SharpEye radars selected for Royal Navy’s OPVs
Kelvin Hughes has been selected to supply its SharpEye radars for the UK Royal Navy’s River-class Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), the company announced on 13 April.
Kelvin Hughes’ integrated radar system consists of an I Band Doppler SharpEye radar that supports helicopter control and navigation as well as an E/F Band SharpEye radar for navigation and collision avoidance. Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital Tactical ARPA displays will run both radars, and the system will be interfaced with the Combat Management System and third party systems such as WECDIS and WAIS.
The navy is to receive three OPVs named HMS Forth, HMS Medway and HMS Trent for counter terrorism, counter piracy and anti-smuggling operations. The vessels will enter service in 2017.
Rohan Dearlove, sales director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Kelvin Hughes, said: ‘Customer navies report that SharpEye radar provides superior surface and air target detection, even in adverse weather conditions, thus greatly enhancing situational awareness and safe navigation.
‘The helicopter detection performance delivered by SharpEye is compliant with the latest MAA regulations without the need for a transponder system such as RRB.’
Dearlove added: ‘SharpEye is Kelvin Hughes’ baseline offering for all RN/RFA programmes including the planned Navigation Radar Portfolio (fleet replacement programme). Our ability to offer variants of SharpEye across both frequency bands to a similar design offers MOD the opportunity to realise significant savings in training, documentation and through life support.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![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.
-
![Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?]()
Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?
New interceptors and launchers could help navies preserve missile stocks during prolonged escort operations. Yet lower engagement costs will only improve merchant protection if the weapons are available where ships need defending.
-
![Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes]()
Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes
With its B-26 USV in full-rate production, Blue Ops is seeking to turn overseas interest into orders through a combination of lower operating costs, UAV integration and local manufacturing.
-
![Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push]()
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
