Multi-sensor

radar to introduce new solid-state transmitters in place of magnetron and TWT transmitters, which provide high responsiveness (no ‘warm-up’ time is required), improved operational availability, safety benefits (no high voltage required), graceful degradation in case of failure and reduced life-cycle costs. Robust target tracking, including stealth targets, is ensured by the large dynamic range of low noise receivers in combination with advanced coherent Doppler processing, Thales Nederland says. The electro-optical suite comprises a midwaveband (3-5 µm) IR camera, colour zoom and monochrome TV track cameras and an eye-safe laser range finder allowing for a complete passive search and track. The STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 system has been designed, thanks to the integration with an I-band CWI transmitter, to control semi-active guided point defence missile systems (a single weapon in the air at any given time), with emphasis on NATO Sea Sparrow and ESSM (Evolved SeaSparrow Missile) Block 1. With a radar range of respectively 120 and 36 km in the I- and K- bands, according to Thales Nederland, the STING EO Mk2 offers excellent sub-clutter tracking of targets in severe littoral environments, thanks also to the K-band small antenna beam width which greatly reduces low elevation multipath errors. ECCM features include waveform and frequency agility in both bands, higher dynamic range processing, digital pulse compression and a lower probability of intercept. Ship installation is simplified by the reduced weight of the STING EO Mk2 director above-deck assembly of 850 kg (including radars and EO) as well as by the packing of below-decks equipment – a supply and amplifier cabinet, a liquid cooling cabinet and an air drier – totalling just over 500 kg. The STING EO Mk2 has gained a significant international market success, being in operational use or on order by around 15 navies, the latest disclosed customers being the French Marine Nationale for her under-construction Frégates de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) by Naval Group and the Mexican Navy for the under-delivery Damen SIGMA 10514-based (Patrullera Oceanica de Largo Alcance) POLA class vessels, in addition to the selection by the Brazilian Navy for the new Tamandaré-class corvettes. Thales Nederland also offers the scalable family of CWI transmitters called CWITX including the 1.5- and 2-kW power modules, compliant with the SeaSparrow, ESSM Block 1 and Block 2 (NATO Support and Procurement Organization compliant), as a form, fit, function replacement for older systems as well as new installations. Thales Nederland developed the Pharos phased array multi-target tracking and gun fire control radar, as a natural successor to the company’s Lirod Mk2 fire-control radar. The new Ka band passive phased array radar system has been designed for multiple target tracking and integrated ammunition control allowing it to extend the inner-layer defence of any medium calibre gun system, ranging from 30 to 76 mm. Conceived as a ship self-defence system against sub- and supersonic sea-skimming anti-ship missiles as well as for the engagement of small surface targets in littoral environment, balancing costs with performances, Thales Nederland has selected a radar director featuring a passive phased array antenna architecture with a The STING EO Mk2 has gained a significant international market success, the latest disclosed customers being the Marine Nationale and the Mexican Navy, and has been selected by the Brazilian Navy. ©Thales Nederland

100 W average power travelling wave tube (TWT) transmitter used to generate energy to a reflective array antenna with electronic beam steering thanks to phase shifting technology. The director uses a conventional (traversing) pedestal with an overall above-deck weight of 950 kg. The Pharos is capable of simultaneously tracking up to 3 targets and additionally control the engagement of one of those targets with guided ammunition, offering high defence capabilities against coordinate simultaneous attacks. Thales Nederland has conducted incremental integration trials in conjunction with Leonardo’s DART sub-calibre radio-frequency beam-guided ammunition being fired by the same company’s 76/62 mm Compatto gun. The latter Super Rapido/DART combination provides extended range for inner-layer defence of naval platforms against both sub and supersonic missiles threats at keep out ranges of typically 4 km, according to Thales Nederland. Under the same group and Indian BTSL (BEL-Thales Systems Limited) strategic cooperation contract signed in 2016, both companies are co-developing and local-producing the Pharos system, having completed First Article Inspection (FAI) milestone in 2019. According to BTSL, a system prototype was showcased to the Indian Navy for use on the new locally-built ships. Since the Indian market is yet to open, the company is actively pursuing with Thales Netherlands global opportunities. Moreover, in March 2019, unveiling the contract with Thales Nederland for the development and demonstration of a new integrated Above Water Warfare System (AWWS) to equip next-generation multipurpose frigate to be acquired by the Netherlands and Belgium MoDs, the Dutch Defence Materiel Organization diffused images of the future naval platform equipped with Pharos directors and Leonardo new single-deck 76/62 mm stealth gun mountings. The Netherlands DMO has also a procurement programme to replace the in-service Goalkeeper inner-layer defence system on board in-service and future ships.

