A smart solution to measure the radar cross section of ships at sea
NADIR is a smart electromagnetic measurement solution designed for use in an inshore environment to perform dynamic RCS measurements of full-scale ships.
It is based on a vector network analyzer (VNA) paired with a specifically designed radar front-end and dedicated data acquisition software. The radar front-end is necessary for pulse shaping; transmitted power increase and noise figure reduction, whereas the network analyser is used as an acquisition platform.
This kind of solution greatly simplifies calibration procedures and has a high return in investment, since while the offshore RCS measurement system is used only during acceptance and midlife refitting, the network analyser can be reused during the whole life cycle of the naval platform’s design, starting from the characterisation of materials up to the signature control of components.
In addition, the possibility of tracking the ship under measurement using an automatic identification system (AIS) enables NADIR to perform high speed evaluations of a ship’s RCS immediately prior to a mission.
The radar, tracking equipment and the cabin for its operators, and control and monitoring equipment, are all designed for outdoor use. It is self-powered and is fully transportable as it is tailored to fit inside a standard DIN container for long distance shipment.
Nadir Applications
NADIR Main Applications
Naval vessels have an ever increasing need to reduce their visibility and hence maximize their survivability by ensuring that their radar cross section (RCS) signature is as small as possible. As a ship goes through its life, natural wear and tear can affect its operational capability. Detection of possible RCS signature performance degradation is necessary to ensure that a ship is able to successfully perform its mission while maintaining its level of survivability and ensuring its crew remains safe.
Additionally, modifications in the topside configuration following a refit, as well as the addition of new or changes to existing equipment such as weapons, communications or surveillance systems, can also affect the electromagnetic profile of a ship and can result in unforeseen performance problems. These can include increased visibility due to RCS hotspots.
NADIR RCS Measurement Radar Main Benefits
NADIR RCS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM TECHNICAL SHEET
- Optimized for short range dynamic RCS measurement of naval vessels. When being measured, the ship describes a circular trajectory with a diameter of 1-2NM or performs 360° revolutions using its bow thrusters.
- Allows very fast operation and provides highly accurate data
- Fast to set up and easy to operate as it was specifically designed to measure ships at sea
- Allows reuse of shared component (VNA)
- Includes powerful post-processing capabilities integrated within a unique software tool and database capability
Measurement System Capabilities
Tecnical Specs |
Values |
|---|---|
| Operational Band | 2-18 GHz |
| TX/RX Polarization | HH, VV |
| Typical Peak Transmit power | 10W |
| Ship Tracking | Provided by real-time GPS tracking |
RF Performance
Tecnical Specs |
Values |
|---|---|
| Waveform (VNA) | Gated Stepped Frequency CW |
| Dynamic Range (incl. processing gain) | >45 dB |
| NERCS (Noise Equivalent RCS) |
Pulse Operation
Tecnical Specs |
Values |
|---|---|
| Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) | Up to 5 MHz |
| Pulse Width | 10ns – 80μs (with 5ns of adjustment resolution) |
| TX to RX gate delay | 10ns – 655μs (with 5ns of adjustment resolution) |
| RCS Samples | Up to thousands per ship turn |
NADIR consists of three modules which are transportable by a single truck and trailer:
- The antenna subsystem is mounted on an equipment trailer and includes RX/TX radar antenna assembly, RF modules, elevation over azimuth positioner and the positioning, processing and control equipment.
- The operator working station for remote system control and post-processing.
- The on-board subsystem (ROVER), which is carried on the target ship, provides GPS and motion data and a radio data link.
Related Products
RCS dynamic measurement
Dynamic RCS measurement
Static RCS measurement
