Abler helicopter radars

Russia’s premier airborne radar specialist Phazotron NIIR, a subsidiary of the concern KRET, has brought to HeliRussia 2014 its in-production Ka-band 8mm wavelength FH01 Millimeter Wave Radar (MMW) for the Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter.

The manufacturer explains that, because of the size restrictions on the aperture of helicopter radars, only the Ka band ensures the requisite target-to-clutter contrast for small-sized fixed targets and an appropriate bearing resolution. The Ka band is also preferred over the 3 mm wavelength band for its lower rain and fog attenuation under otherwise equal conditions.

Phazotron NIIR is already working to develop a dual-band helicopter radar, seeing as the use of the Ka band alone has its limitations in terms of the terrain mapping area, the detection range for small-sized ground, airborne targets and weather phenomena, and the effective range in reduced optical visibility. In addition, the Russian military is aiming to expand the scope of Ka-52 applications by adding long-range maritime patrol missions against ground, sea-surface, aerial and dangerous weather targets. This is a job for the X band.