At Euronaval 2014, Thales is launching the new SEARCHMASTER multirole surveillance radar (AESA).

SEARCHMASTER features an AESA active electronic scanning antenna based on fully qualified technologies developed for the RBE2 AESA nose-mounted radar on the Rafale combat aircraft. The key benefits of this new product are extended range, 360° coverage, electronic scanning in the vertical plane for simultaneous short-range and longrange surveillance, and continuous detection in harsh environmental conditions.

The SEARCHMASTER radar benefits from Thales's technological leadership in active electronic scanning antennas and the know-how acquired in this area on the Rafale combat aircraft programme.

This high-performance radar meets the requirements of airborne surface, ground and air surveillance missions. Thanks to its compact, lightweight design (approximately 75 kg), it is easy to install and integrate with a system. It is suitable for MALE (medium altitude, long endurance) UAVs, medium-tonnage or heavy-lift mission helicopters and mission aircraft (turboprop or jet-engined), providing all these platforms with multimission capabilities. In addition, the introduction of AESA technology, coupled with innovative concepts of integrated maintenance, pushes down maintenance costs and improves operational availability.

SEARCHMASTER has been selected by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) for the French Navy's upgraded Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft.

SEARCHMASTER offers extremely high levels of threat detection performance and meets the requirements of five mission types: anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, ground surveillance and tactical air support.