The U.S. Air Force Advanced Range Threat System Variant 3 (ARTS-V3) program office awarded Lockheed Martin an initial $276M contract to develop and produce the Variable Aperture Digital Radar (VADR) system.
VADR will leverage both X-band and C-band radars to train aircrew for engagements against advanced adversarial threats.
Chandra Marshall, vice president of Lockheed Martin Radar and Sensor Systems: “ARTS-V3 enhances our product line and demonstrates that we are continuing to lead the way in next gen radar capability. Our radar technology directly contributes to the overall strength of the U.S. military. It continues to be our top priority to focus on 21st Century Security, to include training our troops with the most advanced systems to best protect our homeland.”
The company made the following statement on the VADR system:
“The VADR system is a software-defined sensor that can be reprogrammed to emulate different adversary systems and training events. It will be built using Distributed Digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), leveraging commonality with other key radars in the Lockheed Martin portfolio.
Lockheed Martin will partner with the not-for-profit research & development defense company, SRC, Inc., touting radar expertise spanning more than six decades. This collaboration is a critical element in the development of the VADR system. Work will be performed in Syracuse. N.Y., Clearwater, Fl. and Owego, N.Y. The government program office is located at Hill Air Force base Utah.”
