TRS wins US Army Firefinder radar contract
ThalesRaytheonSystems (TRS) has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the US Army to upgrade the Receiver Exciter (REX) in the Improved AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder radar. The contract, worth $44.9 million, was announced 30 August 2012.
The Improved AN/TPQ-37 is a long-range weapon locating radar, previously deployed by US forces in Iraq and currently in Afghanistan. Firefinder radars accurately locate the position of hostile artillery, rockets and mortars so that friendly forces can quickly return precision fire.
The enhanced REX is part of the US Army's programme to further improve the AN/TPQ-37's performance, maintainability and reliability, while extending the service life of these long-range counter-battery systems. The REX unit performs two critical radar functions: It produces the signal transmitted from the radar antenna and conditions the received signal for processing within the radar's computer system.
According to TRS, the upgrade for the Improved AN/TPQ-37 is available as a field or depot retrofit, or in new production radars, and the Enhanced REX will contribute to the Improved AN/TPQ-37's reduced total cost of ownership and ‘unsurpassed weapon locating performance’.
Kim Kerry, chief executive officer, TRS, US operations, commented on the contract win: ‘The extensive improvements and enhancements, including the REX, make the Improved AN/TPQ-37 an essentially new system, while retaining its vast history and combat proven credentials. There is no other weapon locating radar that can match the AN/TPQ-37 in terms of performance, reliability and readiness.’
The REX Modification Kits and spares are scheduled to be delivered to the US Army mid-2013.
More from Land Warfare
-
CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in
The Common Armoured Vehicle System is continuing to rack up orders as the British Army looks likely to become an operator of the vehicle, while Italy and Ireland are also contenders.
-
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax
This year has begun with main battle tanks taking the lead while orders for large logistics and support vehicles continued from last year. Additionally, two of the British Army’s most significant contracted vehicle programmes, Ajax reconnaissance vehicle and Challenger 3 tank, continued to make news in January.
-
Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank
Canada is improving its Leopard main battle tank fleet but before this is fully completed, it is expected to begin looking for new vehicles.
-
Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)
A surge in aerial threats – from advanced missiles to low-cost drones – is reshaping the way militaries approach air defence, driving demand for flexible, multi-layered solutions.