Air Force tests new radar receivers for rescue helicopters

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has successfully tested Lockheed Martin's AN/APR-52 radar warning receiver, and the device has achieved Technical Level 6 status.

The recent milestone indicates the Air Force's confidence in the technical maturity of the receiver and comes more than one year before the HH-60W combat rescue helicopter, which will use the receiver, will make its first flight test.

The demonstration of the receiver was conducted by the the U.S. Air Force Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, according to a Lockheed Martin news release Wednesday.

The receiver was evaluated in simulated threat environments.

"Although extensive contractor testing was previously conducted on the AN/APR-52 RWR, the USAF laboratory provides a unique capability that allows high-fidelity demonstration of the system in a true operational environment," said Bob Adams, Lockheed Martin Electronic Warfare Programs director.

"The successful demonstration is a key milestone to ensure the system will meet the needs of the warfighter. The complete electronic warfare suite will significantly improve detection of current and emerging threats which increases the survivability of the HH-60W."

The HH-60W, by Lockheed company Sikorsky, will replace the Air Force's aging HH-60G Pave Hawk search-and-rescue helicopters. The Lockheed Martin AN/APR-52 RWR it will carry is an all-digital, four-channel radar warning receiver meant to pinpoint threats to those in the helicopter.