The initial Rapier anti-aircraft missile system was a visual only system. It was upgraded to a number of Field Standards over the years, and at FSB1, a tracking and guidance radar known as DN181 was introduced. This came into service around 1981, and was produced by Marconi. However, it was not deemed to be ready for use in the Falklands conflict, and Rapier performance in that campaign was severely limited by interference between its surveillance radars and the naval radars, resulting in greatly increased engagement time. More information is provided at https://mraths.org.uk/?page_id=2860, which is a record of the development from the Ministry research establishment view (RRE/RSRE). A second source of additional information is http://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/04.battle/karte012.en.html.
The DN181 radar is mounted on a separate 2-wheel trailer, giving the operator a choice of either manual engagement, using the optical tracker, or automatic engagement, using this blind fire capability. A towing Land Rover 101 is available on this site, and a photograph of the combination is included in the gallery.
The DN181 radar model can be printed in either operating or travel mode, and parts are provided for both. The radar antenna top and core electronics base units are separate files, and versions with the antenna raised or lowered are provided, and for the base unit one with jacks up and one with them down. Wheels are provided separately. The generator unit is also in two variants, one in deployed form and one in collapsed form to attach to the main unit for transport. Both the latter have separate wheels.
The main Rapier FSA/B fire unit is provided in a separate file, and towing vehicle models for the Rapier system are available on this site, and will be added to as soon as possible.
The product is offered for personal, non-commercial use. Derivative designs for personal use may be generated, but neither the original nor derivatives may be shared with others. Attribution of the design is requested should printed models be exhibited or otherwise shared. Models printed from this design or derivatives may not be sold commercially.
At a user’s request, a resin (integrated) version of the DN181 in travel and firing configurations has been added.
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