Rajendra Radar
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Rajendra is a passive phased array radar developed by DRDO of India and under production at BEL. It makes use of a passive phased array to search a volume of space, distinguish between hostile and friendly targets, automatically track up to 64 targets and command one of several launchers to engage up to 4 targets simultaneously. Initially designed as a standalone system, Rajendra is now equipped with the ability to integrate with a network of sensors, including long and medium-range surveillance radars of foreign and indigenous origin. The Rajendra Multi-Function Phased Array radar system, designed at the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE, a part of DRDO), is currently in production at BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited).
Rajendra's multi-element antenna arrangement folds flat when the vehicle is in motion. Radar comprises surveillance antenna array with 4000 elements operating in the G/H-Band (4-8 GHz), engagement antenna array with 1000 elements operating in the I/J-Band (8-20 GHz), a 16-element IFF array and steering units. The surveillance radar range is 60 km against aircraft targets. A longer range version is being developed. The Army intends to use the Rajendra radar in the artillery locating role as well. An Akash battery consists of three missile launch vehicles (triple launcher on a modified BMP-1 chassis), a Rajendra fire control radar vehicle, a long-range surveillance radar vehicle and an armoured command vehicle. Series production of ~25 missiles per year, was expected to commence in 2000 at Bharat Dynamics Ltd. No reliable information has been received so far, as to whether Akash missile production has begun
Incidentally, it was during the tests at Chandipur for the Akash missile, that engineers noticed the Rajendra radar was able to detect and track artillery shells being test fired at a nearby range. This led to the (ongoing) development of the indigenous Weapon Locating Radar, an item highly prized by the Indian Army's artillery units, especially after the Kargil War.
Rajendra is the Fire Control Radar for the Akash missile and forms a part of the Akash Defense System.
