HYCAM - a software-defined testbed for experimentations of new S band surface radar concepts

In 2008, ONERA started developing a radar designed for experimental studies on new concepts for naval and surface applications. The project is called HYCAM. The aim is to be able to be representative of most of the categories of surface radars (multi-function radars, surveillance radars, target analysis systems, NCTR radars, tracking radars, weather radars,...). To achieve such a versatility, a modular and software defined architecture has been proposed thanks to modern and high performance digital technologies (FPGA, DAC, ADC). Moreover, micro-wave front-end/antennas are reconfigurable. The device is expected to be validated in 2011. In this paper, radar definition and specifications are detailed.