radar report

[MI3GTO]

Interesting read

http://www.maib.gov.uk/cms_resources...s%20report.pdf

[C2 RIBS]

We were given a presentation by the authors on a recent training day. It shows how poor the passive radar reflectors are and if you wish to be seen on a radar you really need active units sending out signals

The final recommendations
· Based on the results of this report it is recommended that yachtsmen always
fit a radar reflector that offers the largest RCS practicable for their vessel.
· The RCS of the radar reflector should have a minimum consistent RCS of 2m2.
· The Sea-Me is the recommended product if power is available
· If power is not available then the passive Large Tri-Lens reflector is
recommended
· The 4” tube reflector is not considered suitable due to its poor performance. It
is also recommended that the 2” tube reflector is not suitable since the
performance of this target will be even lower.
· It is recommended that poorly performing radar reflectors are not fitted as it
is possible that the user could be lulled into a false sense of security believing
that their chances of detection has been enhanced.

[SPR]

Echomax have active X and Active XS - Target Enhancers - that were not available at Thr time if the initial report.

S.

[Pikey Dave]

Gotta love the name of the "Customer Contact" on page 3

[Hightower]

Are AIS VHF's good alternatives to most of the RADAR reflectors then?

[SPR]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Are AIS VHF's good alternatives to most of the RADAR reflectors then?

two different things - some large craft will switch off AIS for pleasure craft due to clutter...radar reflector can not be ignore easily....

regards

S.

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by SPR

two different things - some large craft will switch off AIS for pleasure craft due to clutter...radar reflector can not be ignore easily....

regards

S.

Yeh I know they are different.

But thought that with all the commercial boys having them it was better than say, a tube reflector?

If of course they're allowed to reduce clutter on their screens by selecting who they want to display, then yes I can see why you can't rely on them to spot you. But if you don't have a RADAR reflector like me and get caught out in Fog, then this can be an effective alternative?

[SPR]

as with anything better having something than nothing, the price of a AIS Transponder is more expensive than the Echomax standard reflector ,

The main issue on the the report is that in a a yacht the heel of the mast reduces physical area, this is not not an real issue in rib one hopes,

Under Solas V - all craft if possible should have a radar reflector fitted .

AIS receiver will tell you what is coming at you! so you can dodge it.

AIS is broadcast in two frequency/standards a and B - pleasure is B . so easy switch to filter B of screen.

There other threads in here about AIS, how the commercial operators hate it since it nor cluttering up the screen and suggest only switch on like on fog or night.

regards

S.