September 9, 2009 ,London, United Kingdom: A sophisticated electronic early
warning system aimed at combating soaring levels of piracy on the high seas
has been developed by engineers at BAE Systems. This brand new system has
been launched in London at DSEi - (Defence and Security Equipment
International 2009 - an event held every two years in London). The company is working in partnership with major ship owners, to assess
commercial requirements in order to create the most effective solution to
this increasing threat to maritime security. As a result, the team at BAE Systems has used its expertise in the defence,
security and aerospace sectors to develop a suite of technology that enables
a crew to detect a ship and identify suspicious activity at distances of up
to 25km, long before pirate vessels become a threat. The early warning
system gives the crew the vital time needed to take evasive action or alert
navies to the danger. Nick Stoppard, BAE Systems Director of Solutions Development said: "Piracy
is on the rise. Attacks in 2008 were double those of the previous year and
there is a clear need for better methods to help commercial ships identify
and evade pirates before an attack occurs. We have used our expertise in
security engineering, technical analysis, systems design and integration to
develop a layered defence system to improve the safety and security of ships
and their crew. "This technology is just one aspect of work that we are undertaking across
BAE Systems to address emerging global security issues". The system draws on a range of current capabilities developed by BAE Systems
and includes:. -- High Frequency Surface Wave Radar to detect small boats well
beyond the horizon at up to 25km. -- Panoramic Area Surveillance System 360° video camera and display
system to provide visual identification. It includes movement detection and
threat level alarms, with plans to incorporate infra-red. -- Passive Radar Identification System (PRISM) to provide early
warning of an unidentified radar carrying vessel. -- Improved lighting to increase the likelihood of detecting
intruders within the immediate vicinity of the ship at night and act as a
deterrent. BAE Systems is currently undertaking a feasibility study into the use of
this technology with ship owners and specialists from security
organisations. Technology and capability sea trials in partnership with ship
owners are expected to take place within the first three months of next
year.