[DB ERROR][1277] BMD radars detection issue

[LetMePickThat]

Hi all, here is a small issue I found while experimenting with BMD:

In this test, I'm trying to evaluate both the range and the maximum elevation vs. a given target by firing, from separate sites, five time the same TBM at points located at various distances from the defending SAM site. I am using multiples sites to make sure that trajectory shaping stays consistent between all the TBMs.



From this situation, one would expect that all the TBMs within the effective detection range of the radar would be detected once they cross the maximum elevation limit on their way down. Given that all the trajectories are the same, this means that the furthest detectable TBM should be seen first (as the max scanning altitude increases with range), followed by the second furthest, the third, etc.



But, in CMO, some radars do not behave this way. In practice, all incoming missiles are detected at the same time *regardless of their distance and altitude at the time of detection*:





This issue can be replicated by running the scenario attached below.

NG_elev_issue.zip

(9.04 KiB) Downloaded 4 times

[SteveMcClaire]

The result you're seeing is due to the interaction of several different factors:

First, the radar in question is defined in the DB as having a maximum detection altitude of 30480m/100000ft, and it does not have the capability flag for 'ABM / space search capability.'

Second, the simulation does not run sensor detection checks for new contacts continuously -- they're checked every 15 seconds.

Third, these ballistic missiles are descending very rapidly as they approach the maximum detection altitude of the radar.

So on one detection pass the missiles are still a little too high to be detected by the radar as defined. 15 seconds later the missiles have desceneded ~60000ft and are then detected during the next 'search for new contacts' detection pass. See edited image below.

We'll review the way this radar is defined in the DB -- in this case I think it should be 'ABM/Space Search Capable' and/or not have the maximum altitude limit. When the altitude limit is removed the radar detects the missiles one by one as they come into maximum detection range.

VIWR9TL.png (249.93 KiB) Viewed 142 times

[Blast33]

France is replacing the Manba with the Thales Ground Fire 300.
And from the brochure:
Range performance is sufficient to autonomously engage short range BMs in rotating mode and medium range BMs in staring mode when cued and has a Coverage: 360° in azimuth, 90° in elevation

This makes sense compared to the Mamba, taken these tests into account.