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CEA Technologies showcased the first of type land-based prototype radar of their highly successful maritime-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), which has been specifically designed for carriage by the Australian-designed and built Thales Hawkei vehicle, at Land Forces 2018.
Completion of the prototype radar represents a significant milestone for Defence and Australian industry, and highlights the potential for Australian-developed technology to contribute to one of the world’s foremost short-range ground-based air defence systems.
The prototype is the first step in the integration into the Raytheon/Kongsberg National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) under Army’s new short-range ground-based air defence project.
If successful, CEATAC will provide improved surveillance and defence against modern airborne threats.
"This is an Australian-developed radar on an Australian-developed vehicle, which is a great outcome for Defence industry," Minister Pyne said.
The prototype radar will now participate in an evaluation program with the Australian Army, in preparation for consideration by government in 2019.
Minister Pyne said, "It is fantastic to see two of our most high-tech, capable and innovative technologies brought together to meet a capability need."
CEA’s phased array technologies provide modular and scalable phased array products suitable for use in the maritime and land environments.
The CEAFAR active phased array radar provides a multi function digital beam forming (DBF) radar capability able to perform 3D volume search, surface search, fire control support, target classification in demanding, cluttered and jamming environments.
The CEAMOUNT active phased array illuminator performs target illumination and missile uplink for multiple simultaneous semi-active homing missiles. It can be configured as a mechanically trained face or a fixed multi-face solution.
The flexibility provides support for existing system upgrades and new applications. Other phased array developments are included in the research and development section.
Thales is delivering a new generation of protected vehicles. Hawkei meets the requirements of global defence forces for a highly protected, mobile and integrated vehicle able to operate in an environment under threat from improvised explosive devices, mines and ambushes.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
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