HEMPAS-CCIAS Radar
The HEMPAS-CCIAS radar is a Passive radar developed by five Greek scientists.
History
In 2006 after studying and planning for six years, the team applied to the Hellenic Army to participate in a research project for the construction and development of the CCIAS system. Simply put this was a network of "passive" radars.
Later in 2006 the Ministry of Defense, Chief of General Staff and Chief of Army Staff took part in the project. The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki team makes the first presentation of the system to 60 Staff Officers. Immediately after the presentation without any doubt and hesitation, the political and military leadership excited calls for scientists to move quickly. More presentations are following to all sectors. On February 13, 2009 the Council of Defence Planning meet and with 7-0 vote in favor of the operational necessity of the system recommends the urgent consideration of the issue by the Council of Chiefs. The then Chief of Defence General Dimitrios Grapsas, who was a great proponent of the development of the Greek system. Until his retirement in August 2009, the Chief failed to put this issue on the agenda. The scientific team from the University of Thessaloniki, was not put off by the retirement of General Grapsas and continued its investigations. The last technical problems are resolved. Everything looks ready to build the prototype system. Almost a year later, the new Chief of General Staff General Ioannis Yiagkos, informs the scientists that the matter will be reconsidered.
On April 4, 2010, with the new Defence Minister E. Venizelos, the Council of Chiefs meets and with a 4-0 vote adopts the proposed system as extremely necessary and urgent. On May 29, 2010, the then vice Defence Minister Panagiotis Beglitis receives the complete feasibility study.
The folder containing the top secret program contains 1050 pages. To date an average person could have read it two and three times. The time elapsed is considerable. However, the team of five scientists has received no answer. In June 2010 they sent letters to the Prime Minister and to the leader of the Opposition, to be aware of the situation.
Meanwhile, three foreign countries are interested to finance the program. The scientists do not want to sell it. The status of the project is unknown.
Abilities
- It can see without emitting and therefore remaining undetected, at a range of 400 km.
- It can identify helicopters and aircraft even under complete electronic mute, i.e. without their radars emitting anything.
- It can identify aircraft of stealth technology and real-time takeoffs of fighter aircraft from enemy bases.
- It can passively monitor islets.