SAMPSON

Infobox Radar
name = SAMPSON


caption = Type 45 with SAMPSON radar on mast
country = United Kingdom
introdate =
number = 6 (ordered)
type = Solid-state, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
frequency = 2-4 GHz (S band)
range = 400 km [cite journal |last=Dranidis |first=Dimitris V. |year=2003 |month=May |title=Backboards of the fleet: shipboard phased-array radars; a survey of requirements, technologies, and operational systems |journal=Journal of Electronic Defense |volume=26 |issue=5 |pages=55 |accessdate= 2007-08-18 |quote=]
altitude =
diameter =
azimuth =
elevation =
precision =
power = 25kWThe SAMPSON is a multi-function AESA radar produced by BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies. The SAMPSON multi function radar system is described by BAE Systems as being a world beating air defence system. The SAMPSON System can detect all types of targets out to a distance of 400 km, and is capable of tracking hundreds of targets at any one time.

History

SAMPSON is derived from the Multi-function Electronically Scanned ARray (MESAR) programme. MESAR 1 development commenced as a partnership between Plessey, Roke Manor Research and the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.cite news |first=Howard|last=Gethin|title=Early warning electronically scanned Radar promises anti-ballistic missile solutions |work=Flight International |publisher=Reed Business Information|date=1999-06-02|accessdate=2007-08-18] [cite web |url=http://navy-matters.beedall.com/sampson.htm |title=SAMPSON Multi-Function Radar |accessdate=2007-08-18] Plessey was acquired by Siemens in 1989 to become Siemens-Plessey, itself acquired by British Aerospace in 1998. British Aerospace became BAE Systems in November 1999. MESAR 1 trials occurred between 1989 and 1994. MESAR 2 development began in August 1995, of which SAMPSON is a derivative. [cite news|title=Fallout from 'StarWars' failure could afflict UK |work=The Engineer|publisher=Centaur Communications|page=17|date=2000-06-21|accessdate=2007-08-18]

The Royal Navy intended to deploy the SAMPSON MFR on its version of the Horizon CNGF - a collaboration with France and Italy to produce anti-air warfare frigates. Following delays and complications the UK withdrew and started its own Type 45 programme. The Type 45 destroyers use the SAMPSON radar with the PAAMS missile system, which was also developed for the Horizon frigates (French and Italian ships are to be fitted with the EMPAR MFR). The SAMPSON Radar is made in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Operation

Conventional radars, consisting of a rotating transmitter and sensor, have limited power, are vulnerable to enemy jamming and perform only one function - with separate units therefore required for surveillance, tracking and targeting.

As an active array, SAMPSON uses software to shape and direct its beam allowing several functions to be carried out at once and, through adaptive waveform control, is virtually immune to enemy jamming. Active arrays have both longer range and higher accuracy than conventional radars.

The SAMPSON uses two planar arrays to provide coverage over only part of the sky; complete coverage is provided by rotating the arrays, essentially similar to the way conventional radar systems operate. This is in contrast to the US AN/SPY-1 system, as used on the Ticonderoga class cruiser and Arleigh Burke class destroyer, which uses multiple arrays fixed in place to provide continuous coverage of the entire sky. Whilst this may seem to be a disadvantage, the SAMPSON radar rotates at 30 revolutions per minute, meaning no part of the sky lacks coverage for more than one second on average - the precise time varies as the beams can also be swept back and forth electronically. In addition, the use of a smaller number of arrays allows the system to be much lighter, allowing placement of the arrays at the top of a prominent mast rather than on the side of the superstructure as in the US ships. Placing any radar emitter at higher altitude extends the horizon distance, improving performance against low level targets; SAMPSON is at approximately double the height above the waterline than the arrays of its US equivalents. Although precise details of the SAMPSON's performance in this regard are unlikely to enter the public domain, such factors may mitigate or even eliminate the disadvantages of fewer arrays.

The performance of both the SAMPSON radar and the PAAMS' Aster missiles will give the Royal Navy an unrivalled anti-air warfare capability to replace its long serving Type 42 destroyers. The first Type 45, HMS "Daring" was launched on February 1 2006. The ship was fitted with SAMPSON and S1850M radars in 2007. She is undergoing trials before commissioning in 2009.

SAMPSON operating modes

*Long and medium-range search
*Surface picture search
*High-speed horizon search
*High-angle search and track
*Multiple target tracking and multiple channel fire control.

References