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.’
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