Key Specifications :

· Simultaneous Track of up to 22 surface targets
· Scan to Scan Integration Mode included to improve detection of weaker targets in low signal to noise ratio conditions
· Track algorithms calculate positions of off screen targets
· Track algorithms are equipped with real time three dimensional filters to further enhance clutter rejection
· Situation Awareness enhanced with North Up 360 mode sub display including way points
· Targets uniquely ID’d
· Facility for 50 operator controlled Geostationary Markers
· User selectable target classifications (e.g. unknown, national, foreign and cardinal)
· Cursor, marker co-ordinates, target and aircraft data display
· Target Track data serial interface output

 

Applications :

The 396 TWS is the latest in the line of Caledonian Airborne Systems radar enhancements, applicable to a large range of airborne maritime surveillance radar systems. The 396 series are evolutions of the Mk2 CAS CPT-096. The 396A has been designed to enhance sector scan radars and the 396B to enhance 360° radars.

Much of the previous design philosophy has been retained, such as the fact that the 396 TWS is a fully integrated indicator/ radar data processor in a single enclosure. The integrated tracking algorithms within the TWS have been specifically designed to support airborne maritime surveillance operations.

The primary purpose of the system is the display of radar data, and to enhance the performance of the radar by improving the likelihood of accurately determining the positions, headings and speeds of maritime surface vessels under surveillance. Further, the system has integrated within its detection and track algorithm a new Scan to Scan Integration (SSi) feature to improve detection of targets in poor signal to noise ratios. Integrated within the SSi algorithms are real time three-dimensional filters to further enhance clutter rejection.

Caledonian has designed the entire microprocessor architecture for the product, from video digitisers to algorithm execution processor boards and data distribution modules specifically for TWS operations. This results in a seamless interface with the host radar, very effective target surveillance and ease of installation. All algorithms and code have also been developed and authored in house, thus enabling full control and possible customization if desired.

Significant enhancements over its predecessors include improved accuracy, significantly reduced time to first 90% accuracy report and improved clutter rejection techniques.

 

Scan To Scan Integration SSi :

In the image below left the content of the radar returns contains a very small target and sizeable fragmented clutter. The extracted output from the SSi algorithm is shown below right. This is presented in the bottom left hand corner of the Caledonian’s 396 series TWS.

First and foremost it can readily be seen that the dense clutter of the image above has been reduced to three innocuous elements of cyan clutter. The target itself is represented by strong returns of red, yellow and cyan.

The image generated is fairly typical of the signal to noise ratio generated by the SSi algorithm.

In conditions where the original, or prevailing, scan signal to noise ratio is better, a similar representation is gained, but with no clutter representations whatsoever. Hence another gain of the algorithm is its very wide dynamic range.

 

Control

Control of the TWS system is achieved using the joystick depicted in the foreground. The joystick is a proportional output, 360 degree capability with an enter button built into the cap. A majority of the TWS features are controlled on a point and click basis.

Notably, the response of the joystick has been tailored to suit turbulent conditions associated with low level flying necessary for maritime surveillance. Subsequently very fine control can be achieved under these conditions, as well as very fast control when required. For frequently used controls, hard keys are used. This also serves to maximize the time the TWS cursor is in the active radar portion of the screen.

360 Mode Representations of Sector Scan Radar (Patent Pending)

Opposite there is an image of the 396B TWS with the 360 mode enabled. This mode can be activated/ deactivated on command using the 360 softkey. The benefit of this facility in a 360° radar is that different range scales from the Radar display can be selected thus offering a tactical situation representation, as well as enabling radar tracking and surveillance at smaller ranges.

Further this mode depicts off screen targets and waypoints as desired.

 

Optional/Growth Functions :

Additional TWS Display modes:
Basic radar indicator
CCIR/ RS-170 format monochrome FLIR display
Display of Daytime colour video, such as Stanag 3350 B & C, PAL and NTSC
Overlay display of FLIR elipse in accordance with pan, tilt, altitude, beam width of FLIR turret
Coastline Map overlay from stored digital charts overlay on radar video
PAL/ NTSC video output
Keyboard with the following functions
TWS control shortcuts
Target description entry
Target and marker position data entry
Message text entry for serial transmission
Track data and TWS screen images stored for upload post mission to Portable PC
TWS, radar and composite video screen images stored for upload post mission to Portable PC for display and/or printing
ARINC-419/ 429 data outputs for FLIR turret pointing and Nav system waypoint programming

 

Leading Particulars :

Display Resolution:	800 x 600
Luminance:	1000 to 1700 Cd.m-2
Mass:	5kg
Dimensions:	219.42 mm (8.64 in) x 268 mm (10.55 in) x 137.5 (5.39 in)
Power:	28Vdc at 50 watts at full brightness

 

E-mail: TWS@caledonian-airborne.com