The Most Advanced Radar, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the radar you think is the most advanced!

Updated on May 6, 2024 06:16

The safety and efficiency of both civilian and military aviation largely depend on the quality and capability of radar technology. As skies grow increasingly crowded and demands on air traffic control become more stringent, the significance of having sophisticated radar systems escalates. This places a premium on evaluating the myriad of advanced radars that are instrumental in maintaining airspace security and navigational accuracy. Within this environment of continual technological advancement, it becomes essential for users and experts alike to distinguish which radar systems stand out in terms of performance, reliability, and innovation. This live ranking allows enthusiasts, professionals, and casual observers to cast votes reflecting their opinions and experiences. Your participation helps shape a consensus on the most effective radar technology available today.

What Is the Most Advanced Radar?

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67
votes
U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command Official Web-Site · Public domain

AN/SPY-6 Radar

Raytheon Technologies

This is the most advanced radar currently deployed on US Navy ships, with a range of over 500 km and the ability to track multiple targets simultaneously. It uses advanced gallium nitride technology and is capable of detecting stealth aircraft.
The AN/SPY-6 Radar is a cutting-edge radar system designed for use in naval environments. It is a part of the Aegis Combat System and is referred to as the Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR). This radar provides exceptional detection and tracking capabilities to enhance situational awareness and enable effective missile defense.

Frequency Band: S-band

Operating Range: Over 200 nautical miles

Antenna: Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)

Power Output: High Power Transmit (HPT) system

Modes of Operation: Air surveillance, Ballistic missile defense, Surface warfare, Anti-air warfare
2

26
votes
Daderot · CC0

APG-77 Radar

Northrop Grumman Corporation

This is the radar used on the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter, which is considered to be the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. The APG-77 has a range of over 160 km and can track multiple targets. It is also capable of generating high-resolution images of ground targets.
The APG-77 Radar is an advanced airborne radar system primarily developed for the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation air superiority fighter aircraft. It is a multi-function, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that provides the F-22 with long-range detection and tracking capabilities, along with superb target discrimination and situational awareness.

Detection Range: Over 130 nautical miles (240 km)

Type: Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar

Primary Function: Airborne surveillance, tracking, and target acquisition

Frequency Range: X-Band

Operational Modes: Air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea
3

20
votes
Zhuk-AE Radar

Phazotron NIIR

This is the radar used on the Su-35 fighter aircraft, which is considered to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. The Zhuk-AE has a range of over 400 km and can track multiple targets. It is also capable of generating high-resolution images of ground targets.
The Zhuk-AE Radar is an advanced airborne radar system designed for military aircraft. It provides enhanced tracking and target detection capabilities, making it a crucial component for modern air defense systems.

Frequency: X-band

Detection Range: Up to 300 kilometers

Tracking Range: Up to 200 kilometers

Azimuth Coverage: 360 degrees

Elevation Coverage: ±60 degrees
4

15
votes
EL/M-2080 Green Pine Radar

This is the radar used by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, which is capable of intercepting incoming missiles. The Green Pine has a range of over 500 km and can track multiple targets. It is also capable of detecting ballistic missiles.
The EL/M-2080 Green Pine Radar is an advanced phased array radar system primarily used for missile defense purposes. It is capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying multiple targets simultaneously, providing early warning and target acquisition capabilities.

Frequency band: X-Band

Range: up to 500 km

Operating mode: Long Range Surveillance and Tracking

Detection capability: Ballistic missiles, rockets, and aircraft

Track capacity: Over 1000 targets
5

18
votes
Allocer · CC BY-SA 3.0

N036 Byelka Radar

NPO Vega

This is the radar used on the Su-57 stealth fighter, which is considered to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. The Byelka has a range of over 400 km and can track multiple targets. It is also capable of generating high-resolution images of ground targets.
The N036 Byelka Radar is an advanced radar system developed by the Russian company, NPO Vega. It is designed for use in military aviation and provides a wide range of capabilities for target detection and tracking.

Frequency range: X-band (8-12 GHz)

Detection range: Up to 400 km

Target tracking: Up to 60 targets simultaneously

Antenna type: Active phased array antenna

Scan rate: 60 RPM
6

9
votes
H-6U Radar

ABC Electronics

This is the radar used on China's J-20 stealth fighter, which is considered to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. The H-6U has a range of over 400 km and can track multiple targets. It is also capable of generating high-resolution images of ground targets.
The H-6U Radar is an advanced radar system designed for military applications. It is known for its cutting-edge technology and high-precision tracking capabilities.

Frequency Range: X-band

Detection Range: Up to 500 kilometers

Azimuth Coverage: 360 degrees

Elevation Coverage: Up to 70 degrees

Resolution: Less than 1 meter
7

8
votes
Gaetano56 · CC BY-SA 3.0

PESA Radar

This is a type of radar that uses a phased array of antennas to scan the sky. It is used on many advanced military aircraft, including the F-15 and F-18. PESA radars are known for their high accuracy and ability to track multiple targets.
PESA (Passive Electronically Scanned Array) Radar is a radar technology that uses multiple small transmit/receive (T/R) modules to emit radio waves without requiring mechanical steering. Instead, it relies on electronic beamforming to adjust the phase and amplitude of each T/R module individually. This allows for rapid beam scanning, improved target detection, reduced sidelobes, and enhanced jamming resistance.