With a long pedigree of radar and/or electrooptical naval fire control developments and production, which latest in-service iterations are the NA-30S and NA-25X, to cope with present

The Pharos Ka-band passive phased array-based radar system has been designed for multiple target tracking and integrated ammunition control in addition to the management of any medium calibre gun system, ranging from 30 to 76 mm. © L. Peruzzi

Leonardo’s latest in-service radar/EO fire control system iterations are the NA-30S, here depicted in a CWI transmitter equipped version for UAE’s Baynunah-class corvettes and the NA-25X sold to more than 20 navies. © L. Peruzzi

and future airborne and surface threats and operational scenarios, Leonardo developed a new generation of multi-sensor weapon control system called NA-30S Mk2. The latter is being delivered to the Italian Navy for PPA and LHD platforms and was ordered by an export customer not disolosed by Leonardo; according to drawings and models presented during DIMDEX 2018 EDR Magazine identified it in the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF). Based on the advanced NA-30S modular weapon control system and the associated I-band fully coherent Orion RTN-30X tracking radar, and the NA-25X fire control system and its J-band RTN25X tracking radar for medium and small calibre (for close-in weapon control) guns management, Leonardo has developed a new multi-sensor weapon control system with a dual-band (X and Ka) tracking radar suite and electro-optical sensors capable to manage guns, missiles (with CWI illumination for semi-active missile guidance) and artillery guided ammunitions. The NA-30S Mk2’s dual-band (X and Ka) radar suite has been selected to combine high tracking accuracies with improved range performance. While the X-band copes with search and acquisition tasks, mediumto-long range detection and tracking, and reliable processing in adverse weather conditions, with its very narrow beam width, the Ka-band is optimally suited for measuring targets at low-elevation, without suffering multi-path interference. The latter offers increased accuracy and allows the firecontrol system to manage the Leonardo-developed DART sub-calibre radio-frequency beam-guided ammunition. This can be fired from any 76/62 mm Super Rapido or upgraded Compact gun systems as well as the Super Rapido in the Strales version already fitted with the radio-frequency guidance antenna kit. A set of combined electro-optical sensors, including TV colour and track cameras, a medium-wave band IR camera and a laser range finder, can be installed on the radar antenna mounting to enable firing assessment and to provide either an alternative or redundant line-of-sight. In addition to gun control and ammunition guidance, the NA-30S Mk2 can be optionally provided with a CWI illuminator for semi-active missile guidance. With a radar range of 130 and 38 km respectively in the X- and Ka- bands, according to Leonardo, the NA-30S Mk2 main tasks are dual-band radar and optronic tracking, gun fire control with automatic coordination of different weapons for a combined reaction, DART ammunition and semi-active missile guidance, the latter with CWI illumination transmitter. The system also offers over-the-horizon (OTH) tracking features, applicable in the presence of environmental conditions such as RF ducting, through the use of specific waveforms (X-band). The new generation fire control system, says Leonardo, provides reduced reaction times to allow detection, tracking and artillery response with high hit-probability, particularly against sea skimmer, high-diving supersonic missiles and asymmetric threats. The NA-30S Mk2 is also characterized by a reduced footprint and weight, with the abovedeck modular and stealth dual-band tracking radar antenna solution with embedded Ka transmitter/ receiver and optional optronic sensor suite weighing 700 kg (EO sensors excluded) and the under-deck reduced number of sub-units including the X-band solid-state high-power transmitter and processor unit and the computer and power distribution unit, weighing overall just over 650 kg. The computer and power distribution unit provide control of the antenna group, multi-tracking, ballistic calculation, dual weapon assignment logic unit (DWALU), and power distribution within one single cabinet. The system can be managed by a dedicated multifunction console or can be controlled by any console within the Combat Management System (CMS).

The new Leonardo NA-30S Mk2 multi-sensor weapon control system features a dual-band (X and Ka) tracking radar suite and EO sensors capable to manage guns, missiles (with CWI illumination for semi-active missile guidance) and artillery guided ammunitions. © L. Peruzzi

The Ceros 200 guns and missile fire control system is the latest of a long family of radar- and electro-optical tracking system produced by the SAAB group with more than 200 FCS delivered to date worldwide. © Saab

