Ground distance measuring equipment NADIR

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NADIR is a smart electromagnetic measurement solution designed for use in an inshore environment to perform dynamic RCS measurements of full-scale ships. It is based on a vector network analyzer (VNA) paired with a specifically designed radar front-end and dedicated data acquisition software. The radar front-end is necessary for pulse shaping; transmitted power increase and noise figure reduction, whereas the network analyser is used as an acquisition platform. This kind of solution greatly simplifies calibration procedures and has a high return in investment, since while the offshore RCS measurement system is used only during acceptance and midlife refitting, the network analyser can be reused during the whole life cycle of the naval platform’s design, starting from the characterisation of materials up to the signature control of components. In addition, the possibility of tracking the ship under measurement using an automatic identification system (AIS) enables NADIR to perform high speed evaluations of a ship’s RCS immediately prior to a mission. The radar, tracking equipment and the cabin for its operators, and control and monitoring equipment, are all designed for outdoor use. It is self-powered and is fully transportable as it is tailored to fit inside a standard DIN container for long distance shipment. Naval vessels have an ever increasing need to reduce their visibility and hence maximize their survivability by ensuring that their radar cross section (RCS) signature is as small as possible. As a ship goes through its life, natural wear and tear can affect its operational capability.