Radar sensor technology developments as CSIR DPSS in support of persistent, ubiquitous surveillance systems

Abstract

South Africa, like other countries, faces the challenge of protecting its territory and its people from activities such as illegal border crossings, weapons trafficking, smuggling, piracy, poaching, organised crime, and terrorism on land, at sea and in the air. The country's assets available for monitoring and securing its large land and maritime territory are relatively small, resulting in an unfavourable force-to-space ratio. Since 2003 the CSIR has been involved in developing some of the key elements of an S&T capability based on international technology trends in persistent, ubiquitous surveillance. The ultimate aim of this programme is to develop and produce a series of South African innovations that can be used by departments and agencies of the state to enhance national security. This paper highlights: a) some of the key functional and performance requirements of this type of radar. b) recent results obtained in a number of directed research projects undertaken at the CSIR to develop radar technologies required for this type of radar. c) the CSIR technology roadmap for the development and/or acquisition of the radar and other sensor subsystems, the data fusion subsystems and the elevated platforms leading to fully integrated surveillance systems of increasing performance. d) progress with the development of operational scenarios, employment doctrines and system level requirements for these types of systems.