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.
More from Land Warfare
-
Contract moves new Abrams tank forward in the face of cuts
Several US Army vehicle programmes were axed by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s plans to transform the US Army, as outlined in the Letter to the Force: Army Transformation Initiative document. However, the new generation Abrams M1E3 main battle tank (MBT) was singled out for survival. But what will it look like?
-
Malaysia signs for two additional GM400α air surveillance radars
The order is in addition to two systems ordered in 2023. It forms part of a family of systems which is becoming widely used and part of a growing demand for the capability, both in deliveries and requirements.
-
US Army’s Precision Strike Missile moves into production phase after test successes
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile system and is a planned replanned replacement for MGM-140 Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS). It is to be fired from M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.
-
British Army considers purchasing the NEMO 120mm mortar turret for the Patria 6×6
Babcock is offering the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) 6×6 for one of the elements of the UK Land Mobility Programme (LMP). It would be a replacement for some of the UK’s existing armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) fleets including the FV432 which is now some 70 years old.
-
Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy
Some of the missiles ordered can be used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and the F35-A Lightning.
-
Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline
Combat losses of support and logistics vehicles in recent conflicts have highlighted the need for greater protection and even self-defence capabilities. What options are available to turn a basic truck into a survivor on the battlefield?