IDEX2009: Down to earth with ‘e-scan’

Active phased-array radars are mainly associated with aerial applications, but EADS has developed a vehicle-based ‘e-scan’ radar system that offers enormous benefits in a wide range of ground-based activities.

The Tactical Radar Ground Surveillance (TRGS) system employs an X-band primary radar, together with a secondary radar that is ready for use with battlefield personnel and vehicle IFF (identification friend or foe) systems when they are introduced in the future. There is also an optical sensor system. The sensors are mounted on a mast that can be raised to 6m.TRGS is typically operated by a crew of four. There is a comprehensive communications suite, with VHF, UHF, HF and SatComs. A precise navigation suite combines inertial and GPS inputs. TRGS is installed in the KMW Dingo 2 vehicle, which offers NBC, ballistic and mine protection, as well as carrying a machine gun and countermeasures.

TRGS has numerous military and civil security applications, including firespotting for artillery, coastal surveillance and control, base protection and border security. When deployed to its operating location, TRGS can be working in just two minutes. It provides an immediate view of the battlefield or surveillance area out to around 40km. As well as detecting objects, it classifies them. Minimum detection ranges are quoted as 5km for a small UAV, 15km for infantry and small boats, 20km for fixed-wing aircraft, 25km for a 155mm shell impact, 35km for helicopters and 40km for tracked vehicles. The system can be operated remotely once in position.

There has been considerable interest in the TRGS from numerous armies. The system has been ordered for the German Army – between 50 and 100 units – and it passed its approval testing phase last autumn. EADS expects to hand over the first units to the German Army later this year or early in 2010.

Posted in: IDEX,Radar