DD(X) National Team Introduces Next-Generation Shipboard Radar

The DD(X) National Team, led by Northrop Grumman Corporation, has introduced the U.S. Navy's first shipboard active phased array multifunction radar, AN/SPY-3, designed to meet all horizon search and fire control requirements for the 21st century fleet.

The SPY-3 multifunction radar, designed by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems and introduced in a ribbon-cutting ceremony here yesterday, combines the functions provided by more than five separate radars currently aboard Navy surface combatants. SPY-3 supports new ship design requirements for a reduced radar cross section, significantly reduced manning requirements, and total ownership cost reduction. "We've been making tremendous progress with all of the critical technologies in the DD(X) program," said Capt. Chuck Goddard, the Navy's DD(X) program manager. "Multifunction radar is a cornerstone and its performance at Wallops has been phenomenal. We're going to deliver a revolutionary radar suite on DD(X) and to the rest of the Navy for decades to come." The first production SPY-3, delivered to Wallops Island in early 2003 for functionality tests, most recently performed a successful precision track of a low-altitude test drone during multiple in-bound and out-bound flights. The SPY-3 will be applied to future ship platforms including the transformational aircraft carrier CVN-21 and the next-generation amphibious warfare ships.

Northrop Grumman's Ship Systems sector will construct a SPY-3 land-based test center here, which will provide for the integration of research and development activities for the next-generation surface combatant. The test center will provide approximately 30,000 square feet of space for radar, communications equipment, a full systems mission center, and a complete data analysis capability. The center will accommodate 45 staff members in the near future with infrastructure in place to handle more than 100 people. The DD(X) National Team, led by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, includes Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, United Defense L.P., Boeing, as well as 80 leading defense firms representing 35 states. The Navy awarded the lead contract to Northrop Grumman in 2002 to design, develop and test 10 engineering development models that will bring 21st Century Technologies aboard DD(X).