BAE Systems' Artisan radar installed on frigate - Artisan, a new 3D radar system from BAE Systems, is being installed on Royal Navy Type 23 frigates.

BAE Systems is singing the praises of its medium-range 3D surveillance radar that can monitor more than 800 objects simultaneously.

 

The system is called Artisan and was developed for Britain's Type 23 frigates but can be used on other Royal Navy vessels as well. It has now been installed on the frigate HMS Iron Duke as part of a scheduled refit.

 

"We are playing a key role in helping the fleets of the future evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of the battlespace, creating technology solutions that are quicker, lighter, more resilient and easier to implement than ever before," said Rory Fisher, managing director of BAE Systems Maritime Services.

 

"We are tremendously excited by the successful installation of Artisan on HMS Iron Duke, which marks a significant milestone in the wider program and we're proud of our continuing partnership with the Royal Navy and the role we are playing in delivering first-class radar performance."

 

BAE Systems says Artisan can detect an object as small as a tennis ball travelling at three times the speed of sound from more than 15 miles away. It is made out of lightweight carbon glass fiber materials and can be fitted onto a vessel in three weeks.

HMS Iron Duke leaves Portsmouth on return to service

A Royal Navy frigate has returned to active service following a 16-month upgrade.

HMS Iron Duke left Portsmouth earlier to begin an intensive few months of sea trials.

The Type 23 frigate is now fitted with a 3D radar called Artisan which experts claim is five times better than the version it has replaced.

Artisan is to be fitted to all of the Navy's Type 23 frigates and two future aircraft carriers in a £100m upgrade.

The radar can spot an item as small as a cricket or tennis ball travelling at three times the speed of sound more than 15 miles (25km) away.

Built out of the same lightweight carbon glass fibre materials found on Formula 1 racing cars, it weighs just 700kg and can track up to 800 targets simultaneously at distances up to 125 miles (200km) away.