Defence Research and Development Canada
www.ottawa.drdc-rddc.gc.ca
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DRDC-sponsored radar successfully demonstrated
An advanced technology high frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) developed by Raytheon Canada Limited (RCL) to detect small maritime vessels and low-flying aircraft has been successfully demonstrated to the US's Drug Enforcement Agency. This radar is one of two HFSWR systems developed by RCL under sponsorship of DRDC Ottawa, which will receive royalties resulting from foreign sales of this technology.
This radar has been set up at the Andros Island of the Bahamas, as part of a six-month proof-of-concept demonstration, to highlight the radar's system detection capability against go-fast boats, fishing boats, large support vessels, and rigid hull inflatable boats, as well as small, low flying aircraft and helicopters.
A team of researchers in the Surface Radar Section of DRDC Ottawa, led by Hing Chan and Harold Wilson, has worked closely with RCL for more than a decade by conducting trials and developing signal-processing techniques. The Raytheon-DRDC radar is a promising new technology to protect the shores of Canada and
the United States, providing low cost, accurate and
reliable all weather surveillance.
Unlike traditional shore-based microwave radar, this radar uses high frequency (HF) electromagnetic signals that are not limited by the horizon. This unique capability allows the HFSWR to be the only shore-based radar system capable of detecting small surface and low flying targets over the horizon. The US Navy and Coast Guard have also expressed interest. Plans are underway to set up the radar in Key West, FL, for further demonstration.
As a result of the collaboration between DRDC and industry, Canada is now among world leaders in developing and exploiting HFSWR technology. This expertise has enormous potential for wealth generation for Canada.
