SharpEye Submarine Radar
Solid-state radar solutionThe challenge
Submarine crews navigating the threats that are part and parcel of modern-day operations at sea require a powerful, radar-based surface detection and navigation capability that provides situational awareness both during surface patrols and at periscope depth. At the same time, the solution must ensure a low risk of detection.
This radar capability is a critical part of safe navigation – particularly in congested waters, near shorelines or in adverse weather or low visibility conditions such as rain, darkness or fog.
The chosen capability must perform well in extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain and high seas.
Our solution
The aim of any submarine mission or patrol is to use a radar that can detect as much as possible about threats and the surroundings while remaining undetected by the enemy.
Designed for integration into a submarine’s mast or periscope, the Kelvin Hughes SharpEye submarine radar from HENSOLDT UK allows a submarine to remain at periscope depth, with reduced probability of interception, while simultaneously conducting surveillance.
SharpEye submarine radars are available as a downmast hull-penetrating solution and an upmast, non-hull-penetrating compact radar solution with a reduced radar cross-section.
SharpEye submarine radars automatically detect and track multiple targets, prioritise threats and present actionable information, reducing operator workload and improving response times.
Features and benefits
Features
- Compact design
- Reduced space and weight requirements
- Common Kelvin Hughes user interface
- Simple C2 integration
- Downmast 300 W radar
- Upmast 80 W radar
- Emits a very low-power radar signal that makes it difficult for enemy radar detectors or EW systems to detect its emissions
- Detects and tracks surface vessels, low-altitude aircraft and other objects that pose a potential threat or may be of mission interest
- High-precision radar waveforms penetrate weather to deliver more reliable target tracking than optical sensors
Benefits
- Low-Probability-of-Intercept (LPI) capability compared to conventional radars makes it more difficult for the enemy to detect the submarine’s radar emissions
- When deployed, the radar provides the crew with critical information without exposing the submarine for long periods during stealth operations
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Exceptional reliability
- Demonstrated antenna technology
- Doppler technology helps locate genuine threats by filtering out sea clutter such as waves and rain, and can detect small, fast-moving targets such as speedboats or even other submarines’ periscopes
