QinetiQ introduces new low trajectory rocket radar

QinetiQ has developed a new radar specifically designed to provide sufficient warning against short range, low trajectory rocket attacks. Called Alarm, the multiple array receiver radar will provide rapid detection and threat assessment, offering greater protection for troops by enabling personnel to take evasive action to reduce casualties.

Unlike high trajectory rounds, short range, low trajectory rocket attacks are difficult to detect and their high velocity reduces the amount of potential warning time available. The Alarm radar has been designed to deal with this indirect fire threat to military bases.

The Alarm radar is fully automatic, requires no manning and can be set up in 2 to 3 hours. According to QinetiQ, it has proven to be effective in a series of trials against several hundred short range rockets, and the capability has been extended to cover other direct fire weapons. The training burden is small and the system exhibits a very low false alarm rate - essential for an automated system - and a very high probability of detection.

Alarm is now in high rate production, and QinetiQ has been awarded a second contract from an unnamed customer for a quantity of radars and software development, and also has plans to develop the capability further to address other key threats.