Long Range Discrimination Radar
US radar system
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The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) in Alaska is part of the United States's Ground-Based Midcourse Defense anti-ballistic missile system. The main contractor is Lockheed Martin, under a US$784 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency in October 2015.[1]
The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear Space Force Station, Alaska | |
| Country of origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Type | Active electronically scanned array early-warning radar |
| Frequency | S band |
| Other names | Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) |
LRDR is a gallium nitride (GaN)–based, solid-state active electronically scanned array (AESA) early-warning radar[1] that allows for continuous coverage, even when it is undergoing maintenance.[2] The radar consists of individual solid state radar blocks that can be combined to scale up the size of the radar. The multi-purpose GaN device used on the prototype version of the LRDR is from the Japanese electronics company Fujitsu, according to Lockheed Martin.[3]
Construction in Alaska for the LRDR was scheduled to begin in 2019,[1] tentatively at Clear Space Force Station in central Alaska.[4] Each AESA's dimensions are 60 feet (18 m) high by 60 feet (18 m) wide; the field of view is 220 degrees.[5]
In late February 2021, the Missile Defense Agency said that the radar installation was underway, with Initial Operational Capability to be achieved in 2021.[6] Testing for Full Operational Capability is expected by 2023.[5]
In mid-August 2023, the Flight Test Other-26 (FTX-26) was cancelled due to an anomaly with the live ballistic missile target. When operational, the LRDR will be tied into the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system and the Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications system.[7]
The LRDR may become part of Golden Dome.[8]
Variants
AN/SPY-7(V)1
The AN/SPY-7(V)1 is the official designation of an LRDR-derivative used with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. On 30 July 2018, the Japanese government approved a plan to purchase two pairs of AN/SPY-7(V)1 for the Aegis Ashore facility and will be installed in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Akita Prefecture. The first operation is expected to start from 2025, by Japan Ground Self Defense Force.[9]
Missile Defense Agency has also decided to use AN/SPY-7(V)1 for the Aegis Ashore to be installed in Hawaii. Derivatives of the AN/SPY-7(V)1 will be used on the Canadian River-class destroyer and the Spanish F-110 frigate.[10]
Lockheed Martin promoted this version of radar as the AN/SPY-1 refurbishment program to the US Navy to extend the lifespan of the Ticonderoga-class cruiser and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to beyond the 2040s.[11] In December 2021, the AN/SPY-6 AESA radar from Raytheon was selected to retrofit Flight IIA Arleigh Burke destroyers; the same radar is used on Flight III ships.[12][13]
AN/SPY-7(V)2
The AN/SPY-7(V)2 is the official designation of an LRDR-derivative used by the F110-class frigates for the Spanish Navy.[14]
AN/SPY-7(V)3
The AN/SPY-7(V)3 is the official designation of an LRDR-derivative used by the future River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy.[15]
In September 2020, the AN/SPY-7 was chosen by the Canadian government as the primary radar for the River-class destroyer,[16] and received the official AN/SPY-7(V)3 designation in June 2022.[15]
See also
- Joint Electronics Type Designation System – Unclassified designation system for United States military electronic equipment
- List of radars
- List of military electronics of the United States