Tri-Lens Radar Reflectors

Every boat needs a radar reflector. A ship's radar system will only work with boats that are visible on radar, and a radar reflector is what makes your boat visible. Radar systems typically require a minimum of 3 consecutive 'hits' or blips on a ship's radar before it can be acquired as a target. This puts a premium not only on the strength of the return, but also on consistent coverage.

Now, with the Tri-Lens Radar Reflectors, defence industry technology has been brought affordably to the pleasure boating industry to provide you with consistent coverage.

Luneberg lenses have been used for years by the Navy, Army and Air Force as radar reflectors. The Tri-Lens Reflector uses this technology to bring a far superior reflector to the market.

These Luneberg lens reflectors focus incident electromagnetic plane waves onto a reflector cap located near the back surface of the lens so that RCS enhancement is provided over a conical view angle. This is what gives the Tri-lens its unique coverage signature.

The Tri-Lens Reflector is technically the most advanced passive system available.

The Tri-Lens Radar Reflectors clearly out-perform any commercially available passive radar reflector.

Practical Sailor Magazine August 15, 2001 issue states "The Tri-Lens easily out performs other radar reflectors" and says, "If you are in the market for a radar reflector we recommend buying the Tri-Lens Radar Reflector".

The large Tri-Lens is for the sailor who wants the best, and the best for his yacht. Designed for use on boats 42 ft and longer, the large Tri-Lens' performance is second to none with its specifications far exceeding the ISO 8729 standards. Similar-sized Luneberg lenses hve been used by the US Navy in mine-sweeping operations in the oceans. Navy ships sweep an area then drop a buoy with a large Tri-Lens on it to enable them to see on radar where they have been.

	The Mini Tri-Lens Radar Reflector Size 8 x 8 x 4 cm Weight 2.2 lb For use on smaller boats RCS 0.6-1 m² for 330º Minimal loss of performance when boat is in heel or roll Contains 3 stepped-index Luneberg lenses Rugged, fully sealed UV-resistant ABS housing Mast mounting bracket included
	The Standard Tri-Lens Radar Reflector Size 12 x 12 x 6 cm Weight 5.5 lb For use on cruisers 30 ft and longer RCS 2-4 m² for 330º Minimal loss of performance when boat is in heel or roll Contains 3 stepped-index Luneberg lenses Rugged, fully sealed UV-resistant ABS housing Mast mounting bracket included
	The Large Tri-Lens Radar Reflector Size 16 x 16 x 8 cm Weight 12 lb For use on yachts, power boats fishing vessels 42 ft and longer RCS 0.6-10 m² for 300º Minimal loss of performance when boat is in heel or roll Contains 3 stepped-index Luneberg lenses Rugged, fully sealed ABS plastic housing painted with UV paint Mast mounting bracket included

The signal from the most commonly used radar reflectors (corner reflectors) have a few peaks and many valleys. The manufacturers of these typer of reflectors (Firdell, Mobri, Davis) always refer to RCS in terms of Peak RCS. What they don't tell you is this RCS is rarely obtainable and never happens when your boat is pitching or heeling. Also, they never mention angular coverage, which is most important when evaluating a radar reflector. A tri-hedral radar reflector's angular coverage is just 35° wide.

The Tri-Lens Reflector has a far superior signature. There are 3 wide peaks and just 3 narrow valleys. The Tri-Lens has the same maximum radar cross-section as 12-inch aluminium corner reflector clusters, but has far more angular coverage. There is a better chance of being seen by another ship's radar in low-visibility, high traffic or emergency situations when using the Tri-Lens Reflector.