PARIS, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The 3D Ground Master 400 long-range air defense radar system of ThalesRaytheonSystems has entered service with the German military.
The company announced on Tuesday that the first of six systems ordered by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, or BAAINBw, was installed in the region of Westphalia following testing by German military and company personnel.
"We are very pleased with the operational entry into service of ThalesRaytheonSystems' Ground Master 400," said Horst Minning, head of BAAINBw Land-Support Department. "It brings a real technology breakthrough with operational benefits like improved tracking, low-altitude detection and easy maintenance. Our operators will benefit hugely from these latest technologies in threat detection."
The Ground Master 400 radar system delivered is mounted on a fixed tower and integrated into the German air surveillance network. The system is replacing German military radars in service since the 1970s.
ThalesRaytheonSystems says the system can detect wide range of targets, from tactical aircraft flying below several hundred feet to unconventional, small radar cross-section devices such as unmanned aerial vehicles or cruise missiles.
A second system is currently undergoing on-site testing and all six radars will be in operation by 2015, the company said.
