The National Centre for Research and Development

  Project title

Short-range electronically steered beam noise radar for missile detection and tracking - SZURAD

  Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries

Warsaw University of Technology

  Name of programme

Programme of scientific research for national defence and security entitled "Future technologies for defence - Competition for Young Scientists"

  Competition

Competition No. 1/P/2016 "Young Scientists 2016"

  Project value

PLN 3,925,575.00 

  Funding value

PLN 3,925,575.00 

  Project delivery period

From 15/12/2016 to 14/12/2020.

What problem is addressed by the project? 

The project aimed to build and test under near real-world conditions a short-range noise radar demonstrator for missile detection and tracking. Using non-specific random signals and relatively low peak power makes such radar more difficult to detect, classify, and deceive. The non-specific signal transmitted differs significantly from typical radar transmissions and can be considered a telecommunications transmission. Thanks to the longer observation time and lower peak pulse power, the chances of detection by classical radio reconnaissance equipment are reduced. At present, such radars are not commercially available, although research work in this field is ongoing in many centres worldwide.

The design employs modern concepts such as an electronically steerable beam antenna array, software-defined device functionality, and accelerated calculations through the use of GPU graphics coprocessors. Processing algorithms have been specially adapted to detect very fast objects. The demonstrator is pre-capable of operating in MIMO (Multiple Input -Multiple Output) modes, which opens up the possibility of experimental work in this new direction. In addition, the relatively small size and power consumption ensure mobility.

Field tests did not include missile sightings due to the difficulties of the outbreak, but radar performance was verified during avionics sightings, which the device detected at distances of up to 15 km.

Who uses the project results? 

When implemented in radiolocation systems, noise radar technology can improve radar survivability on the battlefield, thereby increasing the potential of the Armed Forces and the competitiveness of the Polish defence industry.