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Air Defence
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| After World War II, the introduction of radar technologies resulted in the development and production of radar fire control solutions for ground based air defence applications. In this field Air Defence (SIGNAAL at the time) played a significant role, and in the 1950's the first radar fire control system (L4/3 was sold to the Royal Netherlands Army, followed by the world's first digital system (the famous L4/5) in the 1960's. |
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Via the participation in the development and production of the German-Dutch twin 35 mm Anti Aircraft Tank program (Dutch indicator for the system is PRTL, which stands for ‘Pantser Rups Tegen Luchtdoelen') in the 1970's, Air Defence established its reputation as one of the leading companies in the market for ground based (V)SHORAD systems, with up-to-date technology solutions for (V)SHORAD surveillance, tracking and fire control processing. The dual-band (X/Ka) invention by Air Defence engineers for low level target tracking, a.o. solving the mirror effect by using a 0.6 degree pencil beam, also originates from this program. |
| A very innovative operational concept was developed by Air Defence in the 1970's, which resulted in the renowned FLYCATCHER product. FLYCATCHER is a mobile, fully integrated and autonomous radar fire control system for the control of medium calibre AA guns and interfacing with short range AD missiles. During the last 20 years this successful product has established a wide clientbase. More than 150 FLYCATCHERs are operational today, and the early series (for the Royal Netherlands Air Force) underwent a midlife upgrade program which was completed in 1994. The introduction of FLYCATCHER Mk2 beginning of this century as a Hybrid Weapon Control Centre exemplifies this. Apart from FLYCATCHER a complete product line of "smaller" fire control products has been defined. Products like MIRADOR apply the latest fire control techniques. |
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Another segment of the (V)SHORAD market is served with the surveillance sensor portfolio.
A completely new development in this area is the PAGE VSHORAD surveillance radar, a (portable) low probability of intercept (FMCW technology) radar to alert and cue man-portable air defence missiles. |
Another field of activity is the Ground Surveillance Market.
A further FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) technology product has been derivatives in the form of a ground surveillance radar named SQUIRE. Applying continuous wave technology (average power equals peak power) gives clear operational advantages. It facilitates an optimal compact and lightweight design, taking advantage of the applied radar band and the use of solid state transceivers. Due to the extremely low output power of only 1 Watt maximum, it neutralizes the feeling of antipathy of frontline troops and border guards with respect to the use of active sensors in an ESM environment, thanks to its virtual "invisibility". |
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