from Rohde & Schwarz

Radar signal interception

Innovative ELINT solution

moves into the digital age

Radiomonitoring & Radiolocation
Application Brochure | 01.00

Radar signal interception

moves into the digital age
Rohde & Schwarz ELINT solutions are advanced Radars have become indispensable worldwide. Both
search, collection, measurement and analysis military and civilian users employ radar technology for a
multitude of different applications. The basic principle of
systems that can be used on almost any platform in
radar is simple, but modern radars have become complex
any signal environment. The field-proven systems and diverse. Both traditional pulsed radars and continuous
focus on operator usability and functionality and wave (CW) radars are becoming more widespread – from
have demonstrated their ability to successfully relatively simple mechanically scanning navigation radars
exploit the modern radar environment. to complex multifunction electronically scanning radars
that offer simultaneous search, acquisition and tracking
functions.

It is possible to automatically intercept radar signals and

identify the corresponding platform or weapon system.
Radar electronic support measures (RESM) provide early
warning alerts and contribute to the situational picture and
platform protection. RESM systems compare the inter-
cepted signals with an emitter library, which is a product
of ELINT.

Relatively low complexity and VHF/UHF long-range

high power. Still largely analog,
but upgrades and digital systems
early warning radars
are becoming increasingly common
because these radars are able to
detect targets that have a low
radar cross-section (RCS).

The mo
Around 33 GHz to 36 GHz is the
radar designer’s K band window for radar
short range target acquisition/tracking K band radars
radars and missile seekers. Analysis
of radar frequencies suggest that the
environ
trend for such radars is heading in
this direction.

Multifu
AESA/P

Active and passive electronically scanned arrays are

a major challenge for both strategic manual analysts
and tactical automated systems. They appear in
multiple frequency bands and simultaneously
perform a multitude of search functions while

2
 The modern radar environment
Radar analysis has never been simple, but modern radar is
rarely a single-frequency, single-mode device. Each indi-
vidual radar has many different forms and profiles. There
are multimode, multifunction radars that use complex
pulse modulation and frequency agility, all of which is soft-
ware defined and therefore reprogrammable. Such radars
are easy to detect, but incredibly difficult to fully character-
ize. There are low probability of intercept (LPI) radars that
are just plain difficult to even detect, some intentionally,
some by the nature of their design. And then there are
legacy systems that use decades-old VHF/UHF technology
and can detect platforms that use cutting-edge technol-
ogy, but which cannot be detected by modern systems.

Solid state radars These radars still use pulsed radar

techniques, but have the benefit of
(SSRs) a substantial reduction in radiated
power. They often operate with
adaptive power levels, adjusting the
transmitted power according to the
range of the target and the applied
radar mode. As a result, solid state
radars radiate very weak signals,
and intercepting them is a question
of sensitivity and proximity.

odern
A commonly used term that includes
CW radars such as frequency
Low probability modulated continuous wave (FMCW)
nment of intercept and frequency modulated interrupted
continuous wave (FMICW) radars that
(LPI) radars are pretty much invisible to pulsed
radar collection systems.

unction
PESA

potentially carrying out hundreds of tracking functions.

Multifunction radars use frequency agility, multiple
beams and framed pulses sequences to perform
different functions, and represent the greatest
challenge to the radar analyst.

Rohde & Schwarz Radar signal interception moves into the digital age 3

Operational The results of electronic intelligence (ELINT) operations
are utilized in fields such as countermeasure and missile
system design. But the principal ELINT customer is the

challenge ESM and EOB database manager who in turn delivers to

the frontline RESM system. Anyone who has experience in
this field will attest to the fact that an RESM system is only
as good as its database, and the database can only be as
The operational challenge has been to create a good as the ELINT data that was used to create it. There-
system that is able to intercept, collect and analyze fore the accuracy and quality of this ELINT data is integral
to the protection of frontline assets and personnel.
all of these modern radars. This system must keep
one eye on the future yet still be capable of dealing Today’s missions call for intelligent systems that can han-
with legacy systems. It has to have a small form dle modern radar emissions. These systems must have the
factor in order to be readily deployable on any highest sensitivity and be able to record and analyze wide
platform at short notice. bandwidths. They need to be adaptive, multifunctional and
operate on any platform in any environment, yet be small,
lightweight and consume little power. And they have to
support operators throughout the entire process.

