Raytheon’s 3DELRR radar selected by US Air Force

Raytheon will develop a new expeditionary radar for the US Air Force (USAF) that will detect, identify and track drones, missiles and aircraft under a new contract announced on 6 October. Raytheon beat out competition from Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman for the award.

The contract also calls for Raytheon to procure three additional radar systems for a total of six radar systems and product support, and will be designed for exportability, enabling US forces, allies and security partners to benefit from the system.  The total contract, including all options, is currently estimated at $71.8 million.

The Three Dimensional Expeditionary Long Range Radar (3DELRR) 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 due to that portion of the spectrum being relatively uncongested. 

The 3DELRR is being developed to replace older-style radar systems which are no longer able to keep pace with current and emerging threats.

David Gulla, vice president, global integrated sensors. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, said: ‘By choosing Raytheon's 3DELRR solution, the air force is purchasing an affordable, exportable radar. Raytheon's 3DELRR design is interoperable with coalition systems and capable of meeting the requirements of many international customers.’

Andrew Hajek, 3DELRR program director, Raytheon, added: ‘As the US 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.’