OREANDA-NEWS. Indra and Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated the first phase of integration of new a solid state S-band radar system being developed for the future Spanish F-110 Frigate. The test was part of the technology development phase in the joint development of this next generation radar system. 

During the demonstration, which took place at the Lockheed Martin facility in Moorestown, New Jersey, Lockheed Martin and Indra successfully completed the integration of Indra’s Digital Transmit-Receive modules into Lockheed Martin’s Solid State phased array antenna. Representatives from the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the Spanish Navy and the U.S. Navy watched the engineers demonstrated the mechanical, electrical and thermal compatibility of the devices. This new solid state radar will provide proven Aegis air defense capability while introducing leading edge technologies for future Spanish frigates and other international platforms.

“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 Jos? Manuel P?rez Pujaz?n, executive vice president, Indra.

“We have a strong relationship with Indra, which makes them the ideal partner for this opportunity, and our systems performed flawlessly together,” said Mary Keifer, director of International Aegis & Surface Combat Systems, Lockheed Martin.

The F-110 Frigate is the Spanish Navy’s next generation of multi-mission surface vessel, due to see operation in the next decade. The Spanish Navy operates five Aegis-equipped ?lvaro de Baz?n-class (F-100) frigates, which are equipped with the Lockheed Martin-developed Aegis Combat System and SPY-1 radar. F-110 will include the introduction of an evolved Combat Management System and new solid-state S-band radar with the aim to advance the strong partnerships between U.S. and Spanish industry established during the development and fielding of the first four ships of the F-100 program and expanded for F-105.

As part of the collaboration, Indra is supplying the building block to achieve a fully Digital Antenna, including the Digital Transmit-Receive modules that contain state-of-the-art Solid State Gallium Nitride (GaN) high power amplifiers, developed from its experience in the design of radar and electronic warfare systems, integrating leading edge technologies in high power amplification and digitalization.  

“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,” Keifer said. “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.” 

Following the success of the demonstration, both companies signed a contract under which 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.

The demonstration was an important step in a roadmap defined by both companies in 2010 to develop a next generation radar for F-110 and future international platforms.