RIGA, Latvia and SYRACUSE, N.Y., Oct. 5,
2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Defence of the
Republic of Latvia and Lockheed
Martin (NYSE: LMT) signed a contract for three TPS-77 Multi-Role
Radars (MRR) for use in air surveillance and to complement radar
assets already in place.
"Purchase of "TPS-77" MRRs will mean a huge investment in the
strengthening of defence capabilities of National Armed Forces and
gives us the chance to act accordingly to modern threats facing all
NATO countries," emphasizes Minister of Defence of Latvia
Raimonds Bergmanis.
"Early warning and situational awareness is a very important
condition in the decision making process for an efficient
response," emphasizes Chief of Defence of Latvia, Lieutenant General Raimonds Graube. He also pointed out that
surveillance, especially low-level flight surveillance and
identification is a vital part of Latvian airspace surveillance
capabilities.
"This multi-role radar program builds upon a 15-year partnership
of radar development and training between Latvia and Lockheed Martin," said Greg Larioni, Vice President of Lockheed Martin
Radar Surveillance Systems. "We look forward to building upon that
history and continuing to support Latvia in achieving its missions. The Lockheed
Martin team would also like to thank Senator Charles Schumer for his support in this
important competitive international radar program."
The TPS-77 MRR is designed for ultra-low power consumption and
is the most transportable version of Lockheed Martin's successful
TPS-77 product line. Latvia's
variant of this high-performing radar can be truck mounted for
operation at unprepared sites or dismounted for use at fixed
sites.
The radar's multi-role single scan technology allows operators
to select specific roles for the radar such as long range or medium
range low-level flight surveillance (including helicopter
detection) in specific sectors. As the radar rotates through each
360 degree scan, the system automatically adjusts to the operator
selected mission. Changes can be easily made if the system is
moved or mission is changed. Once set, no further operator inputs
are required.
As with current production TPS-77s and other next generation
Lockheed Martin radars, the TPS-77 MRR uses Gallium Nitride (GaN)
technology in its design. The GaN technology has already been
installed and tested in operational radars. Utilizing GaN, the
radars high power amplifiers consume much less power, ultimately
increasing reliability, lowering life-cycle costs and extending the
useful life of the radar. The Latvia TPS-77 MRRs will be delivered
with a complete suite of GaN technology.
All new technology delivered in the MRR is backwardly compatible
with fielded systems around the world. "Our focus on backward
compatibility of new technology and verification before we offer a
capability is unique in our market. We always provide a low
risk, proven path forward for our customer's deployed systems,"
said Larioni.
As part of the TPS-77 MRR program, Lockheed Martin will continue
to engage with local Latvian industry for procurement and
production. These relationships will form the basis for long-term
local maintenance and support of the new systems after
delivery.
There are already three Lockheed Martin TPS-77 radars in
Latvia, positioned in Calas,
Lielvarde and Audrini. A 2015 modernization program is underway to
upgrade one of these radars.
Lockheed Martin has produced and maintains more than 175
surveillance-range radars, all of which are operational around the
world detecting targets at ranges up to 250 miles, 24 hours a day.
These radars are capable of operating completely unmanned and many
have performed for decades in remote, inhospitable areas and in a
wide range of operational environments.
For additional information, visit our website:
www.lockheedmartin.com/gbas
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a
global security and aerospace company that employs approximately
112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the
research, design, development, manufacture, integration and
sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
The Corporation's net sales for 2014 were $45.6 billion.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin