A SOLID state radar system, SharpEye from London-based marine navigation designer and manufacturer Kelvin Hughes, is expected to detect small high-speed pirate skiffs in high levels of rain, cloud and sea clutter.
The maker claims that the device provides accurate navigational data and track small surface craft and aircraft using an optional doppler processing feature not present on conventional magnetron radar to determine speed, said the company statement.
If a vessel fits the velocity filter of a pirate attack - often characterised by very small radar cross-sections, approach by direct track, most often from astern and frequently at night - it sounds an alarm removing the need for a radar watchkeeper, said a company statement.
The detection system works independently from the MantaDigital display system allowing it to continue to show its main radar's plan position indicator (PPI), said the company.
A report from UK's Confidential Hazardous Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP) for maritime cited a recent attack in the South China Sea where a small vessel was spotted by an officer of the watch, only to disappear in rain clutter and later hijack a nearby vessel.
The company said its products are in use on a wide range of commercial vessels and in service with over 30 navies around the world, including fittings on every Royal Navy warship.