Hensoldt UK will supply its Kelvin Hughes Mk11 SharpEye naval navigation radars (pictured) for the Philippine Navy's new offshore patrol vessels and corvettes, being developed by Hyundai Heavy Industries. (Hensoldt)
Hensoldt UK, formerly known as Kelvin Hughes, has secured two contracts to supply its Mk11 SharpEye naval navigation radars for the Philippine Navy's new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and corvettes, being developed by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
In addition to navigation, the Mk11 SharpEye pulse-doppler radar can provide enhanced surface surveillance capability to the Philippine Navy, Hensoldt said in a media release on 17 March. The radar will be installed in conjunction with an integrated navigation bridge system, the company added.
According to company specifications, the Mk11 SharpEye can transmit powers of up to 300 W. The radar's X-band (I-band) transmitters employ gallium nitride (GaN) power transistor technology to improve the performance of the radar.
The Mk11 SharpEye can see smaller targets such as rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) and submarine periscopes in clutter conditions at greater ranges than its previous versions. It can detect small targets with a 0.5 m² radar cross-section (RCS) at several nautical miles, and has the capability to provide situational awareness in all weather conditions and in high sea states, the company said.
The solid-state SharpEye transceivers are located upmast in a carbon fibre turning unit, enabling ease of installation for the Philippine Navy, Hensoldt said. The use of a direct drive motor system, rather than a traditional antenna rotator gearbox, can also reduce maintenance costs for the navy, Hensoldt added.
According to Janes
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