CETC introduces next-gen radar system at expo

China Electronics Technology Group Corp, one of the world's largest suppliers of defense electronics, is promoting a new-generation radar system that can counter almost all types of aerial threats.

The YLC-16 multifunctional S-band radar system incorporates an all-digital, full-solid active phased array, advanced chips and other state-of-the-art technologies and is capable of detecting and tracking stealth aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles and loitering munitions, said Tang Ji, a manager at the CETC 14th Institute in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.

The Nanjing institute is the country's largest and strongest developer of military radar. Its products have been sold to dozens of nations.

"It is one of the latest radar models CETC is offering on the international market and is the best three-dimensional, middle-range surveillance radar any buyer now can find. Many foreign militaries, some in Africa and Asia, have expressed strong interest in this radar system and proposed to come to our institute to see the product and learn more about it," he said at the 10th World Radio Detection and Ranging Expo, which kicked off on Thursday in Beijing.

Thanks to its cutting-edge technologies and modular designs, the YLC-16 features a streamlined appearance, low power consumption and a high level of operational stability and reliability, Tang said.

These advantages will enable users to field the radar in regions with tough conditions such as high mountains, uninhabitable islands and plateaus, and controllers can remotely operate the equipment, the manager said, noting data can be transmitted back in real time via optical fiber, microwave or satellite.

He added the radar's antennas and their covers are foldable and can open and close within minutes.

In addition to its military functions, the radar can also work in civil aviation to monitor air traffic.