Queen Elizabeth Class carrier radar begins testing
The Artisan 3D radar being developed by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers has commenced integration trials on the Isle of Wight. The trials will test a series of integrated systems which include the provision of 3D air surveillance, target identification and air traffic management services for the ships.
The Artisan 3D is medium-range radar system with a reach of up to 200km. It will provide extensive air traffic control and medium range tactical picture capability for the QEC aircraft carriers. It will be capable of tracking more than 900 targets at one time and has the ability to spot objects as small as a tennis ball travelling up to three times the speed of sound.
According to BAE Systems, the radar is providing ‘real world’ tracks and radar video to the QEC Combat Management System, whilst receiving simulated ‘own-ship’ data in the QEC Mission System Test Facility. Artisan 3D is being successfully controlled from CMS consoles to provide operators with both a medium range tactical picture and the air traffic control picture the ships will rely on.
In addition to the strong integration results, the system is operating successfully with the QEC Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, which can identify aircraft as friendly and track its range from a potential threat.
Les Gregory, product and training services director, BAE Systems, said: ‘I am delighted that the Artisan 3D radar is producing excellent results as predicted for the QEC, it is an exciting milestone not only in the development of BAE Systems radar programme but for the future of Royal Navy warships.’
The radar system completed its factory testing in December 2012 and was installed at the Aircraft Carrier Alliance Electromagnetic Environment Assessment facility at BAE Systems, Cowes, earlier this year.
The aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are being delivered by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a partnering relationship between BAE Systems, Thales UK, Babcock and the UK Ministry of Defence. The first ship will begin sea trials in 2017.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Navantia pitches 64-cell F110 frigate and sets out plans for 75m autonomous vessel]()
Navantia pitches 64-cell F110 frigate and sets out plans for 75m autonomous vessel
With its second F110 frigate launched four months early, the Spanish shipbuilder is courting allied navies with a missile-defence upgrade and a 75m uncrewed vessel.
-
![‘Now Europe is a market’: Fincantieri sees new opportunities closer to home]()
‘Now Europe is a market’: Fincantieri sees new opportunities closer to home
Fincantieri naval vessels chief Eugenio Santagata spoke to Shephard about opportunities and how they sit within a portfolio backed by a “strong backlog”, as Euronaval 2026 unfolded.
-
![Kongsberg Maritime and Thales UK team on Arctic Hunter Type 92 proposal]()
Kongsberg Maritime and Thales UK team on Arctic Hunter Type 92 proposal
The Norwegian company says a commercial hull, proven sonar and a British yard could deliver uncrewed submarine hunters by the end of the decade, but the Royal Navy has not yet set a requirement or timeline.
-
![US Navy weighs “Super Intelligence” role in designing a quieter SSN(X) attack submarine]()
US Navy weighs “Super Intelligence” role in designing a quieter SSN(X) attack submarine
NAVSEA is exploring AI-assisted design for a larger, stealthier submarine with increased weapons capacity and uncrewed-system integration, with lead-boat procurement envisaged from 2040.
-
![ST Engineering makes Euronaval debut with MRV European export campaign]()
ST Engineering makes Euronaval debut with MRV European export campaign
A six-ship home order, agreements with Saab, Naval Group and Babcock and spare yard capacity underpin the group’s first Euronaval bid for smaller European navies.
