Raytheon, a business of RTX, has delivered the 13th AN/TPY-2 advanced missile defense radar to the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
The move also marking Raytheon’s first delivery of this radar system with a fully Gallium Nitride (GaN) populated array.
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The AN/TPY-2 radar is designed to protect the US homeland and its allies by detecting, tracking, and discriminating ballistic missiles throughout various stages of their flight.
Raytheon said that the incorporation of GaN technology enhances the radar’s sensitivity, which in turn extends its range, increases surveillance capabilities, and supports the defence against hypersonic threats.
The radar is also equipped with the latest CX6 high-performance computing software, providing improved precision in target discrimination and bolstering protection against electronic attacks.
It is also equipped to support hypersonic missile defence.
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By GlobalDataRaytheon Air and Space Defense Systems president Sam Deneke said: “This is the most advanced version of AN/TPY-2 that Raytheon has built, leveraging years of investment and innovation to produce superior capability at a lower cost to the US armed forces.
“As demand increases for missile defence of the homeland, the AN/TPY-2 radar is ready to meet the mission.”
Operating in the X-band of the electromagnetic spectrum, the AN/TPY-2 radar boasts superior clarity in target visualisation, enabling it to effectively differentiate between threatening and non-threatening objects, such as separation debris from missiles.
The AN/TPY-2 radar can function in two distinct modes: Forward-based mode, where it detects ballistic missiles post-launch, and terminal mode, where it assists in guiding interceptors to neutralize descending missiles.
When in terminal mode, the AN/TPY-2 radar is integral to the terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) ballistic missile defence system, directing THAAD missiles to their targets.
In 2020, Raytheon Missiles & Defense secured $2.3bn contract to produce seven GaN-based AN/TPY-2 radars.
These radars are being manufactured as part of the THAAD system and are included in a foreign military sale (FMS) agreement with Saudi Arabia, as part of the MDA’s initiatives.
