Software architecture for real time control of the radar beam within MESAR

The author describes the software architecture for the real time control and subsequent data processing within the Multi-Function Electronically Scanned Adaptive Radar (MESAR) system. The MESAR system comprises a single, fixed active phased array and is intended as a demonstrator radar to illustrate the techniques applicable to future electronically scanned multi-function radars. It is a jointly funded development programme between Siemens Plessey Systems and the Defence Research Agency (Portsdown). One of the prime objectives of the MESAR system is to demonstrate the operation of surveillance and tracking functions under real-time software control. The author describes the consequent software functionality of MESAR and identifies features of particular interest within the project