19 Jul 2010 | Ref. 149/2010
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ARTISAN testing is under way on the Isle of Wight
Farnborough, UK – As the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier starts to take shape in UK shipyards, one of its new radars is already being tested on the Isle of Wight.
The new ARTISAN 3D radar that will track the aircraft operating from the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, is undertaking aircraft tracking trials on a full-size mock-up of the carrier’s superstructure. This will enable it to operate effectively in close proximity to the other surveillance and communications systems co-located with the radar.
ARTISAN 3D is a new medium range radar which – as well as performing air traffic management for the Queen Elizabeth Class – provides surveillance, target tracking, back-up navigation and Identification Friend or Foe capabilities to the UK’s Type 23 frigates. It will also be fitted to amphibious ships such as HMS Ocean, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.
The improved surveillance and tracking accuracy which enables ARTISAN 3D to undertake its air traffic management role also provides benefits in the inshore environment. With modern targets smaller and quicker than those previously faced, the new radar is better able to distinguish between those targets and background clutter, particularly over land. It will exploit the full capabilities of the updated Seawolf missile system and any future missile systems.
The new radar, which replaces the Type 996 radar, uses lightweight materials to deliver greater performance without any increased weight penalty affecting ship stability. It includes electronic sub-systems from the SAMPSON Multi-Function Radar fitted to Type 45 Destroyers. ARTISAN 3D has been designed for greater reliability and a reduced maintenance requirement that will set new standards for this class of radar. It will be fitted to the current fleet of amphibious ships during standard maintenance periods to ensure that no operational time is lost while the ships receive the updated capability.
With the recent completion of the ARTISAN 3D radar’s Customer Critical Design Review, BAE Systems and its partners are taking the £100 million programme, which carries a 10-year support element, into full production.
Capt Howard Holdsworth, Royal Navy Short Range Air Defence Team Leader at the Ministry of Defence said “After a challenging year, the completion of the Customer Critical Design Review represents a significant achievement for both the BAE Systems Integrated Systems Technology and DE&S teams, and sets a firm foundation for the manufacture phase to commence. The delivery of ARTISAN is keenly anticipated by the Royal Navy, bringing with it improved performance at a lower through-life cost.”
The first delivery of a full system is due at the Land Based Test Facility at Portsdown in 2011, and the first ship fitted with the replacement radar system is likely to be a Type 23 frigate. HMS Queen Elizabeth, the first of the two UK Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, will be fitted with her ARTISAN 3D radar during her final assembly in Rosyth.
Les Gregory, Radar Director, BAE Systems Insyte, said: “ARTISAN 3D is a prime example of the world-leading radar capability which BAE Systems provides to the UK and customers worldwide. As the programme moves into its production phase, this testing is another milestone on the route to providing a radar system which will, I am sure, delight both customers and users.”
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).
For further information please contact:
Mark Ritson, BAE Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1276 603993 Mob: +44 (0) 7793 424545
mark.ritson2@baesystems.com
Kate Watcham, BAE Systems
Tel: +44(0)1252 383550 Mob: +44(0) 7793 420731
Kate.watcham@baesystems.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384605 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
24hr media hotline: + 44 (0) 7801 717739
www.baesystems.com
