as APAR Block 2, the new baseline X-band radar builds on the existing APAR reference platform, but with enhanced performances through selected technology insertions centered on high-power GaN technology-applied transmit receive modules (TRMs) for the antenna ‘front end’ and highly rationalized below-decks cabinets by moving to all COTS based processing.
The road to even better radars Currently in service with Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNLN) four De Zeven Provinciënclass LCF frigates, German Navy’s three F-124 AAW frigates and Royal Danish’s three Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, in the first generation APAR model based on GaAs technology, it forms part of the Thalessupplied AAW system installed on board the frigate-classes of the three navies, also including the SMART-L D-band volume search radar and a fire control suite. Based on the same four fixed faces (4 FF) architecture, each with a scalable number of solid-state TRMs, the Block 2 version further enhances the capabilities of current-generation system. Leveraging on the X-band propagation characteristics for early detection of small
incoming low elevation targets in the littoral scenarios, the APAR Block 2 performs against saturation attacks with simultaneous AAW and ASuW engagements, with both active and semi-active guidance using interrupted continuous wave illumination (ICWI). It supports both Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) and Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) missile families including the ESSM Block 2 and the future Standard family using the JUWL datalink. With true digital beam forming enabling multibeam volume search and track while scan for non-engaged targets, the APAR Block 2 has an instrumented air range of 150 km and provides surface gunfire support up to the radar horizon. With an instrumented range of 250 km, the four-fixed faces dual-axis Sea Master 400 radar offers fast track initiation, higher update rate and improved tracking performance against maneuvering targets.
Facing supersonic anti-ship missiles
The demanding requirements of current and future naval operational scenarios characterized by advanced air-breathing and missile threats including supersonic, high-diving and ballistic missiles in addition to non-conventional air and Building on the existing APAR platform, the new APAR Block 2 X-band radar surface or hybrid threats in both features enhanced performances through selected technology insertions centered the challenging littoral and blue on high-power GaN technology-applied transmit receive modules (TRMs) for the waters operations, pushed the antenna ‘front end’ and highly rationalized and COTS-applied below-decks cabinets. © Royal Netherlands Navy Italian Navy to equip the newest Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura (PPA) multi-role combatant patrol vessel with an highly-integrated radar and electronic warfare suite capable to fuse and fully exploit the passive and active capabilities of both the Leonardo’s Kronos Dual Band (C- and X-band) AESA fixed faces radar system and the Elettronica-provided EW suite.
EDR | May/June 2018
25