Article Posted on : - Nov 09, 2010

The STARLite radar system (inset) which are used for supporting tactical operations.

BALTIMORE (BNS): The US Army has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation for the procurement of 40 STARLite wide area surveillance radars featuring synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and ground moving target indicator (GMTI) capabilities for the Army's Extended-Range Multi-Purpose unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

According to the contract, radar deliveries to the Army's Product Manager Robotic & Unmanned Sensors Program Management Office will begin in March, 2011 and conclude in March, 2012.

"STARLite is the programme of record for the US Army and this award demonstrates the Army's confidence in STARLite's surveillance capabilities and our ability to continue to meet the production schedule," Pat Newby, vice president of Weapons and Sensors for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

STARLite completed all first article and government testing requirements, which led to this award. These systems are ready now for immediate deployment.

Northrop Grumman's STARLite is a small, lightweight radar used for supporting tactical operations.