Central acquisition radar (3D-CAR)
The central acquisition radar (3D-CAR) is a 3D radar developed by DRDO for use with Akash SAM capable of tracking 150 targets.
 Rohini radar of IAF | |
| Country of origin | India |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bharat Electronics Limited |
| Designer | Defence Research and Development Organisation Electronics and Radar Development Establishment |
| Type | Primary surveillance radar |
| Frequency | S band |
| Range | greater than 200 km (120 mi) [1] |
| Altitude | 18 kilometres (11 mi) |
| Other Names | ROHINI REVATHI |
Details
Central acquisition radar (CAR) is a medium-range high-resolution 3D surveillance radar. Central acquisition radar was designed by LRDE, a DRDO laboratory, and is produced by a joint venture between BEL, Larsen & Toubro, Astra Microwave and Entec. The radar employs a planar array antenna and provides simultaneous multi-beam coverage. It can handle 150 targets in track while scan mode and has a range of more than 200 km and up to 18 km altitude.
Features
These features relate to the 3D CAR radar. Specifications for the Rohini, 3D TCR and Revathi are available in the links below.
- Medium-range 3D surveillance
- S band operation
- Surveillance range more than 200 km
- Covers elevation of 18 km in height
- High-altitude deployability
- Deployment in less than 20 minutes
- 150 Targets in TWS
- Array of ECCM features
- Integrated IFF
- Capable of detecting low-altitude targets, and also supersonic aircraft flying at over Mach 3 speed
- Frequency agility and jammer analysis
Variants
DRDO has further developed its into three variants which are:
- Rohini
The Rohini radar is mounted on a modified TATRA heavy truck and supported by a mobile auxiliary power unit. The TATRA is license manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).[2]
- Revathi
Revathi is the ship-borne secondary surveillance radar especially designed for the navy to search the air and sea target. The radar can auto track up to 150 targets including tracking. There are three Antenna Rotation Rates (ARR) of 6, 12, 24 RPMs. The radar has ECCM features.[3][4]
Revathi radar is used to equip the 4 Kamorta-class corvettes.
- 3D TCR
It has been developed for Indian Army,[5] with a tracking range of 90 km. The radar has a lower antenna mount and is packaged in two vehicles instead of three for the Rohini. It can also feed data to a weapons station 20 km away. It is currently in service.
Current status
BEL anticipates a requirement for 100 Rohini radars. BEL delivered the first ROHINI to the Indian Air Force on August 6, 2008. Around 20 radars can be manufactured annually.[6]
The ROHINI has a new Indian-developed antenna which is more advanced than that on the original CAR terms of power handling and beam forming technology.
Seven Rohinis were initially ordered by the Indian Air Force for their radar modernization program. The IAF then ordered 30 more radars after evaluation, making total orders 37 of the type.
The IAF has ordered eight Akash SAM squadrons, and the ROHINIs act as the central early warning system for an Akash squadron deployment.
The Revathi adds two axis stabilization for operation in naval conditions, as well as extra naval modes.
Additional orders are also expected from the Indian Army if they order the Akash (missile) system.
As of 2022 the Sri Lanka Air Force is planning to purchase of two Rohini Radar systems. [7]
References
- "Raksha Mantri to commission 'INS Kamorta'". Indian Navy. 20 Aug 2014.
- "Rohini". Deagel. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
- "3D Surveillance Radar for Indian Navy -Revathi". DRDO. New Delhi. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
- "Revathi Radar". DRDO. New Delhi. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
- "3D Central Acquisition Radar". India Science and Technology. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
- BEL Hands Over State of The Art ‘Rohini’ Radar to IAF
- "Annual Performance Report for the year 2022 Sri Lanka Air Force" (PDF). parliament.lk. Parliament of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 25 October 2023.