Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR)

Infobox Radar
name = 3-Dimensional Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR)


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country = India
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type = 3D medium range air surveillance radar
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range = km to mi|170|abbr=yes
altitude = km to mi|15|addr=yes
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elevation =
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The "Central Acquisition Radar" (3D-CAR) is a 3D radar developed by DRDO for use with Akash SAM.It is based on the Polish TRS-19 3D Surveillance Radar. It is a medium range surveillance radar for Akash at Group level, intended to provide high mobility and comprehensive high and low level coverage. Two more advanced versions of the radar, ROHINI & REVATHI have also been developed. The ROHINI is the Indian Air Force specific variant whereas the REVATHI is for the Indian Navy.

Details

The Central Acquisition Radar (CAR) is a medium range high-resolution 3-dimensional surveillance radar. The Central Acquisition Radar has been designed by LRDE, a DRDO laboratory, and is produced by a joint venture between BEL, Larsen & Toubro and Astra Microwave. The radar employs a planar array antenna and provides simultaneous multi-beam coverage. It can handle over 150 targets in track while scan mode.

Rohini

The Rohini radar is mounted on a modified heavy truck called "Tetra" and supported by a mobile auxiliary power unit. The Tetra is provided by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). [ [http://www.deagel.com/Special-Purpose-Vehicles/Rohini_a002239001.aspx Rohini radar specs] ]

Features

*Medium range 3D surveillance
*S band operation
*Surveillance Range up to 170km
*High altitude deployability
*Deployment in less than 20 minutes
*150 Targets in TWS
*Array of ECCM
*Integrated IFF
*Capable of detecting low altitude targets, and supersonic aircraft flying at up to Mach 3
*Frequency agility and jammer analysis

Current status

The Indian Air Force has a requirement for 100 Rohini radars. BEL delivered the first ROHINI to the Indian Air Force on August 6, 2008. Around 20 radars will be manufactured annualy. [ [http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=41106 BEL Hands Over State of The Art ‘Rohini’ Radar to IAF ] ]

Seven 3D-CARs were ordered by the Indian Air Force for their radar modernization program. These are the ROHINI variant whereas 2 REVATHI variants were ordered by the Indian Navy for their P-28 Corvette program. Given that the Indian Navy intends to have up to 4-6 P-28 Corvettes, further orders are likely.

More ROHINIS would also be required if the IAF orders more than 7 Akash SAM squadrons, as the ROHINI acts as the central early warning system for an Akash squadron deployment. The ROHINI has a new Indian developed antenna which is more advanced than that on the original CAR terms of power handling and beam forming technology. The REVATHI adds two axis stabilization for operation in naval conditions, as well as extra naval modes.

Additional orders are also expected from the Indian Army if they order the Akash SAM system.

Pictures

[http://livefist.blogspot.com/2008/08/iaf-gets-first-rohini-3d-surveillance.html Rohini radar handover ceremony pictures]

References