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Navy marks Opening of Multi-Function Radar Test Facility

NAVSEA News Wire

Release Date: 5/24/2004

By NAVSEA Program Executive Office for Ships, PMS 500 DD(X) Program Office

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. - The old maxim that you can only hit what you can see has never been more important in the modern age of naval warfare. The proliferation of high-speed, nimble anti-surface cruise missiles continues to complicate the deadly calculus that challenges ship defenders.

Accurate, early detection of inbound supersonic sea skimmers can give a ship a few more precious seconds to bring its self-defense systems to bear. The DD(X) destroyer program is developing a Dual Band Radar suite designed to keep the time and distance advantage in the U.S. Navy's favor.

The AN/SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar (MFR), designed by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, will provide horizon detection and fire control to counter known and anticipated 21st-century threats.

On May 20, Navy and industry officials marked the official opening of the MFR land-based test site during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Wallops Island, Va.

The prototype radar was delivered to the test site in early 2003 and installed for a two-year test program. System integration testing began earlier this year and the prototype recently scored an impressive first milestone during a tracking exercise, during which it tracked a BQM-74 test drone during multiple inbound and outbound flights.

"We've been making tremendous progress with all of the critical technologies in the DD(X) program," said Capt. Chuck Goddard, the DD(X) program manager. "MFR is a cornerstone and its performance at Wallops has been phenomenal. We're going to deliver a revolutionary radar suite on DD(X) and to the rest of the Navy for decades to come."

"MFR is going to bring critical advanced sensor technology to our future ships that will provide advanced self-defense capabilities against the entire range of airborne threats," according to Capt. Al Haggerty, the major program manager for above water sensors in the Program Executive Office for Integrated Weapon Systems. "It's a key development program for the entire surface navy, not just DD(X)."

"Today's event really signifies the tremendous effort put forth by our Navy-industry team on this program," said Capt. Al Grecco, the DD(X) warfare systems engineer from PEO IWS. "MFR is a key element in complex integrated combat systems for future ships. Our progress to date has exceeded our expectations and we fully intend to continue our high level of performance."

The X-band MFR, along with the S-band Volume Search Radar (VSR), comprise the Navy's next-generation Dual Band Radar (DBR) suite that will be installed aboard DD(X) destroyers. MFR will conduct horizon search and provide missile support, in addition to other duties such as surface surveillance. VSR will handle long-range detection and tracking of air targets.

The DD(X) National Team is led by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. Raytheon serves as the electronics and weapons systems integrator and as the developer for the DD(X) DBR. Other National Team members include Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics and United Defense.

Wallops Island is home to a number of other critical Navy test sites, including AEGIS and Ship Self-Defense test and evaluation facilities. The island is scheduled to one day be home to a DD(X) transformational technology land-based test center. It will include radars, communications equipment, a full systems mission center and complete data analysis capability.