Chart Radars

Chart radars are specialized marine radar systems that combine radar functionality with electronic chart display capabilities, providing a single integrated interface for navigation. These systems overlay radar images directly onto electronic navigational charts (ENCs), allowing navigators to correlate radar targets with charted features such as coastlines, buoys, and other aids to navigation. This integration improves situational awareness by reducing the need to cross-reference separate radar and chart displays. Chart radars typically include features like Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) for tracking targets, AIS overlay for identifying vessels, and customizable guard zones for collision avoidance. They comply with IMO and SOLAS requirements for vessels that need both radar and chart systems, making them particularly useful on ships where space and efficiency are priorities. By combining two critical navigation tools into one, chart radars streamline operations, enhance safety, and support precise route monitoring in all weather conditions.

Furuno FAR-30X5

The Furuno FAR-30x5 series is an advanced IMO-compliant chart radar system designed for large commercial vessels, combining radar functionality with electronic chart display for integrated navigation. This series includes multiple models such as FAR-3015, FAR-3025, FAR-3025-NXT, FAR-3035S, and FAR-3035S-NXT, offering both magnetron and solid-state options in X-band and S-band configurations.

The FAR-30x5 series features newly developed aerodynamic antennas with DC brushless motors for reduced maintenance and improved durability. Solid-state NXT models eliminate magnetrons, providing longer service life, lower power consumption, and clearer target detection, even for small or weak echoes. The system uses Ethernet connectivity between the antenna and processor unit, converting analog signals to digital within the antenna to prevent signal loss and simplify installation. Optional LAN signal converters allow cable extension or reuse of existing cabling during retrofits.

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Key performance specifications include output power of 12 kW or 25 kW for X-band magnetron models, 600 W for X-band solid-state, 30 kW for S-band magnetron, and 250 W for S-band solid-state. Range scales extend up to 96 nautical miles, with high rotation speeds of 24 rpm or 42 rpm for fast updates. Display options include high-resolution monitors in 19-inch, 23-inch, or 27-inch sizes.

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Advanced features include Automatic Clutter Elimination (ACE) for optimized image clarity, Improved Target Tracking (TT) for rapid and stable acquisition of moving targets, and Risk Visualizer™ to highlight potential collision zones. Additional tools such as Wave Analyzer for monitoring sea conditions and Ice Mode for navigating icy waters enhance operational safety. The system supports AIS overlay, ARPA tracking, and multifunction display capability, allowing operators to switch between ECDIS, chart radar, and conning displays at any workstation.

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The FAR-30x5 series complies with IMO and IEC standards, including IACS UR E27, and is designed for flexibility, redundancy, and integration with other Furuno bridge systems, making it a robust solution for modern navigation requirements.