New coastal radar performances: Evolution or revolution

Based on the legacy of marine radars, historical coastal surveillance sensors were based on the cheap magnetron-slotted waveguide antenna combination and were addressing sea-lane traffic control missions. New regulations in the marine world, such as the SOLAS convention, and increasing requirements for very small objects tracking, put new requirements on radar performance. It triggered an evolution process that is transforming the coastal radar design: From a rough and simple magnetron design, it is now moving into solid state and multi-mission units. This paper addresses the key elements triggering this evolution and puts in perspective the latest developments in this fastly moving field. It addresses a key question: Are we witnessing a market driven revolution in the coastal radar domain?