Four new vessels commissioned by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force are carrying the SharpEye upmast radar system, from the navigation and security surveillance systems firm Kelvin Hughes.
The Damen Stan Patrol 5009 Coastal Patrol Vessels are all now fitted with a SharpEye X-Band radar, located upmast in a carbon composite housing with a stealth profile, as well as a tactical radar display. The four craft – the TTS Speyside, Quinam, Moruga and Carli Bay – will patrol the Caribbean islands’ coastal waters and are also capable of operating in its Exclusive Economic Zone.
The radar was selected the makers say due to its target detection capability especially in poor weather such as heavy rain and high sea states. Dedicated primarily to surface search and surveillance to counteract illegal activity, the radar will also be used in support of the vessels’ navigational magnetron radar to provide safety and situational awareness.
With its low power output – reducing the probability of detection by ESM equipment – the radar will enable the craft to remain out of visual sight and out of conventional radar detection range while still being able to track and monitor vessels, the product firm says.
The original order for the radar was placed by Alphatron Marine BV of The Netherlands who was assigned as the integration partner for Damen Shipyards. After deliveries and sea trials between April and October 2015, the programme was concluded in November and the radar and the patrol craft are now in service.
Rohan Dearlove, Kelvin Hughes’ Sales Director – Central Region, said: “We’re delighted to have successfully delivered this important project to Alphatron Marine, Damen and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. The selection of SharpEye radar technology delivers benefits to all of our customers, whether they be system integrators, shipbuilders or end users. The end user benefits from enhanced levels of performance and a low cost of ownership, whilst integrators and shipbuilders benefit from ease of integration and a simple physical installation.”
