It is common cause that drones in all sorts of configurations play a key role in the commercial, security and defence spheres. Given the threat that enemy drones pose, the world’s militaries have developed technologies to counter these threats.
Stellenbosch-based Reutech Radar Systems (RRS) counts its latest RSR 610 Drone Acquisition Radar system amongst these technologies.
According to Anthony Green, systems and solutions specialist, the RSR 610 is a fixed-panel non-rotating surveillance radar for application against drones, ground targets, and small fast-moving water-borne targets.
“As an air surveillance radar it is effective against incoming drones and very low observable asymmetric threats, such as small boats and even humans, as well as conventional aircraft, and to designate such targets to a fire control system, which is then able to neutralise them.”
He explained that the RSR 610 comprises four panels giving all-round 360° coverage, yet has no moving parts.
“All the electronics are contained within each radar panel,” Green said. “It has variable detection ranges, offering sufficient reaction time for hard-kill and soft-kill solutions like directional jammers. Importantly, it was engineered for low probability of false alarms, even suppressing wind-blown vegetation clutter.”
While it boasts easy integration with fire control radar, the RSR 610 has a low probability of intercept thanks to the radar’s low transmitted power.
RRS has built an enviable range of other ground-based and naval radars for surveillance, tracking and fire control application.
“Our RSR 906 system can be deployed against ground targets such as vehicles and dismounted troops, as well as aerial targets and in coastal surveillance against sea surface vessels,” he said. “As an air surveillance radar, it can also designate targets, such as aircraft and drones, to a fire control system.”
This surveillance radar provides target designation to the lightweight and compact fire control RTS 3200, which in turn outputs high data rate tracking to weapon systems, such as guns or missiles.
“We developed the RSR-150 3D radar sensor for the protection of land vehicles, as it can rapidly acquire and track multiple incoming projectiles, such as rocket-propelled grenades,” Green concluded. “It can also detect and track enemy sniper fire, which is a significant threat in asymmetric warfare.”