To efficiently deal with modern day threats, the commander of a naval vessel requires a system that will provide him a highly effective communications and radar threat profile in near real-time. Even better, of course, is if that system can also provide automatic surveillance, together with operational flexibility leading to the reduction of the work of intelligence operators and ease of installation all on one mast. That is just what the MAIGRET S 5800 combined naval RESM, ELINT, CESM, COMINT and SIGINT system can deliver.

This system combines RADAR ESM and COMMS ESM inputs in the frequency range of 10 kHz to 40 GHz, with the radar and communications signal data intelligence information being fused into a single tactical EW database. With this data, an overview of the tactical situation can be shown on a tactical polar display and/or a map display. Also, special automatic threat warning filters are implemented to classify the signals into threat categories. The consequence of the action of these filters is that the load of the intelligence operator is dramatically reduced, effectively making the system an automatic surveillance system.

Data Recording and Analysis

All collected data can be recorded and a shore-based, post mission analysis tool is available for analyzing offline the data recorded from different vessels. As was mentioned earlier, the system also has the capability of providing extended roles, such as electronic intelligence (ELINT), communications intelligence (COMINT) and signal intelligence (SIGINT). It is a wideband digital reception technique, which is the core of the RESM that enables it to double as an ELINT system.

Taking COMMS ESM and RADAR ESM in turn, the former has a frequency range of 10 kHz to 3000 MHz, features azimuth selective wideband search and occupancy detection, and digital map display. The frequency range of the RADAR ESM, however, extends from 2 to 18 GHz with the capability of extending it to as low as 0.5 GHz and as high as 40 GHz. For this purpose MAIGRET S 5800 offers a one-mast antenna solution with an outstanding sensitivity and bearing accuracy. Figure 1 shows the combined antenna array for radar and COMMS signals. Other key capabilities include automatic emitter activity detection, data reduction by emitter tracking, automatic emitter-type classification, manual signal analysis and the tracking of 512 emitters simultaneously.
The system has an ELINT capability mode with high sensitivity (better than –80 dBm), extensive data collection, including intra-pulse parameters and no degradation of wideband characteristics while collecting ELINT data. To illustrate the operation, Figure 2 shows an intra-pulse analysis display for the ELINT module and Figure 3 the pulse train analysis display for the same module.

Fig. 1 Combined antenna array for radar and COMMS signals.

Fig. 2 Intra-pulse analysis display for the ELINT module.

Fig. 3 Pulse train analysis display for the ELINT module.

Future Proofed

Other features include a software structure that enables the system’s operation to be managed from the Multi-function Console (MFC) of the dedicated operation consoles. The system uses state-of-the-art, new generation (wideband) technology and significantly provides functional upgrades for new signals and future threats. Another important attribute is the capability to interface with many combat systems and customer databases, making the system easily adaptable to the specific needs of the customer.

As well as meeting the essential operational criteria, the system has also been designed to meet the physical demands of installation on naval vessels. The antenna is completely operationally proven for the naval environment and the basic version is installed in a standard 19 inch rack. This makes it ideally suited to compact vessels and submarines and easy to install, both for new build and retrofitting.

Conclusion

The MAIGRET S 5800 system offers the operational capability and flexibility required by the modern navy. It delivers a one-mast antenna solution providing automatic surveillance, flexible and comprehensive operation, together with ease of installation even in the most restricting and demanding naval environments.

MRCM GmbH,
Ulm, Germany,
+49 (0) 731 392 4731,
www.mrcm.net.