RADAR P-18LA

Ground-based long-range VHF surveillance radar P-18LA is offered as the modernized follow-on to its prototype, the analogue P-18.

P-18LA radar features:

• metric band for “counter-Stealth” capability;
• maximum use of COTS components;
• stable, fail-soft, modular solid-state transmitter;
• built-in test equipment;
• no special adjustments required during operation;
• largely simplified maintenance;
• engineered for minimum cost of ownership.

As a result of modernization the radar’s detection performance is efficiently improved. Modernized radar features automatic tracking capability as well as data receiving from other radar sensors. Data can be exchanged over a variety of communication channels in approved format.

Depth of modernization:

The radar’s equipment cabin is fully modernized. Frequency range is expanded to 140 – 180 MHZ, the number of working frequencies is increased from 4 to 200, the capability of instantaneous electronic frequency agility is added. Radar transmitter and  receiver feature solid-state components only. The transmitter has a modular design and provides ‘soft-failure’ redundancy:  failure of individual module leads to partial performance degradation.

Antenna-mast assembly is equipped with a new asynchronous motor controlled by a variable-frequency drive.

P-18LA radar remains a two-dimensional system and is used to find azimuth and range. Altitude can be obtained by interfacing modernized height-finding radars. Parameters of transmitted signal as well as parameters of signal processing after reception can be set at the operator workstation, secondary processing and tracking are performed at the remote workstation. Both workstations are installed in the equipment cabin in standard configuration.

P-18LA radar features efficient protection against pulse interference and active jamming. Level of interference is continuously monitored and graphically represented to the operator. Jamming protection is achieved through expansion of the dynamic range of the signal processor and capability of electronic frequency  agility. Passive interference is rejected through digital adaptive MTI and generation of clutter map.

The number of vehicles in standard configuration is decreased from 4 to 2. Two power generators are accommodated in an individual  compartment of the antenna-mast assembly vehicle. Other design options are possible: radar equipment can be placed on a single semitrailer or on trailers without vehicle chassis. Power generators can be placed on separate vehicles.

 

Specification of P-18LA

Parameter	Value
	before modernization	after modernization
Range of working frequencies, MHz	150-170	140-180
Frequency agility:
– method for frequency agility;	electromechanical	electronic
– discreet steps;	4 fixed frequencies	200 kHz
– frequency setting accuracy.	n/a	±10 kHz
Types of transmitted probing pulses:
– short pulse;	6 µs	6 µs
– phase shift keyed signals:
– 13-bit;		13×6 µs
– 42-bit.		42×6 µs
Transmitter pulse power	300 kW	8 kW
Capability of instant probing signal power and structure changes	Not implemented	Implemented
Detection range for a target with RCS of 2.5m2, Р=0.5 at antenna height of ha=6.35/10.35:
Min range	–	2,7 km
at altitude of Н=100 m	28/30 km	30/32 km
at altitude of Н=500 m	50/60 km	60/70 km
at altitude of Н=1000 m	65/75 km	70/80 km
at altitude of Н=3000 m	90/110 km	110/120 km
at altitude of Н=10000 m	175/250 km	300/360 km
Detection accuracy:
– range	1400 m	180 m
– azimuth	1.50	0.40
Resolution:
– range	2000 m	1100 m
– azimuth	80	80
Range of adaptive MTI	–	0-400 km
Clutter suppression ratio	–	> 40 dB
Dynamic range of receiver and digital signal processor	–	> 100 dB
Automatic control of modernized height-finders	–	Implemented
Number of controlled height-finders	–	up to 4
Start-up time	8 min	3 min
Power consumption	10 kW	up to 6 kW