Cassidian develops new dimension in naval radar sensor technology
TRS-4D enables ships from patrol vessels to frigate size to exert the different detection tasks of a shipborne medium range surveillance and target acquisition radar, in blue waters and also in complex littorals with high target densities. It performs faster, more accurate and against a wider scope of targets than in the past.
The new radar is based on a unique system concept. It comes with a rotating antenna based on the latest Active Electronically Scanning Array (AESA) technology giving the capabilities of overlaid mechanical and electronic scanning. The result is an unmatched detection performance. This approach provides navies and coast guards with the benefits of solid-state based AESA technology, which up to now has been available to highly expensive systems only. Cassidian makes this technology affordable and competitive also for medium-sized Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radars. Unlike other available radars on the market, TRS-4D is the first surveillance radar to make full use of the advantages of simultaneous multiple beams based on AESA technology. A non-rotating variant of TRS-4D with four fixed array panels is already under production for the new F125 frigates of the German Navy.
Elmar Compans, head of the Sensors and Electronic Warfare Business Line of Cassidian said: "While capitalising on high operational availability in extended missions, our new radar also offers improved ship survivability."
AESA technology and, therefore, electronic beam steering, enables the radar to fulfil several tasks at the same time while increasing the detection capability substantially. The unique detection performance derives from a multitude of Cassidian's Transmit- and Receive Modules, based on the most recent GalliumNitride (GaN) technology. GaN holds unique electronic characteristics like high power added efficiency and allows for very efficient industrial production processes. Cassidian is the European leader in this technology.
