Raytheon’s 3DELRR radar selected by US Air Force
Raytheon will develop a new expeditionary radar for the US Air Force (USAF) that will detect, identify and track drones, missiles and aircraft under a new contract announced on 6 October. Raytheon beat out competition from Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for the award.
The contract also calls for Raytheon to procure three additional radar systems for a total of six radar systems and product support, and will be designed for exportability, enabling US forces, allies and security partners to benefit from the system. The total contract, including all options, is currently estimated at $71.8 million.
The Three Dimensional Expeditionary Long Range Radar (3DELRR) is a gallium nitride (GaN)-based radar that operates in the C-band of the radio frequency spectrum. By using GaN, Raytheon was able to affordably increase the radar's range, sensitivity and search capabilities. C-band also offers the military increased flexibility due to that portion of the spectrum being relatively uncongested.
The 3DELRR is being developed to replace older-style radar systems which are no longer able to keep pace with current and emerging threats.
David Gulla, vice president, global integrated sensors. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, said: ‘By choosing Raytheon's 3DELRR solution, the air force is purchasing an affordable, exportable radar. Raytheon's 3DELRR design is interoperable with coalition systems and capable of meeting the requirements of many international customers.’
Andrew Hajek, 3DELRR program director, Raytheon, added: ‘As the US and other countries look to replace aging battlefield radars with low-cost yet cutting edge and highly capable systems, Raytheon's 3DELRR can meet that growing demand.’
More from Land Warfare
-
UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
-
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
-
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.