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AWS-10 is a 2-D Naval Surveillance Radar System, developed and currently marketed by BAE Systems Maritime - Maritime Services^[1]. Designed for the OPV (Off-shore Patrol Vessel) and Support Vessel operational roles the AWS-10 is classed as a Medium Range Radar with an instrumented range of 180 km (97.2 nmi), providing surveillance against in both surface and air targets. The main Radar provides options for additional sensor integration (examples being IFF or Navigation Radar) and is available both in lightweight^[2] and standard^[3] configurations, each consisting of a 2kW and 15kW power variant.

The AWS-10 Radar System is derived from the BAE Systems Maritime Services 2D Radar Core Product, which in turn is primarily based on the proven technology of the Artisan 3D (RT997), in service onboard Royal Navy Type 23 Frigates. The pilot replacement of the old RT994 Radar with AWS-10 entered service with the Royal Navy’s Primary Casualty Receiving Facility (PCRF), RFA Argus, in December 2015.

The AWS-10 Radar System has been operating on board Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) casualty ship RFA Argus since December 2015. As a Military Aviation Authority (MAA) compliant Radar System, the AWS-10 is suited for OPVs and other support ships such as the RFA Argus.

Based on the proven technology and performance of BAE Systems’ medium range air surveillance 3D SAMPSON Radar in use on board the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyers, the AWS-10 provides maximum enhanced 2D capability at a lower cost.

It can differentiate between targets, delivering target feature extraction and digital signal processing. The S-band Radar features solid-state technology, ECCM and can operate in a wide range of weather conditions and sea states. Its lightweight design, owing to a single below-deck cabinet, allows for rapid installation on new vessels or retro-fitting onto existing platforms.

The AWS-10 is interoperable and can reportedly integrate with weapons systems, providing end-users with enhanced situational awareness where longer range air and surface surveillance is a priority.

AWS-10 provided critical control of helicopter operations during the mission in which the RFA Argus served as the base for Merlin helicopters to ferry medicine, food and supplies around Sierra Leone during Operation Gritrock. Support was provided to both UK Armed Forces on the ground, and for those in isolated communities during the Ebola crisis.^[4]

"The AWS-10 system has been extremely reliable; there hasn’t been a single failure during its time on board RFA Argus."

— Paul Hollands (Delivery Manager, UK Ministry of Defence)

Antenna

• Weight: <250kg (lightweight)/<800kg (standard)
• Type: Slotted waveguide array (lightweight)/Shaped-beam (cosec²) reflector (standard)
• Horizontal Beamwidth: 1.9° (lightweight)/1.65° (standard)
• Antenna Rotation Rate: 15 rpm
• Weight: 15.5 ft (4.7 m)
• Stabilisation: Mechanical (standard only)

Transmitter

• Frequency Band: S band (E/F band)
• Type: Solid State Transmit Module
• Duty Cycle: 10% max.

Commander SL (also known as Type 102) is a Long Range Tactical Air Defence Radar System, developed and currently marketed by BAE Systems Maritime - Maritime Services^[1]. Presently in-service with the UK Royal Air Force among a number of other nations, Commander SL provides detection of targets to a maximum instrumented range of 470km and ceiling of 100,000ft. The major radar components, comprised of the Antenna and Radar Management Cabin, can be located on trailers resulting in a road transportable convoy.

The system offers highly interoperable and integrated features, with the option of a Mode S compatible co-mounted IFF (SSR) and connectivity to modern C² (Command and Control) infrastructure.^[2]

Commander SL is derived from the original AR-series Air Defence Radars produced by Plessey Radar with later generations being produced under AMS (Alenia Marconi Systems) joint-venture. Both companies are now part of BAE Systems with Commander SL serving as the state-of-the-art solid-state evolution of the older AR-327 Commander. It incorporates the same fundamental basis as the AR-327, however the original TWT transmitter has been updated with solid-state technology, this upgrade prescribes a number of other technology advances within the system. Reliability and maintainability are reportedly improved by the addition of self-diagnosing modular LRUs (Line Replaceable Units) along with the inclusion of COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) parts.

BAE Systems currently offer Commander SL along with a Transmitter Upgrade Package for existing in-service Commander Radars.

Commander SL appears to have a proven operational track record with the RAF, who have deployed it in a number of locations across the United Kingdom. It has also operated in harsher environments reportedly seeing overseas deployments in a variety of locations such as Iraq, Afghanistan and the Arctic Circle.^[3]

Antenna

• Weight: 9 tonnes
• Type: Planar Slotted Waveguide Array
• Horizontal Beamwidth: 1.9° (lightweight)/1.65° (standard)
• Transport: Collapsible and transportable

Transmitter

• Frequency Band: S band (E/F band), 400MHz bandwidth
• Type: Antenna co-mounted Solid State Transmit Receive Modules

Watchman is a Medium Range Air Surveillance Radar reputed for it's ATC capability. The product was developed by Plessey Radar (now BAE Systems in the 1980s and a reported 100 systems in 40 locations are currently in-service worldwide.

In recent years the current manufacturer, BAE Systems - Maritime, Maritime Services was awarded a £7m contract for the upgrade of four Watchman Radar Systems under Project Marshall^[1]. Having an operated for over 30 years, the Watchman Upgrade Package is anticipated to extend its operational life by further 20 years.