Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR)

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The "Central Acquisition Radar" (3D-CAR) is a 3D radar developed by the Indian DRDO for use with Akash SAM. It is a medium range surveillance radar for Akash at Group level, with high mobility and excellent 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.

[edit] Details

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 BEL. This radar employs a planar array antenna and provides simultaneous multi-beam coverage. It can handle over 150 targets in track while scan mode.

[edit] Features

Medium range 3D surveillance
S band operation
Surveillance Range up to 180km
High mobility
High altitude deployability
Deployment in less than 20 minutes
150 Target TWS
Variety of ECCM measures incorporated into the radar
Integrated IFF

[edit] Current status

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 more advanced Indian developed antenna in terms of power handling and beamforming technology compared to the original 3D CAR while the REVATHI adds two axis stabilisation 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.