Lockheed Martin completes preliminary design for next generation long-range surveillance radar
The US Air Force has approved Lockheed Martin's preliminary design for its next-generation mobile, long-range surveillance and ballistic missile defense radar.
The Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR) will serve as the principal ground-based sensor for long-range detection, identification, tracking, and reporting of aircraft and missiles for both the Air Force and the Marine Corps. The system will replace the Air Force's AN/TPS-75 air search radar. The Marines are also evaluating the system as a replacement for its AN/TPS-59 ballistic missile defense radar.
"The new radar's open architecture will allow it to easily adopt emerging technology, expanding the system's viability well beyond the typical 20-year life of today's sensor systems," said Mark Mekker, director of Lockheed Martin's ground-based surveillance radar. "In this budget environment, we are focused on providing the most-advanced, most-affordable solution to address customer requirements."
The Air Force approved Lockheed Martin's first capability demonstration of significant systems-level technology in March 2010. The company will conduct a second radar capability demonstration later this fall to prove that its design meets or exceeds the US Department of Defense's stringent requirements for technology readiness.
The Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $25 million, 20-month 3DELRR technology development contract in May 2009.
The Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, which is leading the acquisition for 3DELRR, has said it intends to award one contract by early 2012 to complete the 3DELRR technology development and engineering manufacturing development phase.
Once deployed, 3DELRR will be the primary ground-based sensor for the Air Force's Joint Forces Air Component Commander through the Ground Theater Air Control System and the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Commander through the Marine Air Command and Control System.
Source: Lockheed Martin
More from Digital Battlespace
-
NATO innovation programme doubles in size
DIANA has been leveraging its accelerator programme and test centre network to bring end users together with start-ups, scientific researchers and technology companies for the development of dual-use technological defence and security solutions.
-
DARPA awards AI contracts
The US has been working to out how to use and defend against AI with DARPA alone outlining in 2008 ‘AI Next’ programme with US$2 billion committed to advance the science of AI.
-
Finding your space
Digital mapping and geolocation have become critical to battlespace users, and ensuring the best content is delivered is vital.
-
Why the US would struggle to overcome Russia’s nuclear anti-satellite weapon
Russia's move to develop a nuclear anti-satellite weapon has highlighted US anxieties over space combat readiness, challenging the Pentagon's strategic defences in a potential cosmic battleground.
-
China’s AI developments in electronic surveillance extends to battlefield
‘Nowhere to hide’ as Chinese progress in AI-enabled surveillance technological has enabled it to identify and suppress enemy communications systems.
-
Boeing wins $440 million contract for 12th Wideband Global SATCOM satellite
Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites have been supporting the US DoD’s warfighting information exchange requirements, enabling execution of tactical C4ISR, battlefield management and combat support information.