Trends in future radars associated with SAM systems

The role of radars in surface-to-air missile systems is discussed with special reference to information data rate requirements, and the use of fully phased array radar or rotating radar. Changing threat characteristics affect the radar requirements and hence the design features, leading to increasing emphasis on improved signal processing techniques made possible by advances in high speed integrated circuit technology. Air defence missile homing head developments, especially in the millimeter radar frequency bands, seem likely to impact on the overall SAM system structure and the ground radar requirements.