US tests AN/SPQ-9B’s PDD capability
The upgraded Periscope Detection and Discrimination (PDD) capabilities of the AN/SPQ-9B anti-ship missile defence radar have been successfully tested by the US Navy, it was announced on 17 March.
The PDD mode improves the submarine detection capabilities of the AN/SPQ-9B radar in support of the navy's overall anti-surface warfare efforts.
The live-fire testing of the system was conducted off the coast of California from USS Lake Champlain with the vessel's 5-inch guns to verify the new mode on the SPQ-9B while the crew underwent operator training.
The navy awarded a contract for AN/SPQ-9B production to Northrop Grumman in December to provide radar systems with the PDD mode to DDG 51-class destroyers.
Rear Adm. Jon A. Hill, program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS), said: ‘Our men and women have worked so hard to develop the technology for this key capability. We are eager to move forward with delivery of this upgrade to the fleet to improve their warfighting capability.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.