Following three years of sea-based trials, BAE Systems’ Artisan 3D radar system has received the go ahead from the Royal Navy after it has proved its worth in a operational capability.
The five-year £105M contract with BAE Systems will see the company develop, manufacture and support 19 of the radars, the first of which was installed on HMS Iron Duke (which has since deployed with the system).
The final Artisan 3D radar has now successfully completed factory acceptance testing, with all 19 radars to be delivered to the MOD by mid-2017. The Radar system has been fitted to 11 of 13 Type 23 Frigates that will receive the systems, as well as flagship HMS Ocean and assault ship HMS Bulwark.
HMS Queen Elizabeth, the UK’s largest ever warship, will now be fitted with the system, as well as her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales.
The new radar is five times more effective than its predecessor 996 (Artisan is designated Type 997). Located atop main masts, Artisan can track more than 800 targets simultaneously from 200 to 200,000 meters away, whether they are an enemy ship or a missile no wider than a cricket ball. The clever system has been designed to ‘see-through’ radio interference from mobile, television and satellite signals.
Les Gregory, Director for Products and Training Services at BAE Systems said: “Artisan 3D is a ground-breaking radar system that delivers real capability to the Royal Navy with its supreme accuracy and uncompromising tracking. Its world-leading electronic protection measure ensures that even complex jammers will not reduce its effectiveness.
“Artisan 3D has now been extensively tested, demonstrating high performance with significant flexibility to meet current and future threats. It provides air and surface surveillance and target tracking to support platform and weapon system requirements on a wide range of platforms. BAE Systems is proud to continue its record of providing the most advanced radar capabilities to the Royal Navy.”
Jonathan Barratt, Head of the Complex Weapons Team at the MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support said: “Artisan is a highly capable radar, providing record breaking track detection ranges against complex and demanding threats. This contract demonstrates how DE&S, industry and the Royal Navy are working collaboratively to deliver cutting-edge equipment, vital in supporting and protecting our Armed Forces.”
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Artisan 3D radar system BAE Systems HMS Queen Elizabeth MOD radar Type 23 Frigates
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
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