Artisan 3D radar completes sea trials

LONDON, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- The Artisan 3D radar system from BAE Systems has successfully completed sea-based trials on Britain's Type 23 frigates.

The radar can monitor more than 800 objects simultaneously from 200 yards to 200,000 yards away and cut through radio interference equal to 10,000 mobile phone signals.

"Artisan 3D is a ground-breaking radar system that delivers real capability to the Royal Navy with its supreme accuracy and uncompromising tracking," said Les Gregory, director for Products and Training Services at BAE Systems. "Its world-leading electronic protection measure ensures that even complex jammers will not reduce its effectiveness.

"Artisan 3D has now been extensively tested, demonstrating high performance with significant flexibility to meet current and future threats. It provides air and surface surveillance and target tracking to support platform and weapon system requirements on a wide range of platforms."

Artisan has undertaken sea trials across multiple Royal Navy frigates since 2013. BAE Systems had received a $127.6 million Ministry of Defense contract to develop, manufacture and provide support for 19 of the Artisan radars for the Royal Navy until 2022.

In addition to the 11 frigates now fitted with the Artisan 3D, the new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth carries the system.

Artisan is to be installed on the new aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales. Two additional frigates and a landing platform dock assault ship are also to receive it.

BAE Systems said sea trials will take place on the system before they enter service on those vessels.