It is the consequence of 12 years of investigation and improvement of engineers from PIT-Radwar, WAT and Warsaw University of Technology. I – according to manufacture experts – 1 of the most modern radiolocation systems in its class. For the first time, a fresh Polish multi-purpose fire radar called "Sajna" was presented to the public at the Kielce arms fair.
When the Ministry of Defence launched a multi-layer construction program in 2011 the country's air defence strategy codenamed “Poland's Tarcza”, it was decided that where possible, it would be based on national solutions. This was to include radiolocation. Not without a reason. For decades Polish engineers have specialized in the production of not only long, average and short scope radars, but besides artillery designation systems and radar recognition devices.
A year later, it was decided that for the needs of 2 layers of “Tarcza Polski” – short-range strategy codenamed “Narew” and medium-range code name “Wisła” – the Polish armory will make as many as 4 types of fresh radars.
At this year's global Defence manufacture Salon, PIT-Radwar first showed 2 of the 4 types of radars, on behalf of the military since 2012, namely Warta and Sajna, in public (not in presentations exclusively for military specialists).
Sajna will lead
Multi-function fire control radar (RWKO) Saina is simply a strategy that can not only be “eyes and ears” of Narew and Vistula anti-aircraft kits. This is simply a fire control radar working in the C-band and equipped with antennas actively phase controlled in 2 planes, called Saina.
This solution, apart from detecting and tracking aircraft – aircraft, helicopters, drones, various types of rockets, as well as artillery and mortar missiles, can besides guide anti-aircraft and rocket effects on the objects it detects.
Importantly, radar handling can adapt its work to the tasks indicated. If the precedence is to collect data on incoming targets, the radar can work with a rotating antenna, providing full field coverage in 360°. If more accurate data is needed, for example with more targets or coordinates to guide anti-aircraft and anti-missile missiles, radar can work with the immobilized antenna, acting sectorally with a higher refresh rate.
Sajna is presently at the phase of military investigating and research. PIT-Radwar representatives estimation that they should be completed by spring next year.
They already made their debut.
Let us remind you that the first of the radars already developed, or three-ordinate long-range radar, operates in the VHF and uses the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) antenna. It received the codename "P-18PL". The second passive radar analyzing electromagnetic radiation was marked PET-PCL (Passive Emitter Tracking – Passive Coherent Location). The third, or mobile, three-ordinate long-range radio-location station operating in the S-band received the codename "Warta".
P-18PL, after having undergone a full series of essential investigation and military tests was contracted by the Polish army last December. The agreement for the second kind of radar, i.e. PET/PCL, can be signed at any time, as the strategy has besides obtained military certificates to enable it to enter service.
