Sigma Engineering Limited has developed a Modular Radar Interface(MRI) that combines a high performance radar signal processor with the ability to interface to standard marine radars having antenna scan rates up to 120 RPM. The high speed antenna provides improved target detection for small targets at sea. This development has been supported by the Transportation Development Centre (TDC) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). The system underwent successful field trials in November, 1997 on board the CCG vessel J.E. Bernier. A Raytheon MK2 Pathfinder radar was installed for the trial after undergoing modifications to increase its antenna speed to 120 RPM. Preliminary results demonstrate the ability of the new system to detect targets having a radar cross section in the range of 0.03 m~2, representing real-life targets varying in size from a Person-In-the-Water (PIW) to a four-man liferaft. The MRI converts the raw radar data into digital format, performs signal processing under operator control and generates high resolution data suitable for display, all in real time.
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