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Space Engineers >  Workshop > tyrsis's Workshop > Radar > Discussions
Radar
Description Discussions4 Comments382 Change Notes
herichimo 1 Jun, 2015 @ 5:39pm
Effects for Realism
Well, you beat me. I was planning to create a radar using sensors/rotors or a mod turret with sensors. With the release of the code, it was inevitable someone with programming knowledge would do this first.

If you're interested in realism though, here are a few suggestions:
First off, the programming version is most similar to phased array radar systems, which is good, those are the most advanced and can do things like detect altitude/speed/elevation without complicated additions.

So:
1: Have two kinds of radars
a: Search radars, which rotate 360 degrees to identify targets around the system
b: Tracking/fixed radars, which have a fixed field of view and track only targets in that area. Also, these are the radars which "lock on" (meaning they fixate and 'stare' at only a single target).
Notes: Weather/Early warning/traffic control radars are all the search variety (except those on Aegis Cruisers, which are literally multiple fixed arrays looking in all directions. All fighter aircraft have fixed arrays, designed to look in the front of the fighter (EW is done by things like AWACS).
2: Have a scan rate. In other words the targets are not constantly looked at, but only when the radar is looking in the direction.
3: Output the track info to LCDs. I believe this can be done akin to the inventory tracking mods. The LCDs present a track (target) each pass of the radar, keeping a copy of the last pass' tracks so the operator can identify moving targets.
4: No ID of targets, UNLESS the target has a functioning (turned on) antennae. Then it would be, "Friendly" for faction allys. Or "Unknown" for all others (until IFF options are available). Targets without antennae (asteroids) would return an IFF rating of "NONE".
5: Add in elevation (off of an artificial horizon based on radar's grid ref), angle, and speed data (non moving objects are rocks).
6: Extend (or shorten) the range of detection for small objects based on size of radar. Include options for sorting the different tracks the radar detects.
7: Large ship versions: 360 search radars and large fixed arrays. Small ship versions: large AWACS array, and small fighter nose fixed arrays.
8: If you can move to LCDs, take it off HUDs.

If you like these ideas (all based on real radar physics and operations) and have any questions, let me know.
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Showing 1-6 of 6 comments
Brubaker 12 Jul, 2015 @ 12:40pm 
Hello I'm interested in your proposal. I'm not skilled in programming but i would like to implement some kind of script for real radar purpose. I've designed some ships with rotor + sensor arrays and trying to use them with BlueG Radar but I can't do it. I'm not sure if it doesn't work or I'm a bit ...%&@ !!! I hope it was because the first possibility. I've tested tyrsis mod and it works fine but i would like a modless radar.
So the space ship is done only rest the script. Any suggestion???
Last edited by Brubaker; 12 Jul, 2015 @ 12:44pm
#1
herichimo 12 Jul, 2015 @ 2:54pm 
Sorry, I'm no programmer myself. Just a guy who knows radars.
#2
supersquid2000 5 Oct, 2015 @ 7:45pm 
Herichimo, you sound like an OS. Or maybe a CTT like me. :) I'm guessing Navy?

Edit: I think I actually talked to you before about this. Not military. :) Good knowledge though.
Last edited by supersquid2000; 5 Oct, 2015 @ 7:51pm
#3
supersquid2000 5 Oct, 2015 @ 7:50pm 
Also, if a model or blueprint can be pulled from the object being scanned, it could in theory be used with the mod (I can't remember the name or author right this moment) that takes blueprints and shrinks them for use with a projector. By tweaking the script to update the detail of the model/blueprint based on distance and then project it, you could in effect have a 3D target identification station.
#4
SievertChaser 10 Jan, 2016 @ 1:25am 
I do think you're underestimating modern radars a bit. Currently having both front and rear radars seems to be becoming the norm for fighters, and in vacuum nothing prevents you from slapping several more AESA grids to get an all-aspect scan.

The scan rate is currently so high it can be assumed as instant.
#5
herichimo 10 Jan, 2016 @ 4:15am 
Well, considering weight, areodynamics, interrior space, power requirements, and weapon's engagement envelopes rear facing radars are actually not common at all. Only one aircraft I know of has one, and it was experimental.
Scan rate is not as fast as you may imagine. Add in the fiddly bits required to actually be capable of collecting data on targets (which require the beam of phased radars to 'hover and delay' on the target if not outright stare at it) means they simply cannot look in all directions at once.
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