Solid-state radar gains type-approval for commercial vessels

European certification body TÜV Sud Babt issued type-approval for Raymarine’s Pathfinder radar, confirming it is compliant with IMO requirements for navigational electronics, specifically shipborne radar equipment for category 2 and 3 vessels and suitable for vessels up to 10,000 gt

This X-band radar supports situational awareness on vessels, “making voyages in challenging environments safer and more predictable,” said Raymarine general manager Gregoire Outters.

Pathfinder radar has higher resolution and detection capabilities than previous radar and complies with IEC 62288 and IEC 62388 standards. Solid-state technology minimises maintenance and enhances longevity for maritime situational awareness.

Raymarine said it weighs half of comparable commercial radar arrays, and has a small-diameter cable simplifying runs and reducing installation time.

Pathfinder is driven by a fanless, 1.8-m, low-profile open-array antenna, and it has increased long-range resolution using CHIRP pulse compression and beam sharpening technology with target detection and tracking.

It is available with console mounts, deck stands, or desktop mounts for easy retrofitting. The graphical displays are available in 41 cm or 48 cm for CAT 3 vessels, or 56 cm or 61 cm for CAT 2 vessels.

Raymarine’s HydroTough nano-coating repels water and oil contaminants and offers high definition and visibility in bright sunlight.