Sula's radar systems engineering expertise covers all domains and all stages of the equipment lifecycle. Our pragmatism, innovation and extensive knowledge allow us to deliver high-quality solutions and exceptional value to customers ranging from the MoD and prime contractors to academia and small enterprises
Radars are found in the airborne, maritime and land-based domains, with functions such as surveillance, imaging, tracking, guidance and navigation. Sula’s expertise encompasses all of these areas, and includes activities such as research, data processing, analysis, modelling, requirements management, trade studies, trials, commissioning, in-service operation and mid-life upgrades.
Sula has experience, from within industry and the armed services, of a wide range of radar and radar related projects, together with operational experience of modern Air Force and Navy, air, ground and sea based defence systems, for UK MOD, NATO and armed services around the world.
The following examples illustrate some of our radar systems engineering capabilities.
Modern Multi-Function Radars (MFRs), such as the SAMPSON carried by the Type 45 destroyer, allow operating parameters to be varied on a pulse-by-pulse or scan-by-scan basis. This brings new opportunities and challenges, both of which have been and continue to be studied by Sula.
Sula has undertaken a number of surveillance optimisations studies for SAMPSON. By examining the impact on a series of performance metrics, the key operating parameters were identified and their effects characterised. We then developed an effective five-step radar resource management process to determine the most appropriate parameters, taking mission needs into account, at any given time.
The substantially higher transmit duty cycle of MFRs compared to traditional radars give rise to the possibility of significant interference with other systems. Sula conducted a series of studies into the potential for mutual interference between MFRs within a force, and also the likely impact of MFRs on conventional radars and navigational aids. This research investigated potential effects at timescales ranging from pulse lengths measured in nanoseconds through to multiple scans covering several tens of seconds.
Our role includes the assessment of these different systems, identifying emerging technologies and proposing technology maturation strategies to deliver these improvements within the timescale of the programme.
Sula has also provided independent technical assurance on behalf of the MoD, for the development, verification and validation of the radar tracker model for the SeaWolf Mid-Life Upgrade.
Sula is currently researching a novel Synthetic Aperture Radar technique that allows high-resolution imagery to be produced from manoeuvring aircraft. Following detailed mathematical analysis and modelling, we have successfully conducted a series of flight trials to demonstrate this technique in practice.
We have also, on behalf of QinetiQ, undertaken a series of studies into Ground Moving Target Indication and radar resource management techniques for a combat aircraft radar with an active electronically-scanned antenna.
Sula supported the Carrier Alliance by developing the air defence, self defence and air traffic control requirements for the various radars on the Future Carrier. Through our extensive contacts within industry, we also developed a pragmatic solution that met the stringent affordability constraints imposed on the programme without compromising user needs.
Sula has conducted radar data analysis for a number of systems, including the analysis of MFR trials data for a classified radar counter-stealth research project.
We also provided specialist technical support to the MoD for the Automated Software Adaptive Radar (ASAR) programme to upgrade the existing RN Type 996 radars, replacing existing dedicated signal processing circuitry with processors running a range of adaptive radar signal processing algorithms.
Sula has been involved in other, prestigious programmes including over-the-horizon surveillance (JORN and Overseer radars in Australia), and the S1850M and Martello 743D surveillance radars.
As part of the Team Assure consortium, Sula is responsible for technology management for Network Enabled Air Defence and Surveillance (NEADS). This concept phase programme includes the investigation of next-generation sensor networks including a wide range of battlefield air surveillance, artillery locating and long range airspace surveillance radars.
Sula has acted as the MoD customer friend on the Land Environment Air Picture Prov-ision (LEAPP) programme. We provided independent technical assurance of this complex system, and played a significant role in the radar trials and subsequent data analysis and performance assessments.