U.S. Air Force Selects Lockheed Martin for Program

The U.S. Air Force Advanced Range Threat System Variant 3 (ARTS-V3) program office awarded Lockheed Martin an initial $276M contract, which includes production options, to develop and produce the Variable Aperture Digital Radar (VADR) system. VADR will leverage both X-band and C-band radars to train aircrew for engagements against advanced adversarial threats.

“ARTS-V3 enhances our product line and demonstrates that we are continuing to lead the way in next-gen radar capability,” said Chandra Marshall, vice president of Lockheed Martin Radar and Sensor Systems. “Our radar technology directly contributes to the overall strength of the U.S. military. It continues to be our top priority to focus on 21st Century Security, to include training our troops with the most advanced systems to best protect our homeland.”

The VADR system is a software-defined sensor that can be reprogrammed to emulate different adversary systems and training events. It will be built using Distributed Digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), leveraging commonality with other key radars in the Lockheed Martin portfolio.

Lockheed Martin will partner with the not-for-profit research & development defence company, SRC, Inc., touting radar expertise spanning more than six decades. This collaboration is a critical element in the development of the VADR system. Work will be performed in Syracuse. N.Y., Clearwater, Fl. and Owego, N.Y. The government program office is located at Hill Air Force Base Utah.

Proven Radar Experience

With broad and deep experience developing and delivering advanced radar solutions to customers, Lockheed Martin’s high-performing, high-reliability radar systems specialize in advanced early warning, counter-target acquisition, situational awareness and integrated air and missile defence. Lockheed Martin radars are designed with a high degree of commonality, are available in highly mobile configurations, operate in all environments and are deployed worldwide. It’s why Lockheed Martin’s radars are the choice of more than 45 nations on six continents.