Lockheed Martin was given an initial $276 million contract, with production options, by the U.S. Air Force Advanced Range Threat System Variant 3 (ARTS-V3) program office to develop and manufacture the Variable Aperture Digital Radar (VADR) system. VADR will prepare pilots to engage sophisticated adversary threats by utilizing both X-band and C-band radars.
According to 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 generation radar capability. Our radar technology directly adds to the U.S. military’s total strength. Our primary goal remains to prioritize 21st Century Security, which includes equipping our soldiers with cutting-edge tools to safeguard our country to the fullest extent possible.”
As a software-defined sensor, the VADR system may be reconfigured to simulate various enemy systems and training scenarios. It will be constructed with Distributed Digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, taking use of shared architecture with other important Lockheed Martin radars.
Lockheed Martin, which boasts more than 60 years of radar experience, will collaborate with SRC, a non-profit research and development defence firm. The development of the VADR system depends heavily on this partnership. The task will be completed in Syracuse. Owego, New York; Clearwater, Florida; and N.Y. At Hill Air Force Base in Utah is where the government program office is situated.
