RADAR SUITE

Question 1

What is the purpose of the radar suite?

Answer 1

To provide HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN with a means of detecting, localizing and tracking targets, and contributing to a recognized maritime picture.

Question 2

What is the SMART-S radar?

Answer 2

The Signal Multimode Array Tracking in S-Band is a 3D S-Band volume search radar. It performs automatic detection, location, and tracking of air and surface targets with a max range of 135Nmi.

Question 3

What is the antenna array pack (AAP)?

Answer 3

The AAP is composed of 16 individual strip-line linear arrays, each of which is sensitive over the full elevation coverage. The antenna system is electronically stabilized. The transmit beam elevation is compensated by controlling the phases of the RF signals to each of the linear arrays. The phase shifting is done by the T/R books. Besides electronic stabilization phase control, phase shifting also enables shaping of the transmit beam (beam shaping) and beam forming on receive. Each of the antenna arrays are connected to its respective T/R book.

Question 4

What are the T/R books?

Answer 4

The transmit/receive books (T/R Books) perform the transmit and receive functions.

For transmit, a T/R book amplifies signals from the Radar SIgnal Generator (RSG) to 1150W transmission signals. By dynamically adjusting the phases of the transmission signals of each T/R book, the vertical transmission beam shape and elevation of the beam is controlled.

For receive, the T/R Books amplify the antenna signals using a low noise amplifier. The T/R Books then route the signals received from the 16 arrays in the AAP to the four receiver boards in the Multi-Channel Receiver (MCR).

Question 5

What are the MCRs?

Answer 5

There are four multi-channel receiver (MCR)’s. The MCRs downconverts the signals provided by the T/R books separately. This is done so that the phase information for each signal is retained, which is required for beam forming at the SPU. If the signals were combined, the phase information would be lost. Inside the MCR, the signal is digitized and filtered and the resultant information is then sent to the SPC.

Question 6

What is the RSG?

Answer 6

The Radar Signal Generator (RSG) generates the RF signals for the T/R books. It also provides the blanking and gating for the T/R books.

Question 7

What is the turntable?

Answer 7

The turntable consists of the rotary joint unit and the drive assembly. The RJU feeds all the signals and connections between the antenna assembly and the rest of SMART-S. This includes power, dry air, cooling liquid, electrical signals, and fiber-optic signals. The Drive Assembly provides rotational motion in two speeds to the antenna array pack using a DC motor. There is a shock-absorbing platform foundation that protects against shock and vibration.

Question 8

What is the SPC?

Answer 8

The Smart-S Processing Cabinet (SPC) contains the components for signal and data processing, timing and control, and infrastructure-related functions. It contains the signal processing unit (SPU), digital processing unit (DPU), and Gateway, Bit and Control unit (GBC).

Question 9

What is the SPU?

Answer 9

The Signal Processing Unit (SPU) receives the filtered, digitized data from the MCRs and performs beam forming, digital pulse compression, Doppler filtering and detection.

Question 10

What is the DPU?

Answer 10

The Data Processing Unit (DPU) provides the extraction and tracking functions for air, surface and jamming surveillance. The DPU also provides duct measurement functionality. It is what associates detections from the SPU with new or existing targets and initiates and maintains tracking.

Question 11

What is the GBC?

Answer 11

The Gateway, BIT, and Control unit (GBC) allows the system to interface with ship’s systems such as CMS, NDDS, and the maintainer terminal. The GBC also controls the elevation pattern, the waveform, and provides blanking information.

Question 12

What is the DCCC?

Answer 12

The Drive Control and Cooling Cabinet (DCCC) consists of the drive control unit (DCU) and the cooling unit (CU).

The DCU controls the motor and parking mechanism and monitors the temperature of the drive assembly.

The CU receives chilled water from the ship and feeds it to a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The cooling liquid is supplied to the amplifier in the DCU, the T/R book heat exchangers in the antenna assembly, and the motor in the drive assembly.

Question 13

What is the ADU?

Answer 13

The Air Drier Unit (ADU) keeps moisture and dust out of the antenna assembly, the SPC, and the DCCC by providing dry pressurized air.

Question 14

What is the SG-AMB?

Answer 14

The SG-AMB is a 3D volumetric search and tracking radar. However, HMCS Charlottetown only has the capability to use it as a 2D search and track radar due to reusing components from SG-180.

Question 15

What is the antenna unit for SG-AMB?

Answer 15

The antenna consists of 18 linear arrays with a circulator that acts as a T/R switch.

On receive, signals are sent to 9 dual channel receive casettes, which STC, filter, and digitize the signal. Signals are kept on separate channels IOT beamform and maintain the IQ signals. These signals then go to an optical multiplexer which combines them into a single data stream, through the RJU and then to processing.

On transmit, RF comes up through the RJU to a power divider which splits it into 18 channels. The signals then go through phase shifters which make phase adjustments IOT beam shape. Signals then go to the circulator, then to the arrays.

