South African Radar & EW and Communications Projects

[kaiserbill]

Fynkyk or Fynmeet system, pic I took at the 2012 DEXA/AAD show.

There was mention in Those who had the Power that an indigenous airborne intercept radar for the Carver NGFA was to have been leveraged off work done on the Fynkyk.
Any idea if this was so?

 

[David G]

An early version (protoype) of our airborne missile approach warning system - Circa "Bush/Border War" period, so I would guess it's mid to late 1980's. It was first installed on our licence built Aermacchi MB-326K (Impala Mk II). The 2nd pic highlights the initial installation and testing of the associated Chaff and Flare countermeasure dispensers (Pics taken off of FB - all credit to the original poster, Kobus De Villiers).

This and later systems got extensive combat experience over many years of of "Border/Bush War" against some of the most advanced Soviet SAMS and associated radar equipment deployed anywhere in the world at the time - and obviously saved many of our pilots and aircraft (despite the Cuban's and Russian's claims to the contrary).

This is amazing, thanks so much for sharing it. I had no idea South Africa had MAW systems during that war. If you don't mind me asking, do you have any more information on these early systems and what aircraft they were fitted to?

 

[Graugrun]

David G - I did have a lot more MAW and other info, unfortunately a recent house move forced me to throw away a lot of defence related material that I had (and still needed to scan and post on this site).

Here's some more info and pics following on my post #20 above...

Electronic warfare laboratory operates from the sky​

The CSIR has developed an electronic warfare pod that can be hosted on a number of fast jet types to provide a dynamic, multi-angle and more agile means of testing the effectiveness of radar and electronic warfare applications than the traditional ground-based systems. In the most recent tests, the pod, which serves as a mobile test laboratory, has proven its compatibility with the Hawk aircraft.
The pod is the result of a multiyear development programme between aeronautics experts and their counterparts in the fields of radar and electronic warfare at the CSIR, as well as a set of commercial partners from industry,
The pod is similar in look, size and mass to a commonly used external store on fast jet types, such as the BAE Hawk, Alpha Jet, Hawker Hunter, F-16, Tornado, F-4 Phantom and the Mirage III – all able to carry the system without costly reconfigurations or integration and clearance. It is a faster and less costly platform with which to test new airborne payloads. Its programmable capability means it can be used to test a range of radar or electronic warfare threats. It is also an effective and safe way to train operators.
The pod has proven its compatibility with and safe operation on the Hawker Hunter, the Cheetah and the Hawk aircraft – the latter being a platform operated by the South African Air Force.
In the test phases, the functionality of the pod’s various systems, including its electronic warfare payload, was tested rigorously in various operational flight profiles, including simulating anti-ship missile engagements at high speeds and very low altitudes. Stringent environmental testing was also done. By 2015, the first flight trials were performed to evaluate the effect on aircraft handling, performance and robustness of the pod structure and reactions in its internal environment.

Independent power supply
The pod was designed and has been tested to operate using a CSIR-designed ram air turbine to avoid it drawing on the power supply of the host aircraft. The ram air turbine is a small, electrical device that generates power by utilising the airstream of the aircraft in flight. This is an alternative to a battery-based powerpod – similar in size – that would also need to be installed on the jet.
The ram air turbine underwent rigorous testing at the CSIR’s turbine test facility, as well as wind tunnel testing at different speeds and air pressure monitor points.
While the main use of the pod is to evaluate the effectiveness of electronic warfare and radar interventions, it also allows engineers to experiment with different approaches and is an ideal platform for the training of young electronic engineers, as well as radar and electronic warfare operators.

https://www.csir.co.za/electronic-warfare-laboratory-operates-sky

 

[Graugrun]

CSIR upgrades its surveillance radar for counter rhino poaching​

Ground-based surveillance and classification radar, a proposed technological upgrade to a forerunner that has had well-documented successes in curbing rhino poaching incidents through wide-area surveillance, was deployed in the Kruger National Park.
Despite unforgiving weather conditions at the deployment site, the system successfully detected and characterised (identified as humans or animals) targets at ranges of up to 10 km.
The CSIR-developed ground-based surveillance and classification radar was developed primarily through funding from the Department of Science and Innovation over the last three years, but benefitted from several leading-edge technologies that have evolved across multiple CSIR radar research and development projects.
The system has the same benefits traditionally associated with utilising radar for detection, namely coverage over very long ranges and for all-weather, day/night operation.
As an added benefit, the CSIR-designed and built electronically steered antenna technology reduces the minimum detectable velocity of targets. This means that it is especially effective in exposing slow-moving poachers trying to evade the traditional methods of detection employed by both their prey and park ranger guardians.
The use of innovative machine-learning-based target classification allows automatic and real-time designation of observed objects as either human, animal or vehicle.
This brings the system closer to the development team’s ultimate goal: a fully autonomous surveillance system that may be deployed to help protect wide swathes of the country’s valuable natural resources.

https://www.csir.co.za/csir-upgrades-its-surveillance-radar-counter-rhino-poaching

 

[Graugrun]

A very early iteration of the Ratel observation unit (EAOS) - From Janes IDR - circa 1992.

