Press
Release
Plextek makes first public demonstration of Blighter 200 series radar
Pre-production units available from October
Cambridge, 3 June 2005: Plextek has made the first public demonstration
of its Blighter 200 series radar, a unique man-portable system that
makes radar an affordable option for security systems. Developed using
commercial technology and design techniques the radar uses an electronic
beam-scanning antenna to detect moving people and vehicles at ranges
between 20m and 8km without having to physically rotate. It is ideal
for numerous 'homeland security' applications including area intrusion
monitoring and border surveillance. Pre-production units of the 200
series will be available from October.
Blighter was developed following extensive market research at defence
and security exhibitions that identified the need for a low-cost, covert,
movement detection system that could be networked with other sensors
including cameras. It is the only product of its kind in its price range
in the marketplace, offering an affordable solution to high performance
security systems that have traditionally relied on cameras and thermal
imagers. The Blighter 200 series is part of a broader family of radars,
ranging from a ruggedised full-specification version to a commercial
low-cost version; it can also be tailored by Plextek to meet specific
customer requirements.
BlightER consists of a single unit containing the integrated electronics
and e-scan antennas. The entire radar with in-built GPS and compass
can be easily carried and set up by one person. An external 12V-battery
pack and wireless enabled laptop or PDA allow the radar to be operated
in almost any land-based location. Various power saving modes allow
it to 'sleep' between scans, thus extending battery life. For fixed
installations, such as airfield perimeter monitoring, the radar can
be networked with other radars and camera systems, providing a 24-hour
automatic surveillance system. A novel user-display screen indicates
when movement has been detected by placing a distinct marker at the
target co-ordinates superimposed on a map of the area. The radar can
provide additional assistance with identification by providing the target
Doppler signature as an audio output.
The Blighter 200 series radar will be displayed on the Plextek stand
(number I14/2, hall 2B) at the Paris Air Show, le Bourget, France, 13-19
June 2005.
Further information:
Johanna Hughes, Plextek Ltd, London Road, Great Chesterford, Essex CB10
1NY.
Tel: +44 (0)1799 533200. Fax: +44 (0)1799 533201. Email: jlh@plextek.co.uk
Website: www.plextek.com
Press information:
Gerald Cross, EML, The Albany Boathouse, Lower Ham Road, Kingston, KT2
5BB.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8408 8000. Email: plextek@eml.com
Issued 03/06/2005
