Futuristic radar systems for Royal Navy being developed in "full steam ahead" strategy - what are they?
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Sophisticated and futuristic radar systems are being developed at a rapid pace to support the Royal Navy of tomorrow.
Millions of pounds is being invested into creating new capabilities at the BAE Systems radar facility in Cowes, Isle of Wight. The significant Ministry of Defence (MoD) investment through Project Eagle - £320m in total - and the company’s radar sector turnover doubling over three years has allowed for an increased push towards future technology.
Future radar product line lead James Reed said there is huge support for the projects, which can lead to new versions of the Artisan system, currently used on the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, and the Sampson detection system for Type 45 destroyers.
He told The News: “Instead of waiting for an MoD contract, we are full steam ahead and have been running for about a year on the demonstrator programme. What we’re doing is a next generation Sampson, as much as an Artisan next generation.”
Work is underway to build a Next Generation Transmit Receive Module (NGTRM), and Next Generation Radar Demonstrator (NGRD). This demonstrator can then be used to create a scalable Multi-Functional Radar (MFR) product, that can then be used to upgrade HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth, City-class Type 26 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.
The NGTRM will have the ability to see further while tracking and identifying targets faster in hostile environments. This and the NGTRD utilises Gallium Nitride (GaN), a semiconductor material that makes it more powerful and efficient.
Head of radar Steve Newnham said: “Our design philosophy is not to chuck out lots of power. Our focus is more on really sensitive receivers, and having clever processing that can pick the targets out of the clutter. We are upping the power, but keeping that same concept of really sensitive receivers, and really clever signal processing.” Mr Reed added that these NGTRM upgrades should be completed within the next two years.
BAE Systems is also focusing on its Future Air Dominance System Technology Demonstrator Programme. Engineers are developing a fully integrated mast test hub, that can lead to radar upgrades for Type 45 warships and future destroyers - potentially Type 83 variants - to counter increasingly complex air and missile threats. Mr Reed said these masts can be used for the hybrid Royal Navy.
Discussing possible Type 45 upgrades, business development manager Bryan Hore said: “They don’t need to do a full blown upgrade. From a radar point of view, we’re positioning ourselves for almost any option.” He added: “The Royal Navy has specific capability needs which drive some high-end requirements. We are absolutely committed to supporting our key customer, and will develop capabilities that are affordable and can be exploited across the radar portfolio for export customers.”
HMS Diamond faced significant fire from drones and missiles from Houthi rebels while deployed in the Red Sea. When asked why the Royal Navy is looking to improve its radar, Mr Reed said: “It’s in response to a need created by increasing threat. It’s about giving personnel more command decision time, so they can respond to emerging threats and make informed decisions.
“You’re not just looking for a specific threat from a certain direction. A Multi-Functional radar is doing many jobs. What Sampson has done well over the last few years is we’re adding extra capabilities into it, while still maintaining the day job that was given on day one. The aim is to make it as resilient as possible. We got it right with Sampson, it’s still very competitive today, and will be for another 20 years or so. Our aim is to replicate that with new technologies.”
Mr Newnham added: “We’re more than ready to cover all of these threat speeds. We can also target hypersonic threats. The improved algorithm allows us to track more difficult targets. The new module could be fitted into a new Type 45 platform and it will be a significant improvement.”
Head of UK business development Steve Hart, who served on Type 42 and 45 destroyers, said radar becomes more important when situations for sailors change at a rapid pace. He added: “Threats are evolving continuously, and you need to stay ahead of them. With better detection capabilities, you can make better decisions in an informed manner. I fought with Sampson over ten years ago, and the detection we were getting at that stage was phenomenal. Sustained investment in the platform breathes life into it.”
BAE Systems is also looking at technologies further into the future, such as Hyperion Core Demonstrator. With the reinvigorating focus on radar, the company is looking to hire even more people on the Isle of Wight. Project Eagle also sustains jobs in Portsmouth.
Mr Newham said: “We’re looking to scale up and possibly hire another 100 people next year. Young employees are stepping up. The skyline around the site is already starting to change, with Artisans and other radars being tested. More radars are being tested, and in the future, different capabilities will be tested.”