 

[Graugrun]

C-Band phased array synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload being developed.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/.../csir-showcasing-security-innovations-at-aad/

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt (South Africa) launches GEW Skylark-N for naval surveillance​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/hensoldt-launches-gew-skylark-n-for-naval-surveillance/

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt South Africa launches new Quadome Land radar (C-band SAR).​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/hensoldt-south-africa-launches-new-quadome-land-radar/

 

[Graugrun]

Aselsan and Denel cooperating on MEROPS gimbal​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/aselsan-and-denel-cooperating-on-merops-gimbal/

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt South Africa introduces new radar electronic surveillance solution (Combination radar&SIGINT system in a single device).​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featur...s-new-radar-electronic-surveillance-solution/

 

[Graugrun]

Janes article covering that in my post #75 and 88

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/...-quadome-multimission-3d-radar-for-production.

 

[Graugrun]

The SAAB MAW system is pretty much South African (the IR sensors are German IIRC) - They talk of the new Generation MAW-400, LWS-330 and LEDS-50 Mk4 comming into production, however I have been unable to find any further info or pics on them. They are all designed and developed by the old Avitronics (bought out by SAAb many years ago) in South Africa. They boast a large and impressive list of international military clients, including a couple of NATO members.

Avionics and self-protection systems Saab SA’s main focus​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...-self-protection-systems-saab-sas-main-focus/

 

[Graugrun]

Etion Create success with CheetahNAV continues​

the system provides dead reckoning horizontal position accuracy of 0.2% of distance travelled, even where the vehicle crew is denied satellite navigation. “This translates to accuracy of 200m over 100 km. Importantly, the tactical grade IMU ensures the system is also immune to enemy jamming,”

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/etion-create-success-with-cheetahnav-continues/

 

[Graugrun]

CSIR’s K-Line fire detection camera now UAV-mounted​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...k-line-fire-detection-camera-now-uav-mounted/

 

[Graugrun]

Some more info and details to my post #85. Not sure of the date, but should be in the early 1990's

 

[Graugrun]

Reutech develops ship navigation radar receiver​

Reutech Radar has developed a passive ship navigation radar receiver that can detect ‘dark’ vessels that have switched off their AIS transponders, but not their navigation radar.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/reutech-develops-ship-navigation-radar-receiver/

 

[Graugrun]

This system has been completely developed in South Africa by the Grintek subsiduary of SAAB - it's the latest evolution of their leds 150 range. Interesting that the article states that it has already been aquired by a 'North American' country - so would that be the US or Canada..?

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/defence/latest/idex-2023-saab-reveals-new-self-protection-system

Saab has revealed a new self-protection system called the Laser Warning Sensor-700 (LWS-700) at IDEX 2023, being held in Abu Dhabi from 20 to 24 February.

Speaking to Janes , Gavin Copeland, business development and marketing for naval electronic warfare at Saab Grintek Defence, said that the LWS-700 is a “laser warning sensor for the automated detection, classification, and identification of laser-based weapons”.

The sensor has been developed over the past 3.5 years and is capable of classifying and identifying laser threats such as target designators or laser rangefinders, he said.

With a 1° bearing and elevation accuracy, the sensor is able to support countermeasures, specifically the deployment of hard-kill counter fires, he added.

This is a much-improved version of the LWS-310 – which forms part of the Land Electronic Defence Systems-50 (LEDS-50) MK2 – and offers a bearing accuracy of 7.5°.

The system weighs approximately 3.5 kg and is intended primarily for land and naval platforms.

A North American country has already acquired several units, he noted.

 

[Graugrun]

Following on to my post # 97 above - More details on the different products and some of the users:

Resurgent interest in Saab Grintek Defence naval sensors​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/resurgent-interest-in-saab-grintek-defence-naval-sensors/

 

[Graugrun]

Jammer and target drone amongst advanced DoD technology projects​

The Acepod is being developed for the SA Air Force as a technology demonstrator providing an escort jamming capability from a fast jet. The pod has a full electronic intelligence (ELINT) capability and X-band jamming capability to protect assets in an escort role. A prototype will be delivered to the SA Air Force.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featur...one-amongst-advanced-dod-technology-projects/

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt unveils new SA-developed interactive signal analysis software​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/indust...veloped-interactive-signal-analysis-software/

 

[stealthflanker]

Does South Africa have their own RF semiconductor manufacturing to make MMIC chipset for AESA radar Transmit Receive Module ?

 

[Graugrun]

Does South Africa have their own RF semiconductor manufacturing to make MMIC chipset for AESA radar Transmit Receive Module ?

