Kelvin Hughes Unveils Advanced Radar Solutions for the Royal Navy’s Newest River-Class OPVs
Kelvin Hughes Expands Radar Supply for Batch 2 River-Class OPVs
Kelvin Hughes, a global leader in designing and manufacturing navigation and security surveillance radar, made headlines in April 2015 by securing a contract to deliver its advanced SharpEye™ systems for the new Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) – HMS Forth, HMS Medway, and HMS Trent.
In an exciting development, the company recently announced that it will also provide the same cutting-edge radar technology for the latest two Batch 2 ships – HMS Tamar and HMS Spey.
Each vessel will feature a SharpEye™ I-Band radar, specifically for helicopter control and navigation, alongside an E/F-Band SharpEye™ radar designed for navigation and collision avoidance. Additionally, Kelvin Hughes will supply ARPA widescreen radar displays for all Batch 2 OPVs. The radar systems will seamlessly integrate with each ship’s Combat Management System and other third-party systems such as WECDIS and WAIS.
Distinct in both design and functionality from their Batch 1 predecessors, the Batch 2 ships boast a Merlin-capable flight deck and significantly enhanced troop accommodation. These vessels are set to be deployed globally, undertaking various roles including anti-piracy, counter-terrorism, and anti-smuggling operations typically conducted by Royal Navy frigates and destroyers.
The SharpEye™ radar systems, utilizing solid-state technology, deliver a sophisticated pulse-compressed Doppler capability, enhancing navigation and situational awareness. This technology offers early detection of not just large vessels but also smaller targets and asymmetric threats that have a low Radar Cross Section, like RHIBs, small wooden boats, USVs, and jet skis. Operating in the I-Band, the new radar empowers ships to differentiate between actual threats and environmental noise, even in challenging weather conditions.
More than 25 navies worldwide utilize SharpEye™ radar and displays. Recently, Kelvin Hughes secured a contract to supply the Irish Naval Service with SharpEye™ systems for their new fleet of OPVs currently under construction.
