SharpEye radars selected for Royal Navy’s OPVs
Kelvin Hughes has been selected to supply its SharpEye radars for the UK Royal Navy’s River-class Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), the company announced on 13 April.
Kelvin Hughes’ integrated radar system consists of an I Band Doppler SharpEye radar that supports helicopter control and navigation as well as an E/F Band SharpEye radar for navigation and collision avoidance. Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital Tactical ARPA displays will run both radars, and the system will be interfaced with the Combat Management System and third party systems such as WECDIS and WAIS.
The navy is to receive three OPVs named HMS Forth, HMS Medway and HMS Trent for counter terrorism, counter piracy and anti-smuggling operations. The vessels will enter service in 2017.
Rohan Dearlove, sales director for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Kelvin Hughes, said: ‘Customer navies report that SharpEye radar provides superior surface and air target detection, even in adverse weather conditions, thus greatly enhancing situational awareness and safe navigation.
‘The helicopter detection performance delivered by SharpEye is compliant with the latest MAA regulations without the need for a transponder system such as RRB.’
Dearlove added: ‘SharpEye is Kelvin Hughes’ baseline offering for all RN/RFA programmes including the planned Navigation Radar Portfolio (fleet replacement programme). Our ability to offer variants of SharpEye across both frequency bands to a similar design offers MOD the opportunity to realise significant savings in training, documentation and through life support.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests]()
US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray approaches carrier-integration tests
Boeing has outlined its upcoming precision-landing and carrier-airspace trials as MQ-25 manufacturing shifts towards Illinois, with initial Lot 1 deliveries expected in 2029.
-
![From Poland to the Pacific: Can Miecznik become a blueprint for other navies?]()
From Poland to the Pacific: Can Miecznik become a blueprint for other navies?
Babcock is taking its Polish industrial partnership approach to Denmark and New Zealand as navies seek sovereign shipbuilding skills alongside ships.
-
![Unsettled waters in the North: can navies still trust their Arctic acoustic maps?]()
Unsettled waters in the North: can navies still trust their Arctic acoustic maps?
The changing Arctic environment is creating new challenges for submarine detection, driving demand for distributed sensors, uncrewed underwater vehicles and real-time acoustic modelling.
-
![Aevex, Lockheed Martin and Thales deals highlight consolidation in naval technology]()
Aevex, Lockheed Martin and Thales deals highlight consolidation in naval technology
A wave of acquisitions is bringing specialist autonomy and underwater technology under the umbrella of larger defence contractors. As a result, navies may gain faster access to capability, but not necessarily a broader choice of suppliers.
-
![Italy’s DDX destroyer deal opens a decade of naval spending]()
Italy’s DDX destroyer deal opens a decade of naval spending
A €3.7 billion destroyer contract for Fincantieri and Leonardo is only the start, with submarines, corvettes and a new carrier pointing to more opportunities.
-
![Production-ready beats prototype-ready in the US Navy’s MUSV marketplace]()
Production-ready beats prototype-ready in the US Navy’s MUSV marketplace
HII, Saronic and Galliano Marine Services have won US Navy production contracts to supply medium uncrewed surface vessels. The marketplace approach behind them sets the bar for suppliers eyeing allied navy competitions.