I don't believe so - but I stand corrected. I know that we have a few companies that for many years have been designing and manufacturing specialised PC boards and sub systems for the defence and other industries - some of them are covered in post #50 in this thread. One of the companies involved is Etion Create:

https://etioncreate.co.za/products/embedded-products/

One of the senior developers of the AESA radar technology in my posts# 75, 88 and 91, told me that he very specifically wanted to only use COTS components for the development to ensure not only cost effectiveness, but easy supply of componants from multiple sources.

 

[Graugrun]

Saab (South Africa) launches new IDAS-310 defensive aids suit​

Saab launches new IDAS-310 defensive aids suit - defenceWeb

Saab has launched the latest version of its Integrated Defensive Aids Suit (IDAS), IDAS-310, which incorporates the latest warning systems developed by the company’s South African business unit. IDAS-310 was launched at the Associate of Old Crows (AOC) Europe event in Bonn, Germany. According to...

www.defenceweb.co.za

 

[Graugrun]

CSIR’s simulation systems enhance electronic warfare training, research and development​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featur...ic-warfare-training-research-and-development/

 

[Graugrun]

CSIR upgrades Meerkat with new, lighter camera​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/csir-upgrades-meerkat-with-new-lighter-camera/

 

[Graugrun]

Saab (South Africa) supplying MAW 400 sensors to Hanwha Systems for Korean C-130H fleet protection​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featur...a-systems-for-korean-c-130h-fleet-protection/

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt South Africa and BAE Systems collaborate on Striker II helmet​

Interesting to see that Hensoldt South Africa (old Denel Cumulus) is developing more then just the optic trackers and sensing system (as per the Striker 1 helmet).

They will also be developing the: "inertial storage driver unit (ISDU), the electronic component that provides the helmet’s ‘intelligence’. This component employs sophisticated algorithms to convert data gathered from the helmet’s sensors, the aircraft, navigational data and information about the aircraft’s surroundings into intelligible symbology that is displayed on the pilot’s visor, Hensoldt SA said, adding, “this real-time situational awareness empowers pilots to make swift, informed decisions, elevating their tactical advantage.”

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/editor...bae-systems-collaborate-on-striker-ii-helmet/

https://marketing.us.baesystems.com/interactives/striker-II/index.html

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt (South Africa) showcases new Quadome radar (AESA) to SA Navy​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/indust...soldt-showcases-new-quadome-radar-to-sa-navy/

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt (South Africa) wins order for Quadome radar for UK Fleet Auxiliary ships​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featur...r-quadome-radar-for-uk-fleet-auxiliary-ships/

 

[Graugrun]

CSIR and ATNS expand passive radar testing (also provides some background to South African passive radar developments)​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerosp...e/csir-and-atns-expand-passive-radar-testing/

 

[Graugrun]

VF370 3U OpenVPX Single Board Computer module proving itself in military ops – Etion​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/indust...-module-proving-itself-in-military-ops-etion/

 

[yahya]

What was the maker and type of the COM radios used on the Atlas Cheetah as depicted on the wiki image below? The control units were installed on the LH console.

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt South Africa showcases new COMINT automation engine​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/indust...frica-showcases-new-comint-automation-engine/

 

[Graugrun]

A nice little hidden gem at the AAD 2024 show was the ACEPOD Mk 2.

Unfortunately no further information was provided, however the CSIR team (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) confirmed to me that all the aeronatical design of the ACEPOD Mk 2's shape and characteristics had been fully tested and cleared by the CSIR team (aerodynamics/flutter/stores clearance etc..etc.).

At the moment, I can only add this bit of info on it's Mk 1 version from my April 2023 post #99 above:

"The Acepod is being developed for the SA Air Force as a technology demonstrator providing an escort jamming capability from a fast jet. The pod has a full electronic intelligence (ELINT) capability and X-band jamming capability to protect assets in an escort role. A prototype will be delivered to the SA Air Force".

I hope to have some more information on this in the near future..

Also - A special thanks to Ruan du Rand for his fantastic in-flight picture of ACEPOD on the HAWK-120.

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt (South Africa) launches new Bushbaby 200 electro-optical system​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/hensoldt-launches-new-bushbaby-200-electro-optical-system/

 

[Graugrun]

Hensoldt (South Africa) reveals new ARGOS-15 gimbal​

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/hensoldt-reveals-new-argos-15-gimbal/

Some of my own pics included - It definately is smaller then the venerable and older Argos-II - however the weight is indicated as the same (53 Kg) - I'm sure as more official info is released, it will actually be lighter. I'm also not sure if this is the product developed as a result of funding by Saudi Arabia (my post #56), collaberation with Turkey, or just plain in-house funded development (perhaps as a result of all the sales of Argos-II to the Turkish for their Bayraktar and other UAV sales, after the Canadian ban on L3Harris Wescam sales to Turkey).

I've also read that the thermal imager is still the Denel Kenis, so obviously they have kept that product and it's development fully up to date.

In any which way, it's going to be a large leap foward over the (now at least 20 year old) Argos-II!