Question 16

What is the SG-AMB turntable?

Answer 16

The turntable rotates the antenna at a rate of either 30 or 60 rpm. RF, power, data, and air are passed through the rotary joint. The turntable rotates on a planetary gearbox by an electric motor mounted on the inner ledge. There is a brake and a brake release switch on the pedestal.

Question 17

What is the Antenna Control Unit (ACU)?

Answer 17

The ACU controls the antenna rotation locally. It has multiple dials that allow a maintainer to change the antenna rotation rate and parking angles.

Question 18

What is the Air Filter Unit (AFU)?

Answer 18

The AFU provides an external cooling fan with filtered air IOT cool the internal components of the antenna.

Question 19

What is the Transmitter/Receiver Unit (TRU)?

Answer 19

The TRU contains a radio frequency generator (RFG) that produces the transmit signal. Within the RFG, two signals are generated by a crystal oscillator. One for IQ demodulation, and one for transmit. The transmit signal is sent to a TWT amplifier IOT amplify the RF signal. This amplified signal is then sent to the waveguide, which goes up to the antenna components mentioned earlier.

Question 20

What is the Signal Data Unit (SDU)?

Answer 20

The SDU takes the received signals from the antenna and sends them to the signal processor, which creates detection plots and sends them to the data processor. The data processor then generates tracks from the detection plots. It has three separate trackers: air, surface, and jammer as well as a track fusion module that combines them and sends the data to CMS.

Question 21

What is the Power Distribution Unit (PDU)?

Answer 21

The PDU receives ships power and distributes it to every SG-AMB component.

Question 22

What is the Cooling Unit (CU) in SG-AMB?

Answer 22

The CU interfaces with chilled water to cool air. The air is dried and sent to cool the TRU and SDU. Chilled water cools a water/glycol mix and the water cools air that is blown over the TWT by a fan.

Question 23

What are the NAV radars?

Answer 23

The Nav radars facilitate the safe navigation of the ship. It consists of two radars: the X=Band and S-Band radars. These two radars have very similar components.

Question 24

What are the antennas?

Answer 24

The antennas consist of a 12’ S-Band antenna located on the bridge top, and a 8’ X-Band antenna located on the mast. Both antennas are slotted waveguide antennas.

Question 25

What are the nav radar antennas pedestals?

Answer 25

The pedestals use a non-slip belt that drive a gearbox IOT rotate the antennas. The pedestals also contain a switch that will cut power to the antenna when work is being done.

Question 26

What is the modulated transmitter receiver (MTR)?

Answer 26

The MTRs generate RF energy for each antenna and handle all of the processing. The RF section of the MTR contains a magnetron IOT generate the RF signal. This signal is sent to the antenna via a coax cable for S-Band and a waveguide for X-Band. The receiver section of the MTR consists of a low-noise amplifier IOT amplify the signal. The signals are filtered via the cavity resonator in the magnetrons on receive.

Question 27

What is the Interswitch unit (ISU)?

Answer 27

The ISU is used to allow both Radar Consoles to independently select which radar is to be displayed on their screen. In the event of power failure to the unit, there is an internal connection that ensures the primary display will still receive power.

Question 28

What are the nav consoles?

Answer 28

The consoles are the HMIs of the system. They are both located on the bridge and consist of a screen, a trackball and a keyboard. A processor is used by the console to process input and display for the operator.

Question 29

What is the IFF system?

Answer 29

IFF is identify friend foe. It is a military and civilian identification system that is mostly used for aircraft.

Question 30

What are the transponder antennas?

Answer 30

There are two omnidirectional transmit/receive antennas that are located on the port and stbd sides of the mast. They receive interrogations from other units and, depending on the mode, transmits the appropriate reply signal. They are controlled by the transponder in the IFF equipment rack.

Question 31

What are the interrogator antennas?

Answer 31

There are two interrogator antennas. One is located on the SG-AMB antenna, and one on the SMART-S antenna. They broadcast the interrogator signals generated by the interrogators in the IFF equipment rack and receive replies from other units

Question 32

What is the IFF Equipment Rack?

Answer 32

The IFF equipment rack consists of a controller, transponder, interrogator, and the Mission IFF system computer (M/ISC). The controller takes ship’s power and distributes it to the other subsystems and provides system monitoring. The transponder takes interrogations received by the transponder antennas and sends the appropriate reply signal to the transponder antennas for broadcast. The interrogators generate the interrogate signal using SSAs and sends it to their respective antenna for broadcast. Received replies are processed and target information is extracted. The M/ISC provides the interface to CMS and conducts system fault logging.

Question 33

What are the SMART-S modes of operation?

