SMART-L

SMART-L (Signaal Multibeam Acquisition Radar for Tracking, Lband)^[1] is a naval long-range search radar from Thales Nederland, formerly Hollandse Signaalapparaten (Signaal).

The phased array antenna has 24 elements; all are used for reception, while only 16 are used for creating virtual receiver beams through digital beamforming. The beams' vertical elevation, and compensation for ship movement, is done electronically.^[1] Horizontal training is done by mechanically rotating the entire array.

As designed, SMART-L has a maximum range of 400 km against patrol aircraft, and 65 km against stealthy missiles.^[2] A software upgrade, Extended Long Range (ELR) Mode, extends the maximum range to 480 km. In 2006 HNLMS Tromp used the ELR Mode to track a ARAV-B missile from 150 km during a US Navy ballistic missile defence exercise.^[3]

Specifications

• Antenna system:
  • Dimensions; 8.4 × 4 × 4.4 m, 7,800 kg
  • Number of antenna elements: 24 (16 transceivers, 8 receivers)
  • 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: 65 km
  • Patrol aircraft: 400 km
• Maximal numbers of tracked targets:
  • Airborne: 1000
  • Seaborne: 100

Users

• De Zeven Provinciën class frigate
• Sachsen class frigate
• Type 45 destroyer (S1850M)
• Horizon class frigate (S1850M)
• Dokdo class LPH
• Ivar Huitfeldt class frigate (selected and under construction)

See also

• Thales/BAE Systems Insyte S1850M, a SMART-L derivative.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "SMART-L Radar". www.Radartutorial.eu. http://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/karte506.en.html. Retrieved 24 Oct. 2011. 
2. ^ "SMART-L 3D Long range surveillance radar". Thales. http://www.thalesgroup.com/Countries/Netherlands/Documents/Datasheet_SMART-L/?LangType=2057. Retrieved 24 Oct. 2011. 
3. ^ "Thales on track in TBMD". Thales. 8 Dec. 2006. http://www.thales-nederland.nl/nl/news/archive/2006/December-08-2006.shtml. Retrieved 24 Oct. 2011.