BAE Systems’ Artisan 3D radar system passes sea-based acceptance trials

The radar, which can monitor more than 800 objects simultaneously from 200 to 200,000 meters away – and cut through radio interference equal to 10,000 mobile phone signals –  has undertaken sea trials across multiple Royal Navy frigates since 2013 and proved its capabilities in an operational environment.

Under a £105 million contact BAE Systems will develop, manufacture and provide support for 19 of the radars for the Royal Navy until 2022.  The nineteenth Artisan 3D radar has now successfully completed factory acceptance testing and all 19 radars will be delivered to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) by mid-2017.

In addition to the 11 frigates fitted to date, Artisan 3D has also been fitted on the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, a landing platform dock assault ship, a landing platform helicopter assault ship and installed at MOD’s land-based test site at Portsdown Technology Park, Portsmouth.

Artisan will also be installed on the second of the new aircraft carriers HMS Prince of Wales, a further two frigates and a landing platform dock assault ship. Further trials will take place prior to each of the radars going into service.

Les Gregory, Director for Products and Training Services at BAE Systems said: “Artisan 3D is a ground-breaking radar system that delivers real capability to the Royal Navy with its supreme accuracy and uncompromising tracking. Its world-leading electronic protection measure ensures that even complex jammers will not reduce its effectiveness.

“Artisan 3D has now been extensively tested, demonstrating high performance with significant flexibility to meet current and future threats. It provides air and surface surveillance and target tracking to support platform and weapon system requirements on a wide range of platforms. BAE Systems is proud to continue its record of providing the most advanced radar capabilities to the Royal Navy.”

Jonathan Barratt, Head of the Complex Weapons Team at the MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support said: “Artisan is a highly capable radar, providing record breaking track detection ranges against complex and demanding threats. This contract demonstrates how DE&S, industry and the Royal Navy are working collaboratively to deliver cutting-edge equipment, vital in supporting and protecting our Armed Forces.”