DRDO's 80-km Radar Upgrade: A Game-Changer for Projectile Tracking

DRDO's 80-km Radar Upgrade: A Game-Changer for Projectile Tracking\n\nThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step in enhancing its testing capabilities with the release of an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Pulsed Phased Array Tracking Radar. This cutting-edge radar system is designed to track howitzers projectiles up to 80 km with high range accuracy, marking a significant improvement over existing systems.\n\nThe Proof & Experimental Establishment in Chandipur has published the EOI, which outlines the technical specifications for the radar. The system is required to operate in the S-band frequency range, between 2.9 and 3.3 GHz, and track targets with a Radar Cross Section (RCS) of around -15 dBsm. The maximum tracking range requirement is 80 km for a target with an RCS of -15 dBsm, at a signal-to-noise ratio of 21 dB.\n\nThe probability of detection is mandated to be at least 0.95 with a false-alarm probability of 1e-4. The tracking radar is also required to provide range measurement accuracy of 30 metres or better throughout the projectile's flight path.\n\nThe PPTTR requirement stems from the need for the PXE to carry out its mandate as a weapons test and evaluation centre, rather than a battlefield air-defence radar. The PXE is one of the eight DRDO clusters, focusing on Armament and Combat Engineering Systems, and carries out proof and experimental tests on missiles, guns, and ammunition.\n\nA phased-array radar is fundamentally different from a mechanically-scanned radar. The electronically-scanned array allows the radar to aim the beam independently and simultaneously at multiple targets by adjusting the phase of the signal at each element. The EOI mentions a requirement for a pulsed phased-array tracking radar, which suggests that the radar is likely to be optimised to acquire and track targets with high range accuracy.\n\nIt is essential to distinguish between a battlefield radar and a test & evaluation radar. The PPTTR requirement should not be confused with India's existing radars for battlefield surveillance or for air-defence roles. For example, the DRDO's Weapon Locating Radar is designed to locate enemy artillery, mortar, and rocket-launch sites, as well as estimate impact points.\n\nThe EOI also mandates a trailer-mounted option for the new radar, capable of being towed at speeds of around 30-40 mph. The radar is to be automatically protected from precipitation and other adverse weather conditions. PXE has also required a design option for mounting the radar on a building, which would allow it to be raised by approximately 10 m and have a defined field of view.\n\nIn case of induction, the 80-km PPTTR radar would provide the PXE with a significant radar capability for tracking long-range artillery projectiles as well as other ballistic test objects, giving it a much-needed high-accuracy ranging capability over extended ranges.\n\nThis upgrade is a significant step towards enhancing India's testing capabilities, and the DRDO's commitment to developing cutting-edge technology. The 80-km PPTTR radar is expected to play a crucial role in the development of new weapons systems and the improvement of existing ones.\n\nIn conclusion, the DRDO's 80-km radar upgrade is a game-changer for projectile tracking, and it is expected to have a significant impact on India's defence capabilities.