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21
October 2002
Dutch team explores integrated topside design
By Richard Scott
Thales Nederland and the TNO research institute have embarked on
a three-year study to investigate a future integrated topside
sensor suite under contract to the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN)
Directorate Materiel. Two-thirds of funding for the programme is
coming from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Economic
Affairs.
Running from 2002 to 2005, the work — being undertaken by a
multidisciplinary team of Thales Nederland engineers, together
with scientists from three TNO departments — is examining the
optimal positioning of sensors aboard surface combatants to
minimise mutual interference and reduce radar-cross section (RCS).
The ultimate aim is to develop a fully integrated topside design
(ITD) — embedding sensor arrays within both superstructure and
hull surfaces — applicable to a future frigate design.
Currently, the multitude of antenna systems fitted aboard a
warship must compete for limited space, and their proximity may
lead to problems of mutual interference and performance
degradation. The study has been divided into four segments, each
of which is addressing a specific research topic. These are:
- the design of a frequency selective housing for a
surveillance antenna (examining radar performance and shock,
vibration and RCS characteristics);
- the integration of a multifunction radar within the ship’s
superstructure (requiring investigation of mechanical
suspension, vulnerability and mutual interference aspects
between antenna arrays);
- the consolidation of discrete radiating systems (such as
radar and communications) within common multifunctional
antenna arrays;
- the production of an integrated topside design (including
analysis of the relevant design tools and engineering skills
required).
According to the TNO Physics and Electronics Laboratory, one
of the TNO departments participating in the research programme,
traditional topside design has been largely based on sequential
methods, often leading to problems at the boundaries between
naval architecture and sensor systems engineering. In contrast,
ITD demands that designers and engineers for all relevant
disciplines — sensor performance, weapons, signatures,
vulnerability, electromagnetic interference and compatibility
and naval architecture — work together in all phases of the
design process.
A ‘rainbow’ team pooling the resources and expertise of Dutch
government, industry and research entities has come together as
Nederland Radarland to maintain national expertise in radar
technology development, and reaffirm the Netherlands’ standing
as an international collaborative partner in the radar field.
Comprising the TNO Physics and Electronics Laboratory, Technical
University Delft, Thales Nederland, the Netherlands Ministry of
Defence and the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, the
Nederland Radarland cluster has been established to ensure
coherency on radar research within the Dutch science and
technology community. Specific aims include joint use of
in-country infrastructure and test facilities, and alignment and
co-ordination of research programmes to achieve maximum
synergies.
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