Whyconsidermillimetrewaveradar
Compact, small physical size and equipment weight. - Size, Weight And Power (SWAP) requirements are more likely to be met. for high mobility and covert users. Narrow antenna beamwidth with physically small aperture. Relatively low antenna sidelobes. Low spectral occupancy. - RF electromagnetic spectrum is sparsely occupied (at the moment !) at millimetric/sub-millimetric wavelengths. Availability of relatively large RF bandwidth (UWB) slotted waveguide antenna. courtesy. Q-par Angus Ltd. So why consider millimetre wave radar ? The short wavelength of this electromagnetic energy has a direct impact upon the physical size of components and consequently leads to compact and relatively low weight equipment. The Size, Weight and Power requirements are more likely to be met using millimetre wave radar for high mobility and covert users. This is illustrated by the slotted waveguide antenna which has a 3 dB beamwidth of less than 1 degree at 95 GHz with a physical length of only 100 mm. A relatively narrow antenna beamwidth results from the large number of wavelengths that can be fitted inside a physically small aperture. Relatively low antenna sidelobes can be designed but an advantage is that system responses through these can be attenuated by the atmosphere. The spectrum is relatively sparsely occupied (at the moment !) and has a low spectral occupancy in the millimetre wave region. This makes it attractive for users that wish to exploit wide bandwidth with minimal problems concerning interference, both non-deliberate and otherwise, and covertness.

Rising employment of millimetre or EHF based radars, communications and seekers by Military creating new electronic warfare challenges

The advancement of Sensors, Communications and Radars have given rise to Electronic Warfare, which encompasses, in all battle phases, military actions involving the use of EM energy to determine, exploit, reduce or prevent hostile use of EM spectrum and the actions, which retain friendly use of the EM spectrum. The three constituents of EW are referred as Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Protection (EP) and Electronic Support (ES). EA is the electronic countermeasure which includes jamming and deception of enemy radars, electro optic and communication systems.

 

IDST Pro Access Required

This analysis is part of IDST premium intelligence.

Subscribe to Continue Reading