SMART-L

SMART-L (Signaal Multibeam Acquisition Radar for Tracking, L band) is a long-range search radar for naval ships developed by former Hollandse Signaalapparaten (Signaal), now Thales Naval Nederland. The Thales/BAE Systems Insyte S1850M radar is a derivative of the SMART-L.

It's a multibeam radar, which uses 16 antenna elements to simultaneously generate 14 beams by digital beamforming. The beams' vertical directions are controlled electronically, stabilization against the ships movements (e.g. roll) is also done electronically. Horizontally direction is controlled mechanically by rotating the antenna array.

During Ballistic Missile Defense tests in 2006 with the HNLMS Tromp, the maximum range of the radar was tested. The radar was able to detect targets up to 480km away by a software modification called Extended Long Range (ELR) Mode. With these results the SMART-L radar is one of the most capable long-range radar in the world for detecting tactical ballistic missiles. [http://www.thales-nederland.nl/nl/news/archive/2006/December-08-2006.shtml]

pecifications

*Antenna system:
**Dimensions; 8.4 × 4 × 4.4 m, 7800 kg
**Number of antenna elements: 16 for transmitting and receiving, 8 more for receive only
**Number of beams formed: 16
**Beamwidth 2.2° horizontal, 0–70° vertical
**Polarization: vertical
**Frequency: D band (former L band)
**Rotational speed: 12 rpm
**IFF system integrated, D band
*Maximum detection ranges:
**Stealth missiles: 85 km
**Fighter aircraft: 400 km
**Patrol aircraft: 600 km
*Maximal numbers of tracked targets:
**Airborne: 1000
**Seaborne: 100
**Radar jamming sources: 32

Users

* De Zeven Provinciën class frigate
* Sachsen class frigate
* Type 45 destroyer (S1850M)
* Horizon class frigate (S1850M)
* Dokdo class LPH
* Danish Frigate Program (selected)

References

* [http://www.thales-naval.nl/naval/activities/radar-sys/surveillance/products/smart-l.htm Manufacturer's Page about SMART-L] @ Thales Naval Nederland
* [http://www.thales-naval.nl/naval/pdf/smart-l.pdf SMART-L] brochure
* [http://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/karte506.en.html SMART-L] @ www.radartutorial.eu