Space

Sea Based X-Band Radar Returns to Pearl Harbor for Maintenance

07-FYI-0099
7 June 2007

Air Force Lieutenant General Henry "Trey" Obering III, Missile Defense Agency Director, today announced the giant 28-story Sea Based X-Band Radar (SBX) will return to Pearl Harbor for scheduled maintenance and planned system upgrades later this month. Since departing Pearl Harbor last January, the SBX successfully demonstrated its ability to operate in the harsh winter weather conditions of the Northern Pacific and participated in two tests of the Ballistic Missile Defense System.

The world's largest phased-array x-band radar, carried aboard a self-propelled semi-submersible oil platform, could be at Pearl Harbor Shipyard for several months, in order to complete the maintenance and system upgrades. During this time, it may go back to sea, to participate in another test of the Ground Based Midcourse Defense Program, then return to Pearl Harbor again for completion of the scheduled work.

There is currently no plan to turn on the SBX radar while in port. If it becomes necessary to turn on the radar following the maintenance and upgrades for testing purposes, it would be at a very low level and emit considerably less energy than a microwave oven.

BAE Shipyards at Pearl Harbor was selected from among several locations that bid on a competitive contract to accomplish the anticipated maintenance and upgrades.

The SBX will be visible from Honolulu for several hours before entering Pearl Harbor.

Contact: Rick Lehner, MDA Public Affairs, at (703) 697-8997, Richard.Lehner@mda.mil or Ms. Pam Rogers, at (256) 955-2952, Pamela.rogers@mda.mil