Do Modern Military Submarines Use Radar to Detect Aircraft While Surfaced?

Modern military submarines are primarily designed to operate undetected beneath the ocean's surface, which raises the question of whether they require radar to detect aircraft. This article explores the role of radar in submarine operations and the limitations of radar for surface operations, clarifying the specific circumstances and uses of radar in submarine warfare.

Understanding Radar and Submarine Operations

Submarines utilize various radar systems for different purposes. While they are primarily built for underwater operations, there are rare cases where surface radar is employed for specific missions. To address the topic head-on, let's explore the ins and outs of radar systems on submarines and their interaction with aircraft.

The Role of Radar in Submarine Operations

Submarines have specific radar systems designed for surface operations, which are different from their primary underwater sensors. Surface search radar and air search radar are the types most commonly found on submarines. These systems provide essential situational awareness and navigation support, enabling them to detect and respond to surface threats and other vessels.

Surface Search Radar

Surface search radar is a critical component on submarines, particularly when they are on the surface. This radar system allows submarines to detect and track surface vessels and aircraft at considerable distances. For instance, the SPS-48 Air Search Radar on American submarines serves this purpose, enabling them to monitor their surroundings and avoid potential threats.

Air Search Radar

Air search radar is another specialized type of radar used by submarines when they are surfaced. Systems like the big X band air search radar on submarines are designed to detect and track aircraft. Historically, submarines such as USS Sailfish SSR-572 and USS Triton SSR-N-586 were equipped with these radars for carrier task group radar picket missions. These radars play a crucial role in early warning systems for air defense.

The Limitations of Radar for Submarine Use

While radar is essential for above-water operations, it is less effective underwater due to the inability of radar waves to penetrate water. Submarines rely on sonar for underwater detection and communication, as sonar can provide a clearer picture of the surrounding environment. This makes the use of radar waves impractical for submarine operations beneath the surface.

Adjusting Radar Usage Based on Submarine Type

Not all submarines are equipped with the same radar systems. Modern nuclear submarines, for instance, typically do not surface for extended periods, limiting their ability to use radar for aircraft detection. Diesel-electric (DE) and Air-Independence Propulsion (AIP) submarines might have small radar dishes to minimize their under-water signature. However, these radar systems are mainly for navigation and tracking purposes, not for detecting aircraft.

The Frequency and Frequency Priorities for Radar

The choice of radar system for a submarine depends on its frequency, size of the antenna, and the purpose it serves. Navigation radar, surface search radar, and air search radar are some of the types that submarines may use. These radar systems are not interchangeable; each has a specific role in submarine operations.

For instance, 3D radar and fire control radar serve different functions. 3D radar provides a three-dimensional view of the surroundings, while fire control radar is used for directing weapons and ensuring accurate targeting. Similarly, a small SJ radar dish might be used to detect aircraft, but it is not the primary radar system on a submarine.

The Importance of Submerged Operations

The primary operational requirement for modern submarines is to remain undetected while submerged. This is achieved through advanced stealth technologies and slow-submergence techniques, which eliminate the need for a "crash dive" scenario. Detection by radar would be a significant vulnerability, making it impractical for submarines to rely on surface radar for extended periods.

Surface Operations and Radar

Submarines typically only surface briefly to refuel, receive supplies, or conduct surface-based operations. During these times, they use radar systems to detect aircraft and surface vessels. However, modern submarines are designed to be highly agile and can quickly submerge, minimizing the time they spend on the surface.

Submarines may not need advanced radar systems for aircraft detection since they can rely on external warnings and less sensitive detection methods. Portable navigation radars, which are small and retractable, are the only types that don't compromise the submarine's stealth capabilities.

Conclusion

To summarize, modern military submarines primarily use radar systems for surface operations. While they do have air search radar systems for specific missions, the primary focus of submarine design is to remain undetected underwater. The use of radar for aircraft detection is limited to brief surface operations and is generally not a primary tool for submarine navigation or defense.

In today's modern submarine design, the emphasis is on stealth and speed, which allows submarines to quickly avoid threats, including aircraft, without relying heavily on surface-based radar.