UniSA, REDARC and Raytheon to develop new naval radar waveforms

The University of South Australia has teamed with Australian firm REDARC Defence Systems and German radar firm Raytheon Anschutz GmbH to develop new radar waveforms that enable the detection of small surface targets in dense maritime clutter. This could include submarine periscopes and other small targets.

The partners will develop the new low-comlexity optimal waveform diversity techniques under a $150,000 Cooperative Research Grant awarded by the Adelaide-based Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP).

“This collaborative approach between industry and UniSA allows us to develop a potentially new technology that could be applied across the entire Royal Australian Navy Fleet and allows REDARC Defence Systems to commence the technology transfer required to be prepared to support the Hunter Class Program in the near future,” says REDARC’s defence account manager Mike Hartas. REDARC had previously partnered with Raytheon Anschutz to offer the Integrated Navigation Bridge System into the HUNTER class frigate program.

The technology can be applied also to other maritime radar systems operated by the RAN and RAAF and would also have significant befits for both border security operations and maritime search and rescue.