Civil Marine Radar – A Fresh Look at Transmitter Spectral Control and Diversity Operation

Abstract

This year marks a watershed in the design, production and operational use of Civil Marine Radar (CMR) as we know it. Tighter regulations for in-band spectral purity and out-of-band transmission, when coupled to a possible loss of S-band frequencies for both CMR and Air Traffic Control (ATC) radars, will seriously restrict the synergistic advantage of dual-band systems, as well as the form of new RF heads. There is a conflict of IMO requirements to still retain simple pulse radars to activate Racons and SARTS while also meeting these new stringent spectral regulations. Options are given for serious discussion amongst all concerned before it is too late.