NRL demonstrates distributed radar concepts
A FlexDAR installation. (Photo: Raytheon.)
Developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) with the help of Raytheon, the Flexible Distributed Radar Array (FlexDAR) system is said to offer improvements in detection, tracking and electronic protection.
Following the installation of FlexDAR earlier this year, the NRL has begun demonstrating nodes at its Chesapeake Bay Detachment and the NASA Wallops Flight Facility.
The NRL developed FlexDAR to demonstrate capabilities enabled by every-element digital beamforming (EEDBF) antenna arrays, network coordination and time synchronisation.
EEDBF is seen as providing a ‘leap’ forward in antenna capabilities that, when combined with the elements above, enables novel advanced radar capabilities, including the ability to perform several simultaneous missions with a single array.
The NRL says FlexDAR demonstrates performance improvements across detection range, tracking accuracy and electronic protection when fielded as a distributed
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
-
![US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities]()
US reforms its defence acquisition system to focus on commercial capabilities
This shift is planned to accelerate the procurement and fielding of capabilities. As part of this strategy, the US also intends modernise its regulations in an attempt to change its bureaucratic and risk-averse culture.
