A800 3D MULTI-MODE RADAR

The Blighter A800 is a 3D multi-mode radar, based on the latest generation monopulse antenna technology. It provides the unique ability to use its optimised air security modes to search for small drones, and at the same time, can use its ground/sea surveillance modes to search for surface targets over land and water.

The A800 performs its air, ground and sea detection functions simultaneously, allowing multi-mode operation with simple user setup. The A800 multi-mode radar uses triple, transmit and receive, radar-beam spotlighting to focus all its energy on targets of interest. The radar ignores ground clutter and off-beam targets, giving rapid scanning of a 90° wide by 40° high cone.

A800 3D Multi-Mode Radar

The A800 inherits its core technology from Blighter’s TRL-9 (technology readiness level nine) field-proven A400 series air security radars. However, the A800 combines the ability to detect land and water-based objects, which of course may include the drone operator. In addition, the A800 reports that targets are either: surface, flying or high-flying.

Countering Low, Slow and Small (LSS) Threats

The A800 acts as the key detect element in C-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial system) products. It is designed to counter current low, slow and small (LSS) threats caused by the mis-use of commercial ‘hobby’ drones. (Including the commonly used ‘DJI Phantom’ style quadcopters.) To further enhance system performance, the A800 features smart micro-Doppler target filtering with AI target classification. This reduces false alarms from wildlife and helps improve the detection of multicopter and winged drones.

Ruggedised and Secure

The A800’s rugged e-scan design with zero moving parts, allows it to operate in harsh conditions of high or low temp. It comes with mounting options for:

• Tripods and quad-pods
• Land vehicles and trailers
• Fixed towers and masts

For use in critical security projects, the radar is fitted with dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces with built-in robust data encryption. A software developer’s kit (SDK) is available for download. The SDK allows system integrators to quickly upgrade their existing wide area perimeter security and C-UAS systems.  Such systems can then make full use of the A800 radar’s advanced long-range detection features.  The A800 connects with the leading industry standard PSIM (physical security information management) platforms and defence C2 (command & control) systems.

Micro UAS (<2 kg) e.g. DJI Phantom or similar

UAS or Walking Person

Architectural Overview

• Radar type: 3D Multi-Mode Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Doppler AESA Radar
• Radar mode: multi-mode (air, ground and coastline)
• Frequency band: Ku radar band
• Operational bandwidth: 15.7 to 17.2 GHz
• Scan type: fully electronic scanning in azimuth (‘e-scan’) on both transmit and receive
• Elevation measurement type: multi-beam amplitude comparison monopulse
• Transmitter power (nominal): 4 Watt
• Embedded software and firmware: field upgradeable via network connection

Target Detection & Classification

• Rain mitigation filter: automatic
• Maximum detection ranges*:
  – DJI Phantom: up to 3 km
  – Walking person: up to 5 km
• Maximum targets per scan: 700
• False Alarm Rate (FAR): 1 false alarm per day (adjustable)
• Minimum detectable target radial velocity: 0.37 km/h (0.23 mph)
• Target classification: AI-based micro-Doppler analysis

Coverage

• Instrumented maximum range: 3.5 km, 10 km or 20 km (2.2 mi., 6.2 mi. or 12.4 mi.)
• Instrumented minimum range: less than 10 m (33 ft.)
• Azimuth scan angle: 90° horizontal e-scan
• Elevation beam: 40° vertical beamwidth
• Fastest scan time (for 90°): 1.0 s
• Fastest scan time (in Drone Spotlighting Mode): 0.25 s

Connectivity & Software

• Main I/O interfaces (for radar control and target data): dual encrypted 1000BASE-T Ethernet LAN (RFC 8446 TLS 1.3)
• Auxiliary I/O interfaces: RS-232 and RS-422 control lines, opto-isolated control/status inputs and isolated switched contact outputs
• Software Developer’s Kit (SDK): available to System Integrators

Electrical

• Power input voltage: 24 V to 28 V (DC) (nominal)
• Power compliance: MIL-STD-1275E
• Power consumption: 130 W (nominal)

Physical, Environmental & Reliability

• External dimensions of radar unit (W x H x D)**: 518 mm x 555 mm x 260 mm (20.4 in. x 21.9 in. x 10.2 in.)
• Weight of radar unit (approx.)**: 31 kg (68 lb.)
• Operating temperature: from -32° C to +65° C (from -25° F to +149° F) Note: extended operating temperature version available
• IP rating: IP66 (dust tight and protected against powerful water jets)
• MTBF: > 65,000 h

* target on antenna boresight and operating in slow-scan mode (Pd = 0.5)
** excluding optional mountings and solar shield

Errors and omissions excepted. Blighter Surveillance Systems Ltd reserves the right to modify specifications without notice. Blighter radars are protected by a number of international patents. The Blighter name is an international registered trademark.

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A800 3D Multi-Mode Radar Datasheet