The Russian army will get radars based on revolutionary photonic technology. They will identify sophisticated objects and find small targets even in a heavily jammed space.
Photonic radars are smaller than classic radars as displayed at Army 2019 exhibition (Picture source: Army Recognition)
In contrast to traditional radars, they process the signal with optical devices rather than UHF. The main advantage of the new design is that it produces 3D portrait of the object and determines its type. Photonic radars will be installed on fighter jets and other hardware in several years, the Izvestia daily writes.
The first prototype of radar on discrete photonic elements has been created, RTI chief Maxim Kuzyuk told the newspaper. Sources in the Defense Ministry said the military participate in the trials of the new radar. "During an experiment, the radar tracked the trajectory of a small drone. We fully analyzed its performance and will determine the guidelines for future research. New component base, including integral photonic schemes, is necessary to develop the new system," Kuzyuk said.
Modern radars produce an electronic emission which is reflected back from objects and transmits a signal to receiving equipment. The technology has not changed for decades. Photonic radars optically process the signal with super broad bandpass which provides several advantages. Firstly, the radars are much smaller. Secondly, they are more reliable and resistant to electronic and magnetic emission. Besides, future radars have higher resolution and jam-resistance. They detect a target, determine its flight parameters, produce 3D image and determine the type.
New radar technologies are likely to be used in the creation of sixth-generation fighter jet, expert Dmitry Kornev believes. "Modern radars do not have any problems with measuring the parameters of the target flight, but they do not have a high resolving power. Photonic radars will provide target information as a 3D image to the pilot. It is the most convenient method for decision-making," he said. “One should not expect all traditional radars to be replaced with photonic ones. The capabilities of modern UHF radars have not been exhausted”, he added.
The Izvestia previously reported that Elik test bench had been developed for radars to classify air, surface, low-flying and space objects. They will tell the operator in real-time which type of an aircraft, cruise missiles, satellite or warship has appeared on the display, the daily said.
