Article Posted on : - Jul 30, 2013

The Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR). Photo: Lockheed Martin

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK (BNS): Lockheed Martin has successfully operated its full-scale prototype long-range air surveillance radar during a recent capability demonstration to the U S Air Force.

The Three-Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar (3DELRR) will serve as the principal Air Force long-range, ground-based sensor for detecting, identifying, and reporting aerial targets.

This next-generation system will replace the Air Force's AN/TPS-75 air search radar.

During the event, the 3DELRR full-scale prototype showed its maturity, flexibility, scalability, and the benefits of its open technology design, Lockheed said.

The radar detected required targets of opportunity launched from the Syracuse airport and surrounding areas. The company hired additional test aircraft for the event, putting the prototype through more advanced performance detection and tracking scenarios expected of long-range radars.

Originally unveiled in December 2010, Lockheed Martin's 3DELRR solution met all the requirements for this demonstration two and half years earlier, and used this opportunity to highlight the radar's evolving design to the customer.

The radar's design addresses 100 percent of 3DELRR requirements, including critical extended air surveillance reach for early warning from aerial threats.

The Air Force is expected to release its request for proposals for the next phase of the programme in the August or September 2013 timeframe.

In June 2009, Lockheed Martin was awarded a $25 million contract from the Air Force to begin developing a prototype for the 3DELRR radar. The team successfully completed a capabilities demonstration in January and December 2010. In August 2012, it was awarded a contract for the 15-month pre-engineering manufacturing development (pre-EMD) phase of the contract.