A800 Mk 2 4D Multi-Mode Radar

  • Simultaneous air, ground and coastline operation
  • Latest generation monopulse elevation measurement
  • Nano-quadcopter detection to 3 km
  • Winged drone detection to 7 km
  • 4D position measurement: range, azimuth, elevation and Doppler velocity
  • AI-based target classification using micro-Doppler signature analysis
  • Encrypted Gigabit Ethernet interface
  • Ruggedised case with options for fixed, portable and mobile mounting

The Blighter A800 Mk 2 is a 4D multi-mode electronic-scanning (‘e-scan’) radar, based on the latest generation monopulse antenna technology... READ MORE

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The Blighter A800 Mk 2 is a 4D multi-mode electronic-scanning (‘e-scan’) radar, based on the latest generation monopulse antenna technology. It provides the unique ability to use its optimised air security modes to search for small drones, and at the same time, can use its ground/sea surveillance modes to search for surface targets over land and water.

The A800 Mk 2 performs its air, ground and sea detection functions simultaneously, allowing multimode operation with simple user setup. The A800 Mk 2 uses triple, transmit and receive, radar-beam spotlighting to focus all its energy on targets of interest. The radar ignores ground clutter and off-beam targets, giving rapid scanning of a 90° wide by 40° high cone.

A800 Mk 2 4D Multi-Mode Radar

The A800 Mk 2 inherits its core technology from Blighter’s TRL-9 (technology readiness level nine) field-proven A400 series air security radars. However, the A800 Mk 2 combines the ability to detect land and water-based objects, which of course may include the drone operator.

Countering Low, Slow and Small (LSS) Threats

The A800 Mk 2 acts as the key detect element in C-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial system) products. It is designed to counter current low, slow and small (LSS) threats caused by the mis-use of commercial ‘hobby’ drones. (Including the commonly used ‘DJI Phantom’ style quadcopters, as well as larger winged drones.) To further enhance system performance, the A800 Mk 2 features smart microDoppler target filtering with AI target classification. This reduces false alarms from wildlife and helps improve the detection of multicopter and winged drones.

Ruggedised and Secure

The A800 Mk 2’s rugged e-scan design with zero moving parts, allows it to operate in harsh conditions of high or low temp. It comes with mounting options for:

  • Tripods and quad-pods
  • Land vehicles and trailers
  • Fixed towers and masts


For use in critical security projects, the radar is fitted with either an optical or copper based Gigabit Ethernet interface with built-in robust data encryption. A software developer’s kit (SDK) is
available for download. The SDK allows system integrators to quickly upgrade their existing wide area perimeter security and C-UAS systems. Such systems can then make full use of the A800 Mk 2 radar’s advanced long-range detection features. The A800 Mk 2 connects with the leading industry standard PSIM (physical security information management) platforms and defence C2 (command & control) systems through the BlighterNexus Hub.

Architectural Overview

  • Radar type: 4D Multi-Mode Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Doppler AESA Radar
  • Radar mode: multi-mode (air, ground and coastline)
  • Frequency band: Ku radar band
  • Operational bandwidth: from 15.7 to 17.2 GHz
  • Scan type: fully electronic scanning in azimuth (‘e-scan’) on both transmit and receive
  • Elevation measurement type: multi-beam amplitude comparison monopulse
  • Transmitter power (nominal): 4 Watt
  • Embedded software and firmware: field upgradeable via network connection


Target Detection & Classification

  • Rain mitigation filter: automatic
  • Maximum detection ranges*:
    – Nano-quadcopter: up to 3 km
    – Walking person: up to 5 km
    – Winged drone (Class 2): up to 7 km
  • Maximum targets per scan: 700
  • False Alarm Rate (FAR): 1 false alarm per day (adjustable)
  • Minimum detectable target radial velocity: 0.37 km/h (0.23 mph)
  • Target classification: AI-based micro-Doppler analysis


Coverage

  • Instrumented maximum range: 3.5 km, 10 km or 20 km (2.2 mi., 6.2 mi. or 12.4 mi.)
  • Instrumented minimum range: less than 10 m (33 ft.)
  • Azimuth scan angle: 90° horizontal e-scan
  • Elevation beam: 40° vertical beamwidth
  • Fastest scan time (for 90°): 1.0 s
  • Fastest scan time (in Drone Spotlighting Mode): 0.25 s


Connectivity & Software

  • Main I/O interface (for radar control & target data): encrypted 1000BASE-T Copper or 1000BASE-SX Fibre Gigabit Ethernet (RFC 8446 TLS 1.3)
  • Auxiliary I/O interfaces: RS-232 and RS-422 control lines, opto-isolated control/status inputs and isolated switched contact outputs
  • Software Developer’s Kit (SDK): available to System Integrators


Electrical

  • Power input voltage: from 24 to 28 V (DC) (nominal)
  • Power compliance: MIL-STD-1275E
  • Power consumption: 130 W (nominal)


Physical, Environmental & Reliability

  • External dimensions of radar unit (W x H x D): 600 mm x 550 mm x 270 mm (23.6 in. x 21.6 in. x 10.6 in.)
  • Operating temperature: from -32° C to +65° C (from -25° F to +149° F) Note: extended operating temperature version available
  • IP rating: IP66 (dust tight and protected against powerful water jets)
  • MTBF: > 65,000 h

* target on antenna boresight and operating in slow-scan mode (Pd = 0.5)

Errors and omissions excepted. Blighter Surveillance Systems Ltd reserves the right to modify specifications without notice. Blighter radars are protected by a number of international patents. The Blighter name is an international registered trademark.

BSS-4002 © 2023 Blighter Surveillance Systems Ltd