MEADS radar undergoing testing

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ORLANDO, Fla., April 23 (UPI) -- The 360-degree fire control radar of the Medium Extended Air Defense System is undergoing system-level integration testing in Italy.

MEADS International, the multinational joint venture producing the missile defense system, said the testing of the X-band radar with the system's battle manager and launcher is in preparation for iintercept tests later this year.

The MFCR is a solid-state, phased array radar using element-level transmit/receive modules with precision tracking and wideband discrimination and classification. MEADS International said in rapid deployments it can provide both surveillance and fire control capabilities until a surveillance radar joins the network.

"The MEADS MFCR combines extraordinary capability to detect and track advanced threats, yet provides high mobility and C-130 transportability," said MEADS International Technical Director Marco Riccetti.

"The MEADS system offers coverage and flexibility at a lower cost, including complete 360-degree defense that protects military sites and civilians against next-generation threats."

Testing at Pratica di Mare Air Force Base near Rome, will demonstrate the MFCR in a full system configuration and its full functionalities.

The intercept tests will be conducted at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.