Raytheon and Saab Defence awarded contract to build new U.S. Air Force 3DELRR radar system

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World Defense and Security Industry News - Raytheon and Saab Defense
 
 
Raytheon and Saab Defense awarded contract to build new U.S. Air Force 3DELRR radar system
 
The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Company and subcontractor Saab Defense a $19.5 million contract for engineering and manufacturing development of a new expeditionary radar that will detect, identify and track drones, missiles and aircraft. The total contract, including all options, is currently estimated at $71.8 million and includes the procurement of an additional three radar systems, for a total of six radar systems and product support.
     

Next-gen 3DELRR radar system will replace radars such as the Vietnam-era AN/TPS-75
     
The radar, called the Three Dimensional Expeditionary Long Range Radar, or 3DELRR, is one of the first programs under the DoD's Better Buying Power initiative to be designed for exportability, enabling U.S. forces, allies and security partners to benefit from the system.

"By choosing Raytheon's 3DELRR solution, the Air Force is purchasing an affordable, exportable radar," said David Gulla, Vice President, Global Integrated Sensors at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "Raytheon's 3DELRR design is interoperable with coalition systems and capable of meeting the requirements of many international customers."

"We worked very hard as a key partner on the Raytheon team to maximize the competitiveness of our 3DELRR offering," the Saab Defense officials said in a statement. "Today the U.S. Air Force has chosen the Raytheon--Saab team to provide this mission critical capability, and we couldn't be more proud to be a major partner on the Raytheon team."

"While it is too early for us to comment more on the specific potential impact to our company and to the region based on this decision, there is no doubt that the 3DELRR program represents a significant positive impact to the local economy," the Saab's statement said.

Raytheon's 3DELRR system is a gallium nitride (GaN)-based radar that operates in the C-band of the radio frequency spectrum. By using GaN, Raytheon was able to affordably increase the radar's range, sensitivity and search capabilities. C-band also offers the military increased flexibility because that portion of the spectrum is relatively uncongested.

"As the U.S. and other countries look to replace aging battlefield radars with low-cost yet cutting edge and highly capable systems, Raytheon's 3DELRR can meet that growing demand," said Andrew Hajek, Raytheon's 3DELRR Program Director.

3DELRR will replace radars, such as the Vietnam-era AN/TPS-75, which are no longer able to keep pace with current and emerging threats.