So in today's blog about the maritime industry we are focusing on how far the Radar technology has come a long way since the early days of magnetron-based systems. Today, HENSOLDT (Kelvin Hughes), a renowned German leader in defence and security electronics and a trusted name in radar for over 70 years, has set a new standard with its solid-state radar technology. Compact, efficient, and built for the future, these systems are redefining reliability and performance in both civil and defence applications.
Whether used in defence, maritime safety, or civil applications, solid-state radar is proving to be a game-changer in modern surveillance. Let’s look at the key reasons why.
1. Low Maintenance and Cost-Effective One of the most significant advantages of solid-state radar is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional magnetron radars, which need frequent part replacements, solid-state systems are built with durable, compact components that rarely need servicing. This means less downtime, fewer spare parts, and lower operating costs.
2. Remote Administration Made Simple Because it is a fully digital platform, HENSOLDT’s radar can be controlled remotely without additional interfaces. This capability allows operators to manage systems from anywhere—whether on a ship, at a ground station, or in the field. In today’s connected world, that flexibility is invaluable.
3. Outstanding Reliability with Longer MTBF Solid-state radar has a mean time between failures (MTBF) of up to 50,000 hours, far exceeding that of older systems. This translates to greater reliability and peace of mind, especially in mission-critical environments where radar uptime is non-negotiable.
4. Faster Antenna Speed for Superior Tracking The antenna speed ranges between 8 to 46 revolutions per minute, enabling faster scanning and sharper target tracking. For defence and security teams, this means better situational awareness and quicker response times.
5. Antenna Tilt-Up for Better Coverage HENSOLDT’s radar also features antenna tilt-up capability, which enhances scanning angles and ensures precise signal transmission. This feature is especially effective when monitoring challenging environments or detecting low-flying targets.
6. Efficient Power Usage in Sensitive Environments In zones with restrictions, such as near hot ordnances or telemetry-sensitive areas, the radar operates with low emitted power density. This makes it both energy-efficient and safe to use, without compromising on performance.
7. Variable Frequency for Seamless Performance Thanks to electronically built-in sensors, multiple radars can operate together without interference. This capability supports an autonomous and cohesive operating environment, making the system more adaptive to real-world missions.
8. Instant start-up with Plug-and-Play Unlike traditional systems that require warm-up time, solid-state radar is ready to operate immediately. This instant start-up is critical in situations where every second counts.
9. Minimal Spare Parts Needed Because it’s built for durability, the radar requires very few spare parts or replacements. With easy-to-access components and a robust design, operators can stay focused on their mission instead of worrying about logistics.
10. ETD Mode Kelvin Hughes has recently launched "Enhanced Target Detection" (ETD) as an enhancement to its Manta Digital range of wide-screen radars, offering a significant advancement by improving the display of slow-moving or stationary targets without affecting the normal radar appearance or operation. When combined with the dual PPI mode available in Manta Digital, ETD enables operators to continue using the radar in its standard mode while simultaneously accessing an advanced detection view on the secondary PPI, ensuring enhanced situational awareness without cluttering the primary display.
Advanced cyber security ensures all HENSOLDT Kelvin Hughes radar data and controls are protected by robust encryption and continuous threat monitoring. This preserves the integrity of vessel operations and safeguards navigational data from cyber-attacks. Fleet managers benefit from enhanced operational assurance, regulatory compliance, and uninterrupted system readiness.
Benefits
Reduced service intervals. In a commercial use case, a magnetron radar requires an annual service to replace the magnetron, which typically needs replacing around every 6-7 months. Often, this is not planned, and ships run radars to the point of magnetron failure, resulting in a complex, expensive repair.
Reduced lifetime product costs. Previously, solid-state technology was significantly more expensive than magnetron technology. Over a ten year life, they resulted in a similar cost. However, with solid state radar available at a magnetron radar's price point, solid-state solution is significantly more cost effective over the life of the radar.
Reduced service costs. Even with good annual maintenance, the cost of ownership of a magnetron radar will be many thousands of dollars more expensive over a five year period. Cost reductions come from not needing to have service engineers onboard, and reducing the chance of unintentional damage caused each time the radar is disassembled.
Why Solid-State Radar Matters? HENSOLDT’s solid-state radar technology represents more than just an upgrade—it’s a revolution in how surveillance is done. With low maintenance costs, remote operation, superior reliability, and energy-efficient performance, these systems are setting new benchmarks in modern radar technology.
As the authorised service agent for HENSOLDT in India, We are committed to supporting organisations seeking state-of-the-art radar solutions. Together, Selene Marine and HENSOLDT continue to set the standards for innovation, dependability, and next-generation readiness in maritime commercial and defence surveillance technology.