Zaslon

The Russian BRLS-8B "Zaslon" radar, also known as Flash Dance, was developed between 1975 and 1980 for the MiG-31 supersonic interceptor. It is an all-weather multimode airborne pulse-Doppler radar with a passive electronically scanned array (PESA) antenna and digital signal processing. The antenna combines X-band and L-band systems, with a diameter of 1.1 meters and a scanning range of ±70 degrees in azimuth and +70/−60 degrees in elevation.

The Zaslon's high-performance phased array technology allows for rapid beam positioning, enabling it to detect targets up to 200 km away with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 16 m². It can track up to 10 targets simultaneously and engage four at once using R-33 and R-40/60 missiles. This radar marked a significant advancement by allowing the detection and engagement of low-altitude threats, such as US aircraft and cruise missiles, through terrain masking.

The Zaslon was the first PESA installed in a fighter jet, making it a landmark in aviation technology when unveiled at the 1991 Paris Airshow. Its modernized variant, the Zaslon-M, features a larger 1.4-meter antenna, extended detection range of up to 400 km against AWACS-size targets, and the ability to track 24 targets while engaging six simultaneously. The Zaslon-M also supports multi-target engagement, including ground targets, and has improved speed capabilities for intercepting high-speed threats.

Overall, the Zaslon and its variants have been instrumental in enhancing Soviet and Russian air defense systems, particularly in countering low-altitude threats like cruise missiles.