Overview of the APAR Multifunction Radar

摘要

This paper provides an overview of the APAR multifunction radar, of which seven systems are now in service with the Netherlands and German navies. APAR meets the modern ship's stringent requirements for low-elevation detection, short reaction time and large defensive fire power by effectively integrating many different radar functions. This is achieved using the system's extreme flexibility in waveform generation, beam generation and its digital processing. The advantages offered by multifunction radar are, however, only realized at the price of increased technical complexity. Development of APAR required novel solutions for a wide range of technical challenges, examples of which are provided. The interactions between the radar functions formed the most difficult aspect of the system's development. It is concluded that the successful completion of the development of APAR is a major achievement.