New solid-state X-band radar, digital platform steer towards lower lifecycle costs

Wärtsilä ANCS, part of Finnish technology group Wärtsilä, said the radar is designed with the latest solid-state transceiver technology, eliminating the need for traditional magnetrons. This design ensures low maintenance and reduced lifecycle costs for vessel operators, without compromising on performance, said the technology company.

Among the key benefits of the NACOS Platinum solid state X-band radar are optimised target detection in all environmental conditions, improved target tracking with independent signal processing, and adaptive pulse transmission for enhanced hazard recognition. Additionally, said Wärtsilä ANCS, the radar’s advanced signal processing and intelligent filter algorithms enable first-class target presentation, delivering superior long-range target detection without the need for preheating and tuning.

“The NACOS Platinum solid state X-band radar is a significant advancement in radar technology, offering our customers unprecedented levels of safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness," said Wärtsilä ANCS product navigation head, Eberhard Maass.

Wärtsilä ANCS is well known for its innovation in navigational safety. In 2024, Wärtsilä ANCS’ SmartDrive, which features intelligent joystick operation, won the OSJ Award for Dynamic Positioning.

New digital platform

Meanwhile, Wärtsilä ANCS product automation head, Christian Skytte, said the company’s new digital platform, NACOS Connect, will “redefine how maritime enterprises manage their systems, streamline operations and maximise efficiency”.

Developed over five years and backed by rigorous testing and extensive customer trials, NACOS Connect includes onboard hardware, operating systems, software, and various cloud services to allow customers and ANCS to enhance the features and maintainability of NACOS systems. This improves user experience, reduces lifecycle costs and acts as a central component for the quick deployment of new applications and functionalities.

“This transformation brings immense value not only to onshore staff but also to onboard crew members, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced user experiences,” said Wärtsilä ANCS in a press statement.

Among the features in NACOS Connect are the NACOS Connect IoT Gateway, which serves as a facilitator for services, allowing seamless integration with existing NACOS Platinum or legacy ecosystems. Additionally, the NACOS Connect Cloud provides vessel operators with access to cloud products while facilitating maintenance for ANCS engineers. The platform also offers diverse applications and use cases, from remote mimics which extends secure automation access on board and remotely from offices or control centres to OPC UA integration.