New radar for Spanish frigates undergoes initial testing

MOORESTOWN, N.J., May 18 (UPI) -- Indra of Spain and Lockheed Martin have demonstrated the integration of new a solid state S-band radar system being developed for a new Spanish frigate.

The test -- for the first phase of development -- validated the integration of Indra's Digital Transmit-Receive modules into Lockheed Martin's Solid State phased array antenna, Lockheed Martin reported.

The test was conducted in New Jersey and was witnessed by representatives of the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the Spanish Navy and the U.S. Navy.

"The demonstration showed the operational compatibility between Lockheed Martin's array and Indra's digital modules, which together will form an integral part of the F-110 combat system," said José Manuel Pérez Pujazón, executive vice president, Indra.

The new solid state radar being developed will provide Aegis air defense capability and new technologies to F-110 frigates and other vessels.

As part of their collaboration, Indra is supplying the building block to achieve a fully Digital Antenna, including the Digital Transmit-Receive modules that contain solid state gallium nitride high-power amplifiers, which integrate leading high-power amplification and digitalization technologies.

"Like the Aegis Combat System, our solid state radar system employs an open architecture design that more easily facilitates integration with other systems and components," said Mary Keifer, director of International Aegis & Surface Combat Systems, Lockheed Martin. "This allows us to help support the U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency's interests, while making our systems more compatible with the needs of our allied partners through collaboration with companies like Indra, which bring strong multinational capabilities and leading edge technologies to bear."

Lockheed said that under a contract signed after the demonstration, Lockheed Martin will support Indra during the technology development phase of the project that will culminate in 2020 with the demonstration of a full Engineering Development Model of an integrated solid state S-band radar for the future Spanish frigate.