VirtuaLabs S.r.l.
FCR 10X LPI
1- Introduction
In recent years, the solid state high power Gallium Nitrate (GaN) technology has matured and reached very interesting results. At the same time, the fast digital processing implemented in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) increased enormously the processing power.
These technologies advances allowed Virtualabs to develop and deliver many advanced radar solutions, both for Fire Control Radars and for Search Radars.
2- FCR 10X-LPI
FCR 10X-LPI is an X Band conical scan Fire Control Radar (FCR) based on advanced technologies: solid state GaN transmitter and FPGA for real time radar digital processing.
It is composed of one Transmitting-Receiving Unit (TRU), one antenna pedestal (AP1), one antenna box & antenna dish, one digital Servo Box Unit and one Console that houses the Target Acquisition Unit (TAU) displays and controls. The Console is an option..
FCR 10X-LPI is characterized by a very high MTBF that will imply a reduced Logistic Support effort. Moreover, the few parts composing the system the full digital processing will simplify the system maintenance.
Moreover, the low transmitted peak power (200 W instead of hundreds kilowatt) will add to the FCR the LPI (Low Probability of Intercept) characteristics.
For old ships that require a cost-effective modernization, where the installed FCR antenna pedestal and the Antenna Box are already available, FCR 10X-LPI can be successfully used to replace the many old FCR units, saving at the same time a lot of the installation. The upgraded radar, while keeping the same operational performances of the old FCR, will add other important features (e.g. Pulse Compression, MTI, Pulse Doppler mode, etc.) and will eliminate the old costly assemblies (e.g. High Voltage Power Supply, Magnetron or TWT, Cathode Ray Tubes, etc.). They will be replaced by solid state GaN transmitter, LCD display and FPGA based fast digital processing.
In the case of radar modernization, the old antenna pedestal will be upgraded by removing the old Synchro-tacho-motor system that will be replaced by a modern encoder-motor kit that mates the Digital Servo box.
3- FCR 10X-LPI Main Features
a) Long Range detection/acquisition (>35 Km on 2 sqm target)
b) Accurate tracking (Conical Scan)
c) Solid state (GaN) transmitter technology.
d) LPI characteristics.
e) Fast digital processing on re-programmable FPGA.
f) Digital Servo unit.
g) Large LCD display.
h) Very high MTBF
i) Low Weight, Volume and Power Consumption; Simple Installation.
4- FCR 10X-LPI Architecture
The FCR 10X-LPI architecture is the classical one and it is illustrated in the relevant figure. The FCR can be easily interconnected with the Fire Control System and the available ship’s bus.
5- TAU Presentation example
A typical 20” LCD display and control panel for FCR 10X-LPI TAU is reported in the figure. The presentation and control are software controlled and can be adapted to the user needs.
The whole Console unit is an option.
5- FCR 10X-LPI Installation characteristics
TRU: Dimensions 414 x 435 x 435 mm
Weight 25 Kg (approx.)
Power 220 V; 50-60 Hz.
Power consumption: 350 VA
Servo Unit: Dimensions 177 x 483 x 400 mm
Weight 15 Kg (approx.)
Power 440 V; 50-60 Hz
Power consumption 1200 VA
