Chinese radar detects submarines at near-light-speed
A recently developed Chinese radar can detect submarines at record speeds via radio-emitting drones.
The drones emit radiowaves that travel at almost the speed of light. Then, the signal bounces off underwater vessels and returns to the radar at roughly the same speed.
As a result, the radar can detect submarines at astonishing speeds, allowing the Chinese military to react quickly to naval threats.
Article continues after this advertisementHow does this Chinese radar work?
Chinese ghost radar moves at ‘near-light-speed’ to detect submarineshttps://t.co/RCfqF0L5s4
— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) November 30, 2024
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said most radars function by transmitting signals that bounce off objects.
Then, the signals travel back to the radar, enabling it to calculate an object’s location, movement, size, and speed.
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Article continues after this advertisementThe Chinese radar takes this technology to the next level by deploying drones that emit radiowaves in the sky.
Specifically, they send extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves. Consequently, they serve as virtual signal sources called ghost radars.
The scientists behind this technology explained it further to the news website South China Morning Post.
They said a nuclear submarine’s radar cross-section (RCS) in seawater can reach up to 88 square meters or 947 square feet.
This occurs when it is exposed to signals with frequencies as low as 100Hz. Consequently, “common magnetic detectors” make it possible to detect these underwater targets.
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Installing these compact detectors on drones enables “gradient detection of targets across the entire field.”
Li Daojing, lead researcher from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, tells SCMP that their radar is a “disruptive technology.”
Yahoo News says this breakthrough could improve communications between surface ships and submarines. Specifically, it could extend their range up to 3,700 miles or 6,000 km.
Nowadays, Li and his team are exploring its other applications. They published their findings in the Chinese academic journal Modern Radar.
China has been developing other drone applications outside this revolutionary radar system.
For example, it developed a new firearm for these unmanned aerial vehicles. Click here to learn more.
