BAE Systems wins contract for Windfarm Radar Mitigation
13 Jun 2005 | Ref. 108/2005
BAE Systems has received a significant contract to demonstrate the mitigation of Windfarm interference with air traffic control radars. The Department of Trade and Industry is the customer with part funding from the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA). This contract involves partnering the MoD to demonstrate our solution on one of the RAF mobile Watchman radars.
Progress towards the UK government’s targets for Energy from Renewable Sources is currently being slowed by the number of planning objections to proposed Windfarms from the MoD and civil airports which operate radars. Windfarms can produce severe interference with radars potentially jeapordising flight safety.
BAE SYSTEMS is investing in the technology to overcome the problem. This technology is a software “filter” which removes windfarm radar reflections from the picture. It is derived from military technology used to filter out un-needed radar tracks in critical defence situations, for instance the track of a missile threatening a Royal Navy vessel from the false tracks generated by waves or even seabirds.
The key to the demonstration contract is that it will show our solution operating on a true air traffic control radar against existing turbines, rather than using ship based defence radars or computer simulations. The radar will be deployed in mid Wales in a location which allows tests to take place on a number of different wind farms. It is anticipated a further phase will be contracted in October 2005”.
Clive Richardson, Managing Director for Integrated System Technologies (Insyte) said; “This contract is strategically important to Insyte as it demonstrates our commitment to utilise our capability across a wide range of opportunities. The work we are doing not only provides a demonstration of performance against existing turbines but also allows formal structured engagement with the stakeholder community. It is an excellent example of previous UK investment in high technology military systems generating a potential substantial benefit to commercial industry and in this case to the environment.
Editors Notes
Over many years, BAE SYSTEMS has worked on “filtering” techniques for radars, on methods of linking multiple radars together to generate a common picture and more recently on the detailed analysis of windfarms. We have combined this research to form the windfarm “toolkit”.
BAE SYSTEMS has supplied the majority of the Radars used in the UK on regional civil airfields, RAF bases and for RAF air defence (surveillance). The operation of all these radar types would be affected by the building of a windfarm within their range and line of sight, but we believe the toolkit offers a solution in many cases.
Watchman radar are used for Air Traffic control in over 40 airfields across the UK.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, fighting vehicles, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of over £13 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems North America is one of America's foremost national security, aerospace and information systems companies. It is a leading provider of electronic and information-based systems and knowledge-based solutions that meet its customers' mission effectiveness and operational safety needs. BAE Systems North America employs more than 30,000 people at sites across the United States and the United Kingdom and generates more than $5 billion in annual sales.
For further information, please contact:
Sue Kennard, BAE SYSTEMS
Tel: +44 (0) 7801 712739 Fax: +44 (0) 1276 695485
sue.kennard@baesystems.com
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