MWR-P
Microwave radiometer payload for sea
The OPTIMARE MWR-P is a passive microwave radiometer payload for airborne maritime surveillance. It measures microwave emission from the sea surface to estimate sea surface temperature and oil film thickness — data that is not available from optical or radar sensors alone.
Passive microwave sensing for oil thickness and sea temperature
The MWR-P measures the natural microwave emission from the sea surface. Because oil films change the emissivity of the water surface, the radiometer can estimate oil film thickness — a measurement that radar and optical sensors cannot provide. The MWR-P also measures sea surface temperature with high sensitivity, adding a quantitative environmental layer to the mission data. All measurements are geo-referenced and integrated into the MEDUSA® display alongside radar and imaging sensor data.
Download product handoutWhat the MWR-P does
Oil thickness estimation
Passive microwave emission is sensitive to oil film thickness — unique data not available from radar or optical sensors.
Sea surface temperature
High-sensitivity temperature measurement with < 0.1 K NEDT across the swath.
All-weather operation
Passive microwave is unaffected by cloud cover, haze, or solar illumination.
Quantitative output
Calibrated brightness temperature data supports scientific and enforcement reporting.
Complementary sensing
Adds a quantitative layer to SLAR and IR/UV data for comprehensive spill characterisation.
MEDUSA® integration
Data is geo-referenced and displayed alongside other sensor layers in MEDUSA®.
Key parameters
Mission use cases
Often deployed together
OPTIMARE SLAR
X-band side-looking airborne radar for wide-area maritime surveillance
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IR/UV Line Scanner
Dual-channel infrared and ultraviolet line scanner for oil spill and thermal mapping
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LFS-P
Laser fluorosensor payload for oil-on-water detection using laser-induced fluorescence
View sensor →Interested in the MWR-P?
Contact the India team for a technical briefing, integration discussion, or to request the product handout.