The ACAR Surveillance Radar Family has been developed to address modern asymmetric and hybrid threats, including irregular border crossings, low-RCS ground targets, and small maritime platforms. It represents ASELSAN’s evolution in ground surveillance radar technology, incorporating operational feedback from more than 200 radar systems produced since the 1990s.

Operational Role and Mission Profile

ACAR’s primary mission is:

• Detection of moving ground and surface targets
• Automatic target tracking
• Target classification
• Generation of target location data for command and fire units

It can detect and classify:

• Dismounted personnel
• Light and heavy ground vehicles
• Wheeled and armored platforms
• Small and medium-sized maritime vessels

Additionally, ACAR supports artillery fire adjustment missions by providing accurate target coordinate updates and impact correction data, enabling integration into fire support networks.

Doctrine and Concept of Employment

ACAR is designed for battalion- and brigade-level tactical deployment. Typical operational concepts include:

• Fixed border surveillance nodes
• Coastal monitoring systems
• Forward observation posts
• Critical infrastructure perimeter security
• Mobile reconnaissance units

Its Track-While-Scan capability ensures uninterrupted situational awareness, allowing the radar to continue scanning while simultaneously maintaining active tracks on multiple targets.

System Architecture

ACAR consists of the following main subsystems:

• Ku-band transmitter and receiver module
• Slotted waveguide antenna
• Solid-state RF architecture
• Digital signal processing unit
• Automatic classification algorithms
• Operator control unit
• Command and Control interface

Operating in Ku-band enables higher resolution and improved detection performance against small, low-RCS targets. The solid-state design increases reliability and reduces maintenance requirements.

Survivability and Protection Concept

ACAR incorporates Low Probability of Intercept LPI characteristics, reducing the likelihood of detection by enemy Electronic Support Measures systems. This is critical in contested electromagnetic environments.

Its compact and lightweight structure enables rapid deployment and relocation, improving survivability against counter-battery fire or electronic suppression threats.

Detection, Tracking and Engagement Support

Although ACAR is not an effector system, it provides:

• Automatic detection
• Track initiation
• Continuous tracking
• Target classification
• Coordinate generation
• Real-time data transfer to command centers

This data can be fed into air defense systems, ground fire support units, or security response elements.

Integration and Ecosystem

ACAR is designed for seamless integration with ASELSAN command and control systems and can operate within NATO-compatible communication infrastructures.

Remote operation capability enables distributed radar networks to be centrally controlled, supporting wide-area surveillance architectures.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

• High sensitivity against small and slow-moving targets
• Multi-target tracking capability
• LPI waveform characteristics
• Rapid deployment
• Reduced operator workload via automatic classification

Limitations:

Ku-band radars may be more susceptible to atmospheric attenuation compared to lower frequency bands. ACAR is optimized for ground and surface surveillance rather than long-range air defense missions.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Operating Frequency

• Ku-Band
• Provides high-resolution detection and improved discrimination of small targets.

Maximum Instrumented Range

• Up to 60 km
• Actual detection range depends on target radar cross section and environmental conditions.

Antenna Type

Slotted waveguide antenna

Provides directional beam control and high angular resolution.

Radar Architecture

• Solid-state design
• Improved reliability and lower lifecycle maintenance compared to legacy tube-based systems.

Target Tracking

• Track-While-Scan capability
• Simultaneous tracking of multiple targets
• Maximum number of concurrent tracks is not publicly disclosed.

Target Classification

• Automatic target classification algorithms
• Capable of distinguishing personnel, vehicles, and maritime targets.

Command and Control

• Remote command capability
• Data transmission to command centers
• Flexible interface architecture

Detailed communication protocol standards are not publicly disclosed.

Deployment Options

• Tripod-mounted portable configuration
• Vehicle-mounted configuration
• Tower or mast integration

Deployment time and crew size are not publicly specified in open sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ACAR radar used for?

• ACAR is used for detecting, tracking, and classifying moving ground and surface targets. It is widely applied in border security, coastal surveillance, and critical facility protection.

What is the maximum range of ACAR?

• The radar provides a maximum instrumented range of up to 60 km, depending on target type and environmental conditions.

What types of targets can it detect?

• It can detect personnel, light and heavy vehicles, and small to medium maritime vessels. It is not designed as a long-range air defense radar.

How many targets can it track simultaneously?

• ACAR supports multi-target tracking. The exact upper tracking limit is not publicly disclosed.

Is ACAR mobile or fixed?

• It supports both configurations. It can be tripod-mounted, vehicle-mounted, or installed on fixed towers and masts.

Can it integrate with command and control systems?

• Yes. ACAR is designed for integration with command and control networks and supports remote operation.

What advantage does LPI provide?

• Low Probability of Intercept waveforms reduce detectability by hostile electronic support systems, enhancing operational survivability.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product page – ACAR Surveillance Radar Family
• ASELSAN product brochures
• ASELSAN defense exhibition materials
• Open-source defense industry publications