Answer 33

Defence Mode: The antenna turns at a rate of 27 rpm and has a range of 80 nm. The elevation coverage is wide beam, which balances air coverage with surface range. Surveillance Mode: The antenna turns at a rate of 13.5 rpm and has a range of approximately 135 nm. The elevation coverage is a narrow beam, which offers extended range with decreased altitude coverage. This mode is the default mode.

Question 34

What are the SG-AMB modes?

Answer 34

Air modes: - Short: 40 km Self Defence Mode - Medium: 100 km Surveillance Mode - Long: 180 km Surveillance Mode Surface Modes - Normal: 60 km Surface Doppler - Ducting: 60/100/180 pulse-to-pulse agility modes

Question 35

What are the Navigation Radar modes?

Answer 35

Normal: In normal mode, either console can be fed from either MTR via the ISU. Emergency: In emergency mode, each nav radar feeds into its default console and switching is not possible. This is used when the ISU has no power.

Question 36

What are the IFF modes?

Answer 36

- Mode 1: aircraft type - Mode 2: tail number - Mode 3A/3C: Squawk. Aircraft number and elevation - Modes 4 & 5 are military encrypted. Mode 5 is lethal interrogation. - Mode S: provides GPS data and includes ID and flight path.

Question 37

What is the functional description for RADAR?

Answer 37

HMCS Charlottetown is sailing in the Mediterarian Sea. SMART-S is operating in Surveillance mode, and SGAMB is operating in medium range surveillance mode. A target will be detected on our starboard quarter by the SMART-S as it has the farthest range. While in operation, a radio signal is generated in the RSG that then passes through the T/R books, where it is amplified and phase shifting occurs for transmission. These signals are sent individually to each of the 16 linear arrays where the signal is radiated into the atmosphere to reach the target. The return signal is then received by each array and the signal is sent through each T/R book on receive. On receive, the T/R books amplify the received signals through a low-noise amplifier and sends them to the multi channel receivers (MCRs). Inside the MCRs, each signal is digitized and filtered and the resultant information is then sent to the SPC through the RJU. The signal is sent to the SPU first, where digital pulse compression, Doppler filtering, beam forming and detection occurs. The information is then sent to the DPU, which is what associates detections from the SPU to new or existing targets and initiates and maintains tracking through extraction.. This is also where duct detection occurs. The data is then sent through the GBC to CMS 330 where operators are able to view the data on MFWs. For the SG-AMB, it will begin detecting and tracking targets at a range of 100 Nmi while in medium range surveillance mode. A radio signal will be generated in the TRU which will be amplified in the TWTA. This signal will then be sent through a waveguide up through the RJU to a power divider which splits it into 18 channels. The signals then go through phase shifters which make phase adjustments IOT beam shape. Signals then go to the circulator, then to the 18 arrays which radiate into the atmosphere to a target. The signal reflects off a target and is received by the arrays. Received signals are sent to 9 Dual Ch Rex Casettes which STC, filter, convert to IF, ADC, I & Q Demodulate. Signals are kept on separate channels to maintain I & Q and beamforming. Signals then go to an Optical Multiplexer to combine to a single data stream. Signals then go through a rotary joint to the signal processor in the SDU. Received signals are sent to the signal processor, split into parallel detection channels which are optimized to perform different processing techniques for different types of targets. It processes all these channels separately, creates detection plots, and sends it to the data processor. The data processor generates tracks from the detection plots. It has 3 separate trackers: air, surface, jammer and a track fusion module that combines them and then sends it to CMS. For the nav radars, a signal is generated and amplified in each radar’s respective MTR through the use of a magnetron. This signal is either sent through a waveguide (for X-band) or a coaxial cable (for S-band). To the slotted waveguide antennas. The radio waves will reflect off a target and be received by the antennas. The received signal will be sent through filters and digitized in the MTR, sent through the ISU and then displayed on their respective consoles.

Question 38

What are the system interfaces?

Answer 38

- EPG&D - MAS - CW - HVAC - SLA10B - RAMSES DAU for X-Band - SHINNADS - Crypto for IFF - NDDS - CMS

Question 39

What are survivability & redundancy factors?

Answer 39

- Multiple sensors that cover eachother’s arcs and ranges - Many MFWs in the ops room for radar info - Two IFF transmitters - Two nav consoles that can swap between X and s band displays via the ISU - SMART-S has multiple T/R books that allow for graceful degradation of the system. - The SMART-S SPC recognizes two sources of nav data - IFF has two transponders separated on both sides of the mast - IFF has two interrogator antennas on separate radars - Battleshort

Question 40

What are the tests and trials?

Answer 40

- BITs - SAT: Sensor alignment test. Trial that is done to align the ship’s sensors. - IFF test set

Question 41

What are safety factors?

Answer 41

- High voltage precautions - RADHAZ precautions IAW SEMS S9. - MAS for every radar located in the spaces with the equipment - Hatch interlocks that prevent rotation/radiation while the antenna assembly hatch is open for 3D - Switches on the nav radar pedestals that cut power