SharpEye goes underwater

Kelvin Hughes’ SharpEye radar technology is now available for submarine applications – both for new-build submarines or as a retrofit onto existing boats, the company announced on 7 September. 

Traditionally, submarines only use radar for navigation in and out of port because high power RF transmitters can compromise their ability to remain undetected. SharpEye’s low power output (up to 300W) enables submarines to retain their low detection capabilities.

The radar can be fitted by utilising existing bulkhead infrastructure and the existing external antenna, rotational drive and waveguide connections. SharpEye’s solid state technology makes it possible to locate the X-band transceiver downmast within the pressure hull. The downmast transceiver enclosure measures 743x487x330mm.

The radar’s Doppler processing enables detection of smaller (radar cross section of 0.5m2) targets at longer ranges even in adverse weather conditions. A series of electronic filters enables the radar to distinguish between targets of interest and sea and rain clutter.

SharpEye’s patented pulse sequence enables multiple users to see the optimum picture simultaneously regardless of the radar range scale in use at each display.

Mark Bown, group marketing manager, Kelvin Hughes’, said: ‘Kelvin Hughes has a long history of supplying naval radar and 27 of the world’s navies are currently operating SharpEye systems. We’re delighted that we have been able to take this major step forward in submarine radar technology, ensuring submarines can now operate with a truly multipurpose naval radar system, covering navigation, surface search and bi-directional links to combat management systems.’