OVERVIEW: The BAND STAND aka MR 331 Mineral-ME  is a shipborne 2-D, multifunctional radar and missile tracking system with OtH capability operating in the I band (active) and the I, G, E/F and D bands (passive) (NATO).

DETAILS: The Mineral-ME/BAND STAND is a shipborne multifunctional surface search radar intended for medium and large displacement surface fighting ships and  is used for surface surveillance and SSM missile targeting.   The Mineral-ME system consists of  three modular antennas:  Mineral-ME1 active radar; Mineral-ME2 passive receiver; and the Mineral-МЕЗ data exchange and orientation datalink.  The active radar provides OtH detection, location, tracking, classification of surface targets, and features a troposcatter antenna back-to-back with a II band  ducting antenna.  The passive radar provides OtH radar detection, classification, and target designation.  Finally, the data exchange antenna (LIGHT BULB) provides for data exchange between up to nine compatible remote sensor platforms.

The active radar can track up to thirty contacts and designate up to ten targets.   The system can exchange data with up to 9 surface ships.  

Specifications:

Frequency (active): 		 8-10 GHz (I Band (NATO), X Band (IEEE))
Power output: 		 ?? kW(average); ?? MW (peak) 
PRF:			?? pps (avg)
Pulsewidth: 		?? µs	
Range Accuracy:		50 meters (active); 10% range (passive)
Range: 	 		135nm max surface detection range (active)
			16nm (weapon guidance datalink)  
			242 nm (max passive)                      					

 NOTES: IOC  1999.  This radar system was selected to detect surface targets onboard the cancelled Project 21956 Russian fourth generation destroyer. Other applications of the Mineral Radar are the Project 22800 class corvettes and Udaloy class destroyers. Mineral-ME is the export version, and Mineral is the domestic Soviet/Russian version of the system.

SOURCES:  "Mineral-ME." Guide to Military Equipment and Civil Aviation. Last modified March 15, 2018. https://www.deagel.com/Components/Mineral-ME/a002366. ; "Shipborne Multifunctional Radar System Mineral-ME | Catalog Rosoboronexport." Рособоронэкспорт | Официальный сайт. Accessed August 31, 2024. https://roe.ru/eng/catalog/naval-systems/shipborne-electronic-systems/mineral-me/. ; Friedman, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems. Annapolis, MD: US Naval Institute Press, 2006., pg. 222.
