Denmark receives LM long-range radars

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The Danish air force has received two new long-range radars made by Lockheed Martin.

The Defense Acquisition & Logistics Organization of the Danish Ministry of Defense formally transferred ownership of two Lockheed Martin TPS-77 mobile, long-range surveillance radars to the Tactical Air Command of the Royal Danish Air Force. A ceremony on Aug. 16 attended by representatives from the Danish government, the Royal Danish Air Force and Lockheed Martin was held at Karup Air Station, in Denmark, where the radars temporarily are deployed.

In 2005 Lockheed Martin’s Radar Systems business unit in Syracuse, N.Y., received a contract from DALO to provide the radar systems along with a four-year logistics support package. The radars were delivered by Lockheed Martin to Karup several months ahead of schedule.

“These new radars will substantially improve the air surveillance capability within Denmark and over the surrounding seas,” said Henrik Hornhaver, technical director, DALO, who participated in the ceremony.

“We are very proud that Lockheed Martin radars will play a significant role in the safety and well-being of the Danish people,” said Carl Bannar, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Radar Systems business, who also was present for the transfer ceremony.

Lockheed Martin described the TPS-77 as "the latest configuration of the world’s most successful three-dimensional solid-state radar design, the FPS-117."

"This L-band tactical radar provides high-quality 3-D surveillance data on air targets at ranges out to 250 nautical miles and at elevations up to 100,000 feet," the company said.

"These two Danish radars represent the 26th and 27th TPS-77 radar sets produced to date. In addition, there are 127 FPS-117 systems operational in 14 countries, including several European nations. Many have operated for years in remote areas, completely unmanned and in a wide range of environments," it said.