Scanning Speed: Very high - up to 100 times faster than mechanical scanning radars

Target Detection Range: Extended range performance compared to older radar technologies

Beam Agility: Allows for quick beam repositioning and tracking of multiple targets simultaneously

Sidelobe Suppression: Reduced sidelobes enhance detection accuracy and reduce interference

Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) Capability: Enhanced resistance to electronic jamming and countermeasures
8

8
votes
Delhi defence Review · CC BY-SA 2.0

AESA Radar

Raytheon Company

This is a type of radar that uses an active electronically scanned array of antennas to scan the sky. It is used on many advanced military aircraft, including the F-22 and F-35. AESA radars are known for their high accuracy, ability to track multiple targets, and resistance to jamming.
The AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) Radar is an advanced radar technology that uses an array of small transmit/receive modules to generate and steer radar beams electronically.

Scanning Method: Electronic Beam Steering

Transmit/Receive Modules: Array of small modules

Range: Varying, up to several hundred kilometers

Antenna Structure: Planar, usually solid-state

Beam Characteristics: Narrow, well-defined, and agile
9

4
votes
SAMPSON Radar

BAE Systems

This is the radar used on the UK's Type 45 destroyer, which is considered to be one of the most advanced warships in the world. The SAMPSON has a range of over 400 km and can track multiple targets. It is also capable of detecting stealth aircraft.
The SAMPSON Radar is an advanced multifunction radar system primarily used in naval applications. It was developed by BAE Systems, a defense and aerospace company based in the United Kingdom.

Type: Multifunction Radar

Primary Use: Naval Applications

Frequency: D-band (L band for secondary radar functions)

Detection Range: Over 400 km (primary targets)

Antenna Type: Active phased array antenna
10

3
votes
DBR Radar

This is the radar used on the UK's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which are considered to be the most advanced warships in the Royal Navy. The DBR has a range of over 400 km and can track multiple targets. It is also capable of detecting stealth aircraft.
The DBR Radar, also known as Dual Band Radar, is one of the most advanced radar systems currently in use. It is designed to provide high-performance surveillance and tracking capabilities in both maritime and airborne environments. The DBR Radar offers exceptional target detection, identification, and tracking capabilities, making it an essential tool for military and defense applications.

Frequency Bands: S-band and X-band

Operating Range: Over 250 nautical miles

Target Detection: Simultaneous detection of multiple targets

Target Tracking: High-precision tracking of airborne and surface targets

Anti-Stealth Capability: Capable of detecting and tracking stealth aircraft

Missing your favorite radar?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for advanced radar

Detection range

The capability of the radar system to detect targets at varying distances is crucial. A radar system with a longer detection range allows for early detection of threats and better situational awareness.
Resolution

The radar's ability to distinguish between closely-spaced objects or targets, also known as its resolution, is vital. High-resolution radar systems can accurately track and identify smaller or closely positioned targets.
Frequency band

Radar systems operate using different frequency bands, including L, S, C, X, and Ku bands. The choice of frequency band impacts the radar's performance, range, and other capabilities, as different frequency bands have varying properties and interaction with the environment.
Target tracking and discrimination

Advanced radar systems should be able to track multiple targets simultaneously and accurately identify and discriminate between different types of targets, such as aircraft, missiles, drones, and other objects.
Signal processing

The ability of the radar system to process and filter the received signals from noise and interference effectively is essential for accurate detection and tracking of targets. More advanced radar systems employ sophisticated signal processing techniques, such as digital signal processing or adaptive processing.
Electronic countermeasures resistance

The radar's resilience and capability to detect and track targets in the presence of jamming, interference, or other electronic countermeasures is a critical factor. An advanced radar should be able to function effectively in contested and congested electromagnetic environments.
Low probability of intercept

Advanced radar systems should be designed to minimize the possibility of detection by enemy sensors, such as radar warning receivers. Stealthy radar systems employ techniques like low probability of intercept (LPI) waveforms, frequency hopping, or reduced transmission power to remain undetected.
Integration and interoperability

The radar system's capability to be integrated into broader defense systems or networks, such as command and control systems or missile defense systems, and the ability to communicate and operate in conjunction with other sensors and platforms is a significant factor.
Reliability and maintainability

The radar's ability to operate continuously without failures and be easily maintained is essential for ensuring mission success and reducing the overall lifecycle cost of the system.
Cost-effectiveness

The cost of the radar system, including acquisition, installation, operation, and maintenance, is an essential factor to consider when comparing various systems. Advanced radar systems should provide the best balance of capabilities and performance for the lowest possible cost.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most advanced radar. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or radar is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2462 views
178 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each radar once every 24 hours. The rank of each radar is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most advanced radar

Background Information: The Quest for the Most Advanced Radar Radar technology has come a long way since its inception in the early 20th century. Today, radar systems are used for a variety of applications, including air traffic control, weather monitoring, and military defense. But what makes a radar system "advanced"? In general, an advanced radar system is one that is capable of detecting and tracking targets with high accuracy, even in challenging conditions such as bad weather or a cluttered environment. Some of the key features that distinguish advanced radar systems include: - High-resolution imaging: Advanced radar systems are able to generate detailed images of targets, allowing operators to identify and track them more effectively. - Multi-functionality: Many modern radar systems are designed to perform multiple functions, such as surveillance, navigation, and weapon guidance. - Stealth detection: Advanced radar systems are often equipped with advanced signal processing algorithms that can detect stealthy targets, such as aircraft or ships designed to evade radar detection. - Range and coverage: The most advanced radar systems are able to detect and track targets at long ranges, and over wide areas. Overall, the quest for the most advanced radar system is an ongoing one, as radar technology continues to evolve and improve. From the earliest radar systems of World War II to the cutting-edge systems of today, radar remains a vital tool for a wide range of applications, and its capabilities are only set to expand in the years to come.