AN/SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar (MFR)
The AN/SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar (MFR) is an X-band active phased-array radar designed to meet all horizon search and fire control requirements for the 21st-century Fleet. MFR is designed to detect the most advanced low-observable anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) threats and support fire-control illumination requirements for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM, see separate program summary), Standard Missiles (SM-2/SM-3, see separate program summaries), and future missiles required to support engagement of the most stressing ASCMs. MFR also supports new ship-design requirement for reduced radar cross-section, significantly reduced manning (no operators), and total ownership cost reduction. MFR is planned for introduction in CVN-77 and next-generation CVNX aircraft carriers and the now-refocused DDX surface warship programs (see separate program summaries).
Engineering and Manufacturing Development unit build is underway for development, testing, and follow-on production of MFR to support equipment delivery schedules for CVN-77, CVNX, DDX, and potentially future LPD-12 class ships. DT/OA is planned for early FY 2003. First production radar is scheduled for delivery to Newport News Shipbuilding for installation in CVN 77 in June 2006. IOC is expected in 2008.
In June 2003 Raytheon Company's Integrated Defense Systems completed integration, test and delivery of the first SPY-3 multifunction radar to the U.S. Navy's Surface Combat System Center at Wallops Island. The SPY-3 radar has been designed for the Navy's newest amphibious warfare ships, the next generation aircraft carrier, CVN-77 and the DD(X) class of surface combatant ships.
This delivery is tangible evidence of the progress we've made in the development of next-generation radars that will serve the fleet in the 21st century. SPY-3 represents the first of the full-range of Raytheon technologies that will revolutionize the Navy's capabilities in the years to come.
The SPY-3 is an active phased array X-band radar designed to meet all horizon search and fire control requirements for the 21st century fleet. The Multi Function Radar combines the functions provided by more than five separate radars currently aboard Navy combatant ships. SPY-3 supports new ship-design requirements for reduced radar cross-section, significantly reduced manning requirements and total ownership cost reduction.
The Multi-Function Radar (MFR) is a focal point for DD 21's Integrated Topside Design and embedded aperture technology. The Multi-Function Radar is an X-band active phased array radar designed to meet all horizon search and fire control requirements for the 21st-century fleet. The solid-state active arrays will be carefully engi-neered to preserve the ship signature requirements of DD 21 and require new topside technologies to incorporate embedded phased arrays into a composite superstructure.
The Navy expects the radar to perform such functions as horizon search, limited above-the-horizon search, and fire control track and illumination. One of the most significant design features of the radar is to provide automatic detection, tracking, and illumination of low-altitude threat missiles in adverse environmental conditions routinely found in coastal waters. Supplemented with a Volume Search Radar (VSR), being developed within the DD 21 competition, the radar suite will provide capabilities including situational awareness, air control, track identification, and counterbattery detection.
The Navy intends for the MFR to replace legacy radars currently found on CVN 68 class carriers including the SPS-67, Mk 23 TAS with Mk 95 illuminator or SPQ-9B, and the SPN-41/46 radars, which provide glide slope for approach control on aircraft carriers. Current Navy plans call for inclusion of the MFR on CVN 77, which is expected to enter service in December 2007, and the DD 21 ship class. Other installation candidates are LHD 8, CVN 70−76 (as a backfit), and CVN(X) and LH(X) future ship classes. Additionally, the Navy will review the LPD 17 combat system in 2001 to determine if changes in configuration are warranted. The costs and benefits of including the MFR/VSR suite in the LPD 17 combat system suite will be considered in this review.
This solid-state, active array radar system will not only scan the horizon for high-speed, low-level cruise missile threats, but also provide fire-control illumination for DD 21 air defense weapons. MFR is designed to detect the most advanced low-observable anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) threats and support fire-control illumination requirements for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, Standard Missile, and future missiles required to support engagement of the most stressing ASCMs.
In June 1999, the Navy awarded a contract to develop an MFR prototype. MFR is being designed and developed as an Engineering Development Model (EDM) by Raytheon Systems Company, Sudbury MA. Based on current program plans, the initial MFR prototype will be available in fiscal year 2002 to support land-based and sea-based testing.
MFR supports new ship design requirement for reduced radar cross-section, reduced manning and total ownership cost reduction. MFR is planned for introduction in CVN-77/CVNX and DD-21 warships. Development, testing, and subsequent production will support equipment delivery schedules for both CVN-77 and DD-21. Initial Operational Capability is expected in 2008 with the delivery of DD-21.
Like the integrated propulsion system, DD 21's radar suite will have broad applications for other future naval platforms. The preeminent among these is CVN 77, which will be the first ship to field the Mult-Function/Volume Search Radar suite. Currently, both the DD 21 and CVN 77 Program Offices are working closely together to ensure requirements for both platforms are being incorporated into the radar suite design. This technology should also interest the designers of JCC(X) and LHD(X), as well as platforms currently in construction (such as LPD 17).
