What does the proliferation of larger platforms mean for the UGV market?
A surge in heavier, combat-focused uncrewed ground vehicles is emerging, although operational demand remains uncertain.
Northrop Grumman to begin G/ATOR LRIP for USMC
Northrop Grumman will begin low-rate initial production (LRIP) of AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) systems under a $207 million contract from the US Marine Corps, announced on 28 October.
G/ATOR is a ground-based multi-mission active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designed for air surveillance, air defence, ground weapon locating and air traffic control capabilities.
Jeffrey Palombo, vice president and general manager, Land and Self Protection Systems Division, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, said: ‘G/ATOR will fundamentally change how the marines deploy and fight. Evidenced by the mission capabilities proven during operational testing, the marines will have an unprecedented degree of protection and situational awareness.’
This LRIP contract has been awarded following extensive testing, operational assessment and a production readiness review. The system reached a successful Milestone C in January as part of the formal US Department of Defense acquisition process, which resulted in the recommendation to enter LRIP.
Northrop Grumman will deliver the systems in 2016-17, with additional LRIP contracts anticipated, followed by multiyear, full-rate production.
Additional funding will also be placed on contract to incorporate new software-based capabilities for this multi-mission radar system. G/ATOR’s total program value could exceed $2 billion.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![What does the proliferation of larger platforms mean for the UGV market?]()
-
![Fenris 6x6 emerges as first joint vehicle from John Cockerill-Arquus partnership]()
Fenris 6x6 emerges as first joint vehicle from John Cockerill-Arquus partnership
The new 6x6 wheeled fire support vehicle is armed with a 105mm NATO-standard high-pressure rifled gun, positioning it for the French Army and wider potential allied requirements.
-
![Do heavy IFV designs make sense on the modern battlefield?]()
Do heavy IFV designs make sense on the modern battlefield?
Even with additional armour, many current-generation infantry fighting vehicles are highly vulnerable to enemy fire in the contemporary operating environment. Are heavier platforms based on tank designs for use in this role the answer?
-
![Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift]()
Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift
The European Land Robot Trials are influenced by NATO researchers seeking to create uncrewed ground vehicle standards for allied Western forces working in multinational task forces.
-
![Russia tries to keep BMP-3 relevant with new weapon options]()
Russia tries to keep BMP-3 relevant with new weapon options
New iterations of a 57mm gun system highlight a push towards multi-role turrets capable of countering armour, drones and aerial targets.
-
![More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order]()
More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order
The agreement points to growing international interest in mobile and survivable artillery systems, with further orders and export opportunities already emerging.
