LM displays ESR mode for SPY-1 radars

MOORESTOWN, N.J., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin said this week it had demonstrated a new Extreme Short Range mode for its SPY-1 naval radars.

The company said in a statement that the SPY-1 series of radars was "most noted for its unmatched performance detecting and tracking ballistic and supersonic cruise missiles."

"This new ESR mode provides an additional layer of ship defense that supports close-in operations, such as helicopter approach control, and enhances small surface target detection and performance in the littorals," Lockheed Martin said.

"During the recent demonstration of the ESR mode with Norwegian Navy and U.S. Navy participants, the SPY-1F radar successfully tracked a live helicopter test target as it performed a variety of challenging approaches. While operational in ESR mode, the SPY-1 radar continued normal operations, maintaining its traditional high performance in surface, horizon and area surveillance with 360-degree coverage," Lockheed Martin said.

"The test demonstrated the ability for the ESR mode to establish initial detection and acquisition of the test target with seamless transition to steady-state tracking for outbound targets, and seamless transition of the test target tracks from standard mode to ESR mode for inbound targets," the company said.

"The SPY-1 was revolutionary when it first went to sea, and proves itself infinitely evolutionary by meeting new mission needs," said Orlando Carvalho, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Surface-Sea Based Missile Defense line of business. "Our systems engineering approach is the key behind the SPY-1 technology leaps that have expanded the original anti-air warfare role to missions such as defeating ballistic missiles in space and landing a helicopter on a ship."

Lockheed Martin said the SPY-1 radar was "the most advanced computer-controlled radar system" and that it was "a core component of the Aegis Weapon System. When paired with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, it is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare."

"The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on 85 ships around the globe . ... Aegis is the weapon system of choice for Australia, Japan, Korea and Spain," the company said.