New Technology to Enhance Air Defense

New Technology to Enhance Air Defense

Photo G/ATOR by US Marine Corps
An AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar starts up at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 26. The AN/TPS-80 will replace the AN/TPS-63 andreduces set up time from eight hours to 30 minutes for the system. Marine Air Control Squadron 2 recieved the first G/ATOR issued to the Fleet Marine Force following testing to improve the squadron's readiness and expeditionary capabilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ethan Pumphret)

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The rise in ballistic missile threats on the US necessitates a shift in air defense method. The US Marine Corps has recently awarded Northrop Grumman a $958 million contract for an advanced radar system that will aid in air defense.

The G/ATOR system – Gallium Nitride-based (GaN) AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar – is a multi-mission radar that provides real time, 360-degree situational awareness to identify and track missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft vehicles, rockets, mortars, and artillery fire.

“G/ATOR is a crucial capability that protects our warfighters and defends against today’s threat environment and the threat environment of the future,” said Christine Harbison, vice president, land and avionics C4ISR, Northrop Grumman. “We are excited to reach the full-rate production decision and continue providing advanced multi-mission functionality that meets our customer’s mission needs, protects the warfighter in a rapidly changing threat environment, and has significant margin for capability growth.”

The G/ATOR is expected to eliminate five systems, which will in turn reduce training, logistics and maintenance costs.

The contract will provide an additional 30 units to the system received in July 2018, according to c4isrnet.com.