The advent and proliferation of lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles poses new challenges for the industry. Such items can be dangerous, but they are difficult to find and destroy. Various systems are proposed to protect objects from UAVs. One of the novelties of this kind is the domestic radar station "Raccoon".
Promising project
Radar "Raccoon" was developed by the Zelenograd JSC "SPC" Elvis ", which is engaged in the creation of various electronic systems for different areas. The development of the station began in the recent past and took only a year and a half. To date, the radar has been tested and fine-tuned, and has also entered mass production. There are already several orders for the supply of serial "Raccoons".
The Raccoon project takes into account the typical problems and challenges of the present time associated with the widespread use of light UAVs. The station is intended for monitoring the situation within a radius of several kilometers and searching for air, ground or surface objects. The data on the found object can be used for various purposes.
The "Raccoon" project uses the most modern solutions and components that allow to obtain sufficiently high performance. At the same time, the radar has minimal dimensions and can be placed on different platforms or structures. The possibility of interaction with other technical means is provided, incl. by integrating into larger complexes.
Technical features
Radar "Raccoon" consists of several main components. The most noticeable is the mushroom antenna of the three-axis locator. The control is carried out by means of a computer with the necessary software. Another component of the station is the power supply cabinet. The package also includes a set of cables for connecting devices.
This entire set of equipment can be placed on any stationary structure or on a vehicle. Published photographs demonstrating the installation of "Raccoon" on a light building. The antenna device was placed on the roof, while the computer equipment and power cabinet were inside.
The basis of the complex is a three-coordinate multi-beam radar. It provides an overview of the upper hemisphere, detection and tracking of air, ground or surface targets. The advantages of the station include the absence of restrictions on the number of tracked targets. In addition, the "Raccoon" can search for objects on land and water. The computer is able to take into account the current conditions and adjust the work of the station to them, providing the greatest performance.
Light UAVs with an RCS of 0.01 sq. M are detected at distances of 1800 m. An object with an RCS of 0.5 m (a person or other comparable object) is noticed by the station from 4700 m. Cars or boats are detected at ranges of 8300 m. that according to the tabular characteristics "Raccoon" is inferior to other radars, incl. military use. However, other features and characteristics compensate for the loss in range.
Radar "Raccoon" carries out a survey of the terrain in automatic mode. When an air or ground / surface target is detected, the station takes it for tracking and notifies the operator. Then the operator of the complex can make a decision and start subsequent actions.
The "Raccoon" does not include its own means of counteraction or defeat. At the same time, the radar can be used together with them or integrated into larger complexes with similar capabilities. It is proposed to supplement the radar with optoelectronic surveillance equipment, which allows identification and further target tracking. Together with the "Raccoon" can also be used means of electronic warfare or optoelectronic suppression of various types.
A new type of radar is being assembled at the Elvis Scientific and Production Center. The enterprise manufactures some of the components and devices independently, others are purchased from suppliers. Both domestic and foreign components are used. "Raccoon" is intended for the civilian market, which is why the manufacturer did not focus exclusively on domestic components.
Purpose of the product
Radar "Raccoon" is designed to protect various civilian objects exposed to excessive attention or attacks using light UAVs. The station can be used on any objects located on a flat and easily visible area. These can be airports, factories, fuel and energy enterprises, etc.
The antenna device is mounted at an optimal point that provides the best view of the terrain, after which the radar can begin to work. Depending on the wishes of the customer, the locator can be supplemented with other surveillance and / or countermeasures systems.
The product "Raccoon" is notable for its low characteristics - the largest objects can be detected at ranges of no more than 8-8.5 km, while light UAVs can be seen from 1.5-1.8 km. However, such characteristics are quite sufficient for the protection of typical objects. In addition, the rest of the characteristics of the station are at an optimal level. The station has low power consumption, is easy to operate and maintain, and can also accompany a large number of targets.
"Raccoon" on the market
In 2018, SPC Elvis received a loan of 75 million rubles from the Industry Development Fund. This money was intended to launch the serial production of new radars in order to enter the domestic and international markets. Similar tasks have already been solved, and Russian-made stations are being sent to customers.
The first customer of the serial "Raccoons" was an unnamed Russian organization. The development company believes that the domestic market is still showing conservatism associated with the lesser proliferation of UAVs. Nevertheless, it was the Russian company that became the first buyer. Then new orders appeared, both domestic and export.
Recently it became known that the next batch of "Raccoon" radar station will go to work in South Korea. The customer will receive the necessary products by the end of the 1st quarter of 2020. The quantity and cost of the equipment were not specified. Negotiations are underway with customers from Bulgaria, Great Britain and Germany.
SPC "Elvis" brings production rates to a high level. By the end of 2019, the company plans to assemble 27 stations. For the next 2020, the production of 100 products is planned. In the presence of new orders, production growth is possible - due to the organization of additional work shifts.
Advanced developments
The widespread use of UAVs of all classes, as well as the simplicity and low cost of lightweight systems, lead to the emergence of new challenges and threats. The industry has to react to this and create new models of technology. The new Raccoon radar is a response to modern threats, tailored to the needs of civilian customers.
It should be recalled that "Raccoon" is not the only domestic development designed to search for drones and counter them. Various means of detection and suppression systems are being created, incl. portable. All this clearly shows that the Russian industry takes into account current problems and responds to them.
The presence of orders for the Raccoon radar from domestic and foreign customers shows that such products are distinguished by high performance and wide capabilities, and are also able to find their place in the international market. At the same time, there is every reason for positive forecasts. In the near future, new orders may appear - following the existing ones.