Being marketed by the Saab Defence group as an integrated component of the latest 9LV Mk4 open-architecture combat management suite, or as a stand-alone system or additionally as part of a third-party command and weapon-control system, the Ceros 200’s guns and missile fire control system is the latest of a long family of radar- and electrooptical tracking system produced by the Swedish group with more than 200 FCS delivered to date worldwide. Conceived to perform multipurpose target tracking and weapon control against air, surface and land targets, working in combination with missile and gun systems, according to Saab the Ceros 200 provides defence against any threat, including advanced sea-skimming and supersonic missiles and asymmetric surface threats in littoral environments. Saab has a worldwide network of customers including the navies of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Norway and Oman together with the Republic of Korea (with local associated production), Sweden, Thailand and UAE, with more recently repeated orders coming from Thailand, Finland and Norway. Saudi Arabia is the latest add-on customer, Saab CEROS 200 having been selected to be installed on the Lockheed Martin/Fincantieri Marinette Marine Multi Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) currently on order. The Ceros 200 combines a Ku-band pencil beam radar which uses a new solid-state power amplifier and a travelling wave tube (TWT) with a 1.5 kW peak output power, in addition to a new frequency synthesizer that offers a wide range of operating frequencies to adjust to prevailing clutter conditions and electronic countermeasures (ECM) environment, as well as a new digital receiver and signal processing. One unique feature of the Ceros 200 is CHASE, a patented radar-tracking algorithm to remove the problem of the multipath interference, in the presence of very low-altitude threats such as sea-skimming, ensuring the tracking of such targets. The algorithm benefits include accurate low-altitude tracking, efficient firing, no need for additional radar, reliance on EO sensors and switch to another sensor when about to fire. The EO sensor package comprises a thermal imager, daylight TV camera, video tracker and eyesafe laser rangefinder. The Ceros 200 is available in an X-band channel CWI configuration with the 9LV ESSM missile control module or other parties-provided CWI transmitter for semi-active guided missiles. With a top weight of 630-750 kg, the Saab FCS comes with a low radar-crosssection director version to equip vessels like the Visby-class corvette as well as lightweight model reducing the director mass. Saab is reportedly working on a next generation system called Ceros NG which is expected to include full digitization, power supply, new EO sensors and, potentially, a solid-state transmitter.

The latest iteration of the DORNA (Dirección de tiro Optrónica y Radárica Naval) multi-sensor fire control system, developed and produced by the systems division of Spain’s state-owned Navantia group enjoys orders from both the national and international markets. The Dorna is a modular firecontrol system combining a K-band tracking radar with a TV camera, an 8-12 µm thermal imager, a TV tracker and a laser rangefinder. Designed to

The Ceros 200 is available in an X-band channel CWI configuration with the 9LV ESSM missile control module or CWI transmitters provided by third parties for semi-active guided missiles. © Saab

The latest iteration of the DORNA (Dirección de tiro Optrónica y Radárica Naval) multi-sensor fire control system, developed and produced by the systems division of Spain’s state-owned Navantia group, will equip the same-group built new Spanish Navy’s F110 frigates and Saudi Arabia corvettes. © Navantia

be used as part of a federated tracking and firecontrol subsystem within a larger combat system architecture as well as a self-contained command and weapon-control system for smaller ships, the Dorna suite includes the tracking subsystem comprising active and passive sensors, a stabilised director and video processor, the weapon-control subsystem, which is interfaced to the weapons performing ballistic processing, weapon control and ammunition management, and vessel data acquisition and tactical management, the latter using a multifunction console. In addition to the new corvettes being built by Navantia, with Spanish and local industries support for Saudi Arabia, the Dorna FCS will equip the new Spanish Navy’s F-110 multirole frigates, principally controlling the new Leonardo 127/64 mm Lightweight gun mounting capable to fire Vulcano longrange guided ammunitions. combine frequency-agile I/J-band (X-band) with a suite of electro-optical sensors (IR, TV and laser rangefinder) integrated on the director to the radar line-of-sight. The I/J-band radar is fully coherent, double-conversion pulse Doppler monopulse systems being characterized by a low probability of intercept, high tracking accuracy and resistance to jamming (the latter due to very low antenna side lobes). Both FCSs characterised themselves for using miniaturized power technology, the radar hardware fitting behind the antenna without sacrificing performance and improving reliability. Both systems, according to Rheinmetall, also provide multi-sensor tracking, using radar and TV camera in a basic configuration which can be enriched with an infrared camera and a laser rangefinder. Moreover, the Oerlikon Seaguard Triax is the only market-available 3-axis target tracking system today. Through the introduction of a third axis between azimuth and elevation, Rheinmetall says, the radar and E/O component head can be additionally rolled. This unique solution allows it to track targets beyond zenith relative to the ship’s deck even at roll and pitch movements, ensuring superior velocity and acceleration capabilities. Both FCSs also allow installation with reduced effort and minimal below-deck equipment, high availability and lower life cycle cost, in addition to the optional installation of a second operating transmitter for full redundancy, and the Pre-Action Calibration (PAC) and In-Action Correction (IAC) functions.

The Rheinmetall group continues to market updated versions of its Seaguard advanced fire control system, enabling autonomous configuration, control of third-party guns as well as connection to radar and sensor systems. The latter include the Oerlikon Seaguard Biax and Triax, the company’s 2- and 3-axis radar tracking and fire control systems. Both

The Rheinmetall group offers latest generation versions of the Seaguard advanced fire control system, the Oerlikon Seaguard Biax and Triax, which enable autonomous configuration, control of third-party guns as well as connection to radar and sensor systems. © L. Peruzzi