The NS50 from Thales is a 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Surveillance Radar that operates at X-Band frequencies. It provides highly accurate 4D target information required for rapid acquisition by Fire Control Systems, for fire control of short-range “fire and forget” Surface-to-Air-Missile Systems, and for fire control of ship-borne artillery against surface targets. This radar supports dual-axis multi-beam processing for simultaneous air/surface target detection and tracking in a single operational mode and has detection beams simultaneously positioned in elevation as well as in azimuth direction. It provides a maximum instrumented range of 180 km, an elevation coverage of 70°, and an antenna rotation rate of 15 or 60 RPM. This software-defined radar features a modular and scalable hardware architecture, which makes it suitable for combat boats, OPVs, MCM vessels, auxiliaries, and various other platforms.
The NS50 also includes multi-function capabilities as it adds forward and backward scanning to combine exceptional situational awareness with fast-track initiation and high-quality weapon support for high-priority targets. This radar has an integrated Mode 5 & Mode S IFF antenna that enables the IFF data handling (IFF plot-track data correlation) feature. It can detect & track jammers and also has a provision for surveillance video. This radar can defend against Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), low slow flying objects, and surface targets in combination with a small to medium caliber gun system.
