Taking benefit of Radar resources in integrated RF sensor suites

For integrated sensor suites, a major challenge is to use as efficiently as possible the available resources: antennas, Transmit/Receive (Tx/Rx) chains, processing power, frequencies, etc... This paper is focused on the benefits provided by radar antennas in such architectures, due to their large size and power which are generally unmatched by other sensors. Examples of additional functions accessible through radar antennas are described, in the field of electronic warfare or communications. Results of technico-operational simulations of these functions are presented to illustrate expected gains in performance and reactivity. The conclusion shows the associated constraints in mission execution and shows how next generation radars will ultimately become multifunction RF sensors.