Northrop Grumman sets sustained high power operation180-day standard
Northrop Grumman Corporation has set a new standard for its gallium nitride-based high power transmit/receive (T/R) modules by reliably operating them for more than 180 days during continuous high-power testing.
In a rigorous evaluation conducted by the company's Advanced Concepts and Technology Division, the T/R modules were tested by using high-stressing operational long-pulse waveforms, which operated on the modules nonstop for more than six months. These waveforms were designed to simulate the electronic activities of actual radar functions, in a relevant environment allowing Northrop Grumman engineers to understand how well they would perform in tactical operation.
The successful tests prove that the next generation of active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) is capable of reliable operation while producing much greater radar sensitivity, at higher efficiency and lower cost. With this new threshold established, the T/R modules can serve as critical technology elements for a wide range of future applications.
"By successfully employing the latest advances in high power semiconductor technology in a functioning T/R module, we have demonstrated the great performance and reliability of our design approach," said Steve McCoy, vice president of the Advanced Concepts business unit within the company's Electronic Systems sector. "This new level of maturity also supports technology readiness for the next generation of Northrop Grumman's high performance, low cost AESA radars, and opportunities for cost reduction and performance upgrades to our current AESA product line."
Northrop Grumman is a defense industry leader in the development and implementation of reliable T/R modules for a wide range of AESA radar applications from underseas to outer space.
Source: Northrop Grumman
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.
-
German military introduces central command and new cyber branch
The German defence minister claimed the reforms would mean the 2025 military budget would require an additional €6.5 billion (US$7 billion).