Army Equipment - Air Defence Radar
Air Defence Radar is used for two purposes:
- Monitor aircraft within Irish Airspace
- Assist anti-aircraft weapons in target acquisition
The Army operate two types of Air Defence radar systems:
Giraffe 40 radar
The Giraffe 40 target acquisition and tracking radar was designed to operate as a central search / acquisition radar and control centre for short range anti-aircraft defence.
The Giraffe radar can be deployed in all terrain types and has the capability of detecting rocket, artillery and mortar projectiles within a range of 40km and can track such projectiles within a range of 20km.
When linked to nine RBS70 firing posts (each 4km apart), the Giraffe tracking system can protect an area of up to 175km².
Flycatcher Radar System
The Flycatcher radar system is a self contained all weather integrated search radar and fire control system. It is also fitted with an advanced Electronic Counter Measures suite, making it a reliable fire control system.
The Flycatcher can track up to 16 targets simultaneously within a range of 16km, providing accurate targeting for its accompanying battery of six EL70 weapons systems. Each of which can be deployed up to 2 kms from the radar.