Advancements in multi-mode imaging radar systems for rotary wing aircraft

The capability for long-range surveillance is a critical component of search and rescue missions, naval force protection, and customs operations. Historically, helicopters have played an ever-increasing role in the surveillance function, because of their unique capabilities. Whether operating from small ships, transporting cargo or people, or performing search and rescue missions from land or from sea, helicopters have always demonstrated extreme agility and great flexibility. Radar equipped helicopters provide rapid and efficient surveillance of large areas of blue water, as well as shorter-range littoral (land and sea) environments. Modern radar systems provide fast and accurate search, detection, acquisition, and tracking of targets at long-range. Imaging capabilities have also been added to further help identify targets at longer ranges. This paper discusses past and present radar technologies and trends that are driving the development of multi-mode radar and identification friend or foe (IFF) systems. It also discusses the future direction that these systems will take for both military and civil helicopter applications.