Doppler Processing News

Kelvin Hughes, a U.K. baesd designer and supplier of navigation and security surveillance systems, announced that it can now bring all the benefits of its SharpEye radar technology to submarines. Traditionally, submarines only use radar for navigation in and out of port because a high power RF transmission can compromise its ability to remain undetected. However, with its low power output – up to 300W as opposed to the 25kW of legacy submarine radar systems – SharpEye can reduce the probability of detection by ESM systems.

Kelvin Hughes has announced the launch of a new range of radar systems for commercial shipping based on its innovative, solid-state SharpEye technology. Kelvin Hughes has been supplying IMO type-approved radar to merchant ships, fishing boats and workboats since the 1940s, delivering reliability and low cost of ownership together with highly superior detection capability. SharpEye, with its Doppler processing of the radar returns, has taken situational awareness to a new level with its ability to detect more targets, at longer ranges, than conventional, magnetron-based radar systems.

Kelvin Hughes will supply its SharpEye navigation radar for the Republic of Singapore Navy's Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) program, which includes eight new vessels to replace the current fleet of Fearless-class patrol vessels. The lead ship of the fleet, Independence, was delivered in May of this year equipped with two I-Band (X-band) SharpEye systems. A further seven vessels will be similarly equipped with the same I-Band SharpEye systems. With its solid-state technology, SharpEye does not require a magnetron and transmits a low power, patented pulse sequence.

Kelvin Hughes, a company in the design and supply of navigation and security surveillance systems, has announced the installation and commissioning of a SharpEye radar system on the South African Navy’s fleet replenishment ship, SAS Drakensberg. In addition to X and S Band SharpEye  radars the system includes IMO compliant displays and a dedicated tactical display with Kelvin Hughes Advanced Agile Tracker for helicopter approach and control. With its advanced target detection capability, the solid-state SharpEye provides an industry leading level of maritime situational awareness.

Kelvin Hughes has been contracted by Rodman Polyships to supply X and S band SharpEye radar systems for a range of new vessels being supplied to the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG). With its advanced target detection capability, the solid-state SharpEye radar provides an industry-leading level of maritime situational awareness, Kelvin Hughes said. Through the Doppler processing of the radar returns, SharpEye can identify objects with a low Radar Cross Section (RCS), from semi-submersed objects to the smallest of uncooperative craft, even in the most severe of weather conditions.

Navigation and security surveillance systems company Kelvin Hughes announced it has been contracted to supply two of its SBS-900-2 SharpEye radar systems for the Porto de Vitória in Brazil. The equipment will be provided through Spain’s Indra. The SBS-900-2 is from the ‘advanced’ radar family of the Kelvin Hughes Shore Based Sensor radar range. The radar system consists of a single X-Band SharpEye radar transceiver mounted in an environmentally sealed enclosure on a mast close to the antenna.

Kelvin Hughes, a global supplier of surveillance and navigation systems, announced that it has recently supplied two SharpEye Solid State X Band surveillance radars to the Maryland Natural Resources Police (MPRP), to provide additional coverage around protected oyster beds. The SharpEye  radars are key sensors in the MNRP Maritime Law Enforcement Information Network (MLEIN), whose mission is to secure the 3,100 miles of Maryland coastline. The system was launched in the autumn of 2013, with the first detection of illegal activity taking place shortly after.

Kelvin Hughes announces the permanent installation of an S-Band SharpEye™ radar and antenna on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean for maritime surveillance of the coastal region. An Australian territory, located 2,600 kilometres northwest of Perth, Christmas Island has been regularly used by immigrants and asylum seekers as a pathway to obtaining refugee status. This has placed significant pressure on the Australian government with its duty of care requirements, creating a need for a permanent radar installation on the island.

On May 1, 2012 Rhotheta USA, Inc and MetOcean Data Systems announced  they have entered into a cooperation agreement to support requirements for recovery of underwater assets and oceanographic equipment. Under the terms of the agreement both companies will combine their know-how and efforts to support customer requirements jointly. Both Rhotheta and MetOcean are now committed to support projects involving recovery of underwater assets, including technology enhancements and custom modifications as required. Rhotheta’s time-tested RT-500-M series of wideband radio direction finder systems, and MetOcean’s world renowned NOVATECH location and recovery beacons…

The value of being able to detect small vessels approaching in any weather conditions, and automatically identify potentially hostile behaviour, is highlighted by a report of piracy in 2011’s first edition of ‘Maritime Feedback’ (issue 28), a newsletter from Confidential Hazardous Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP). “Thick low clouds and rain may provide a hiding place for pirate craft,” warns a CHIRP report about an incident in the South China Sea. While passing the Anamabas Archipeligo in the middle of the night, an officer of the watch noticed two small unidentified targets on the radar, and thick low clouds forming and developing in their direction. The targets became lost in rain clutter.