I’ve learned a teensy weensy little bit about the new radar technologies under development. If they work as advertised, we’re all going to look at current radomes about the same way we look at old CRT-based radar displays: “Wow, that thing’s huge! And it draws a lot of power. And it seems kind of clunky.” Only this time we’re going to say of the soon-to-be old tech “Wow, that thing’s dangerous, shooting all that radiation around! And it draws a lot of power. And it seems kind of clunky.”

Anyway, congrats to Simrad for the win. Here’s the press release:

Nashua, N.H. – Navico, the market leader in marine electronics for the recreational boating segment, announced today its innovative Simrad BR24 Broadband Radar was awarded the 2009 National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) Innovation Award for the Consumer Electronics category at this year’s Miami International Boat Show. As stated by the NMMA, the Innovation Awards program, organized by NMMA and judged by BWI, recognizes those products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; and cost-effectiveness.

The world’s first recreational marine Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radome, the Simrad BR24 represents the next generation of radar safety, affordability and ease of use. Combining straightforward installation, flexible antenna placement options, a 24-NM range and low power draw, Broadband Radar is the clear choice for coastal and in-shore navigation. In a statement during the award ceremony, the judges referred to the Broadband Radar as the most significant advancement in radar technology since World War II.

“It is an honor to receive the NMMA and BWI Innovation Award for our new Broadband Radar technology,” said Jens-Thomas Pietralla, president and CEO, Navico. “Our groundbreaking radar solution, available under the Simrad, Northstar and Lowrance brands, is yet another result of Navico’s ability to deliver revolutionary products through the global collaboration of our experienced R&D and Product Management teams. This industry award is a true testament to our promise of continued innovation designed to improve the overall boating experience.”

The new Simrad BR24 Broadband Radar has a suggested retail price of U.S. $2,099 and is compatible with Simrad NX40, NX45 and GB40 multi-function systems. For more information on the Simrad BR24 Broadband Radar, or the entire line of Simrad-branded professional-grade marine electronics, please contact 800-324-1356 (toll-free) in the USA or 800-661-3983 (toll-free) in Canada or visit www.simrad-yachting.com.