The Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, developed by Raytheon, an RTX company, achieved significant technical and performance milestones during the contractor verification testing at the US Army’s White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). Meeting the defined objectives, the tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the radar design and performance against real and simulated threats.
“The excellent performance of the LTAMDS at this stage of testing is a critical step on the path to achieving operational capability by the end of the year,” said Tom Laliberty, president of defense systems . land and air at Raytheon. “The progress made to date is a testament to our partnership with the U.S. military and our shared commitment to providing air defense forces around the world with this exceptional capability as quickly as possible. »
Several radars were used at WSMR for a series of tests. Performed in stages, contractor verification tests are increasingly complex and emphasize advanced features and capabilities of the LTAMDS. Throughout the testing, the LTAMDS was connected to the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Command System, IBCS.
The radar successfully completed 11 missions in a series of simulated operational environments. Results include effective search and tracking of multiple targets, including drones, aircraft and helicopters, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missile surrogates. Trajectories were maintained throughout the test flights, as were direct communications with a PAC-3 missile, culminating in a simulated engagement against a tactical ballistic missile.
The six radars under the October 2019 contract have completed production and are undergoing simultaneous testing at various government and Raytheon test sites, conducting integration and testing activities in parallel. Events will continue throughout 2023, including ongoing user training and Soldier-led operational assessment, culminating with an Operational Capability Readiness Level at the end of the year. In 2024, rigorous testing will continue, including robust environmental and mobility qualification, as well as an expanded system testing system, until full operational capability is achieved during the ‘calendar year.
LTAMDS is the US Army’s next-generation air and missile defense radar. The LTAMDS is an active 360-degree electronically scanned array radar, powered by gallium nitride manufactured by Raytheon. It offers significantly superior performance against all threats, whether they are manned or unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles or hypersonic missiles.
SOURCE : PRNewswire