Payload concept ELINT collectors have to be located in the best possible

position, a tradeoff between the highest probability of in-
tercepting signals of interest (SOI) and remaining undis-
covered. Therefore the collector will have to be deployed
in an area where the target can be collected (generally line
of sight) without alerting the target of its presence. In or-
der to maintain the greatest range advantage, the system
must have the highest sensitivity possible yet still provide
a collection bandwidth sufficient to collect SOIs. In light of
today’s ever-increasing battle for space, the system must
have compact dimensions for integration into suitable col-
lection sites/platforms.

Potential ELINT platforms (air/land/sea).

4
Cutting edge in the field
The Rohde & Schwarz ELINT payload Digital I/Q recording provides lossless postprocessing and
The system is focused on operator usability and function- high-quality results.
ality. Devices and system software have been developed
in parallel and thus complement each other with many The Rohde & Schwarz payload is a turnkey solution that is
features that support the operator in dense signal envi- ideal for electronic intelligence (ELINT) and radar electro-
ronments. This parallel hardware/software development magnetic spectrum applications, offering integrated work-
also enables integrated data management and provides a flow and data management for efficient operation.
smooth workflow throughout the entire system. The sys-
tem software controls all devices and contains intuitive It is capable of intercepting and analyzing modern, low-
operator-friendly GUIs. power, low probability of intercept (LPI) radar signals and
uses high-quality digital signal processing for accurate
The system is designed for efficient operation in complex inter­pulse and intrapulse analysis
signal scenarios, facilitating multichannel tasks in dense
signal environments. The easy-to-integrate Rohde & Schwarz ELINT solutions
are flexible and scalable, from single-operator solutions to
The ­collected data in the fully digital collection and analy- nationwide collection systems. They can be controlled via
sis system is of the highest quality. Pulse descriptor words WAN, allowing remote control of unmanned or detached
(PDW) and continuous I/Q data accurately visualize all receiver sites. System components have open interfaces
­radar and pulse parameters. to enable integration with existing legacy equipment.

The system provides the operator with the option to mas- R&S®TPA technical pulse analysis software
sively reduce the amount of data that needs to be re- The payload includes the powerful R&S®TPA technical
corded or transferred in the form of I/Q descriptor words pulse analysis software that allows full interpulse and
(IQDW). IQDWs preserve both phase and frequency in- intrapulse characterization of radar emissions at the collec-
formation to ensure full intrapulse analysis since the heart tion site or at a dedicated analysis center.
of the system is the R&S®WPU500. The R&S®WPU500
wideband processing unit uses the latest state-of-the-art Our solution also includes an integrated operator radar
components to be as prepared as possible for the ever ad- database, allowing the ELINT operator to build up a radar
vancing developments in radar technology. database or complement an existing database during their
mission.

Rohde & Schwarz offers a tried and tested system from a

Payload example showing two R&S®WPU500 wideband single supplier. The payload solution has been deployed to
processing units in combination with R&S®GX470 digital mission critical operational areas with exceptional results.
wideband storage device.

Rohde & Schwarz Radar signal interception moves into the digital age 5

Key features and benefits
❙❙ Wide frequency range from 8 kHz to 40 GHz
■■ From HF radars to K band missile seekers

❙❙ Wide realtime 500 MHz bandwidth that can be adjusted to the signal environment
■■ Potential to increase receiver sensitivity for low-power targets and provide maximum range advantage

❙❙ Selection of four analysis channels within the selected IF spectrum (up to 500 MHz)
■■ Reduction in bandwidth possible in order to target the SOI and prevent pulse on pulse issues

■■ Absolutely necessary for dense signal environments to isolate SOIs

❙❙ Market-leading sensitivity figures (enabling collection of LPI and solid state radars)
■■ Modern SSRs with very low ERPs

❙❙ Collection of conventional pulsed and continuous wave (including FMCW/FMICW) radars

