The ALPER Naval LPI Radar is engineered primarily for surface warfare (ASuW), littoral operations, and close-range maritime domain awareness. Its core mission is the detection and tracking of small surface contacts, asymmetric maritime threats, and low-altitude airborne targets in complex sea environments.

Operational Purpose and Role

Modern naval operations increasingly occur in congested littoral waters where small, fast-moving threats and low-observable targets pose significant risks. ALPER is optimized to address these challenges by providing:

• Early detection of small radar cross-section (RCS) surface threats
• Surveillance against fast attack craft and asymmetric elements
• Detection of low-flying aerial threats
• Coastal approach and harbor security support

Its LPI characteristic enhances survivability in electronic warfare-heavy environments.

Doctrine and Concept of Use

ALPER is typically integrated on:

• Fast attack craft
• Offshore patrol vessels (OPVs)
• Corvettes
• Auxiliary naval platforms

Within the ship’s sensor suite, it contributes to the overall tactical picture and feeds data to the combat management system (CMS). The sector blanking feature allows selective emission control in specific azimuth sectors, reducing electromagnetic exposure toward known enemy ESM directions. Alarm sector definition enables rapid operator response to threats emerging from predefined bearings.

System Architecture

The ALPER radar system consists of:

• Antenna Unit
• Antenna Steering Unit
• Transmit/Receive Unit
• Signal Processing Unit
• Power Distribution Unit

Operating in X-Band with an FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) waveform, the radar continuously transmits low-power signals, enabling precise range and velocity measurement.

Compared to conventional pulse radars, FMCW technology provides:

• Lower peak transmission power
• Reduced electromagnetic signature
• High range resolution
• Improved small-target discrimination

Survivability and Electronic Warfare Resilience

The radar’s transmission power is less than 1 watt, significantly reducing detectability by hostile electronic support measures (ESM). This contributes to:

• Reduced susceptibility to anti-radiation missiles
• Lower electromagnetic footprint
• Enhanced stealth profile of the host vessel

Compliance with MIL-STD-810F and MIL-STD-461E ensures environmental robustness and electromagnetic compatibility under harsh maritime conditions.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

• Detection of small RCS surface targets
• Advanced signal processing for sea clutter suppression
• Continuous 24-hour operation
• Built-in test capability (CIT) for rapid fault detection
• Low failure rate and modular maintenance structure

As an X-Band tactical surveillance radar, its role is optimized for short-to-medium range detection rather than long-range area air defense.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Frequency and Waveform

• Frequency Band: X-Band
• Waveform: FMCW
• Transmission Power: < 1 W

Electrical Characteristics

• Power Consumption (25°C): < 800 W
• Supply Voltage: 115 VAC

Environmental Specifications

• Storage Temperature: -30°C to +70°C
• Operating Temperature (External Units): -20°C to +50°C
• Operating Temperature (Internal Units): 0°C to +45°C

Detection and Tracking Capability

Exact detection range and simultaneous tracking capacity are not publicly disclosed. However, the system is designed for high-resolution detection of surface and low-altitude targets in maritime environments.

Engagement and Fire Control

• ALPER is not a fire control radar. It functions as a surveillance and detection radar, providing target data to the ship’s combat management system for engagement decisions.

Command, Control and Integration

• The radar is designed for integration with naval combat management systems. Specific data link standards and interface protocols are not publicly disclosed.

Logistics and Operation

• Modular architecture for ease of maintenance
• Built-in Test (CIT) capability
• Low failure rate
• Designed for continuous 24/7 operation

Crew size requirements are not publicly specified and depend on the hosting platform’s operational concept.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ALPER radar used for?

• ALPER is designed for maritime surface surveillance and low-altitude air target detection. It enhances situational awareness and supports naval combat systems by providing high-resolution tracking data.
• Its LPI capability makes it particularly suitable for electronic warfare-intensive environments.

What is the detection range of ALPER?

• The exact detection range is not publicly disclosed. It is optimized for tactical-level surface and low-altitude target detection rather than long-range area air defense missions.

What does LPI mean in radar systems?

• LPI stands for Low Probability of Intercept. It refers to radar design techniques that reduce the likelihood of detection by enemy electronic support systems.

Is ALPER mobile or fixed?

• ALPER is a naval radar integrated onto ships. It is not a fixed ground-based radar system.

What types of threats can it detect?

• Small surface craft
• Fast attack boats
• Low-flying aerial vehicles
• Coastal asymmetric threats

How does it differ from conventional pulse radars?

• Unlike high-peak pulse radars, ALPER uses low-power FMCW technology. This results in a reduced electromagnetic signature and improved small-target resolution.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product documentation
• ASELSAN corporate website product page
• Public defense industry materials and brochures
• MIL-STD-810F and MIL-STD-461E standards documentation