritime surveillance, ground mapping, and air-to-air tracking. One of its most notable features is the Small Target Mode (STM), which is specifically designed to detect small, slow-moving objects even in challenging environments. Shaw described it as the “crown jewel” of the radar system, highlighting its ability to detect a person bobbing in the water amid rough sea clutter. “While it may be hard to spot visually, the radar will pick up a small target very quickly,” he explained.
The radar’s use of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology is a major leap from older mechanically scanned systems. Instead of moving a physical dish, AESA radars electronically steer beams using multiple small, solid-state transmit/receive modules. This allows for faster, more accurate target acquisition and reduces the risk of mechanical failures, making Osprey more reliable for extended missions.
This advanced scanning technology allows Osprey to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously. The radar can also switch between different operational modes, such as air-to-air surveillance, ground mapping, and maritime surface tracking, without losing track of its primary targets. This makes it highly effective for multi-role aircraft that might need to conduct surveillance while remaining ready for other mission profiles.
Real-world applications
One of the reasons Osprey has generated so much interest is its proven performance in real-world scenarios. Although some aspects of the radar’s capabilities are classified, Shaw gave some insight into how the system is already being used to support maritime patrol and rescue operations. In one recent example, the radar’s STM feature was instrumental in detecting a small craft in distress, highlighting how it can identify even the smallest anomalies on a turbulent sea.
“The ability to filter out sea clutter and isolate a single person bobbing in the water is a game-changer for search and rescue,” Shaw noted. “It means we can deploy assets more accurately and faster, saving lives.”
As Shaw put it, “We’ve positioned ourselves with a mature product set that can be flexibly integrated into a number of platforms.”
Final thoughts
The development and deployment of Osprey reflect wider shifts in the global radar market — towards systems that are lighter, more versatile, and capable of supporting multiple mission profiles without compromise. With operational flexibility now a critical requirement across defence and security domains, radars like Osprey are increasingly in demand.
What sets the system apart is its combination of cutting-edge AESA technology with practical, platform-agnostic design. The inclusion of features like Small Target Mode, capable of detecting low-visibility threats in complex environments, adds to its real-world relevance, particularly in humanitarian or coastal patrol roles where detection speed can make the difference between life and death.
As defence budgets tighten and operational environments grow more complex, there is growing value in systems that can do more with less — and do it reliably. Osprey has proven itself in both military and civilian applications, and its ongoing adoption by international customers points to a product that is not just innovative, but also field-proven.
You can find out more about my visit to Leonardo UK in Edinburgh by watching the following video.
