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.