■■ Legacy systems and pulse collection systems are unable to deal with FMCW radars

❙❙ Compact solution integrates receiver/digitizer/analyzer into one 4 HU package

■■ Significant reduction in SWAP

■■ No device integration required

❙❙ High dynamic range

■■ Significant variation of detected power levels in busy radar environments

❙❙ Highly intuitive GUIs

■■ Intuitive operation for easy and quick ELINT collection

❙❙ R&S®TPA technical pulse analysis with a powerful set of analysis tools

■■ Ability to fully characterize all radars

❙❙ Fully digital system with lossless data quality throughout the process

❙❙ High-quality, lossless digital signal processing for accurate interpulse and intrapulse analysis

❙❙ Full integration with existing Rohde & Schwarz antennas and existing antenna architecture
■■ Flexible antenna architecture to inconspicuously fit the payload to platforms for covert missions

Graphical user interface of the R&S®WPU500 wideband processing unit.

6
Operational training Rohde & Schwarz offers training and consultancy that
keeps up with current operational developments.

Rohde & Schwarz employs dedicated trainers who have

years of experience as radar signal collectors and radar
signal analysts. They are not only former operators and
­analysts, they are also qualified trainers with a deep under-
standing of radar operation and theory. They can handle
classes whose participants range from young inexperi-
enced personnel to senior managers and officers. Due to
their many years of experience in various environments,
they quickly understand the customer’s experience and
requirements and will tailor the training to suit the level of
knowledge within the class.

The courses offered by Rohde & Schwarz are modular. The

basic modules are designed to provide students who have
no previous experience in the radar world with basic radar
theory and an understanding of radar functions. The train-
ing develops the skills needed to understand radars, how
they operate and why they operate in the modes that they
do. The training covers both radar signal collection and
analysis. It contains modules on measurable radar param-
eters and, for military customers, on how the ELINT opera-
tor or analyst can interpret the parameters.

Rohde & Schwarz experience
The radar signal collection and analysis system was de-
signed and developed by a team of developers and former
operators/analysts. This ideal combination of experience
and innovation ensures that the radar signal collection and
Radar Signal Analysis analysis system provides the best solutions for collecting
Training Courses the pulsed, CW and complex signals found in the modern
Comprehensive instructor-led courses focused on radar signal theory,
parameter identification and analysis techniques
radar environment.
Radiomonitoring & Radiolocation

Product Brochure | 03.00

For more information, see the product brochure:

Radar Signal Analysis Training Courses (PD 3607.1507.12).

Rohde & Schwarz Radar signal interception moves into the digital age 7

 About Rohde & Schwarz
Service that adds value The Rohde & Schwarz electronics group offers innovative
❙ Worldwide solutions in the following business fields: test and mea-
❙ Local and personalized surement, broadcast and media, secure communications,
❙ Customized and flexible
cybersecurity, radiomonitoring and radiolocation. Founded
❙ Uncompromising quality
❙ Long-term dependability more than 80 years ago, the independent company which
is headquartered in Munich, Germany, has an extensive
sales and service network with locations in more than
70 countries.

Sustainable product design

❙❙ Environmental compatibility and eco-footprint
❙❙ Energy efficiency and low emissions
❙❙ Longevity and optimized total cost of ownership

Certified Quality Management Certified Environmental Management

ISO 9001 ISO 14001

Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
www.rohde-schwarz.com

Regional contact
❙❙ Europe, Africa, Middle East | +49 89 4129 12345
[email protected]
❙❙ North America | 1 888 TEST RSA (1 888 837 87 72)
[email protected]
❙❙ Latin America | +1 410 910 79 88
[email protected]
❙❙ Asia Pacific | +65 65 13 04 88
[email protected]
❙❙ China | +86 800 810 82 28 | +86 400 650 58 96
[email protected]

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG

3607.5019.92 01.00 PDP 1 en

Trade names are trademarks of the owners

PD 3607.5019.92 | Version 01.00 | July 2016 (sk)
Radar signal interception moves into the digital age
Data without tolerance limits is not binding | Subject to change
©  2016 Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG | 81671 Munich, Germany

3607501992