A software update to Northrop Grumman's AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) has enabled extended range capabilities, allowing the US Marine Corps (USMC) and US Air Force (USAF) to detect threats at greater distances.
“G/ATOR’s extended range and improved identification systems provide U.S. and allied forces with a crucial tactical advantage,” Vice President, maritime and land systems and sensors, Northrop Grumman, Bob Gough, said.
In addition to a new extended range mode, this update has, according to the company, refined G/ATOR’s identification friend or foe system and enhanced interoperability. The G/ATOR possesses an open architecture command and control connection. All currently deployed G/ATOR systems have received this update.
“Our radar system is designed to perform in the most complex air defense environments – detecting, tracking and targeting threats in real time," Gough stated.
G/ATOR is a mobile, long range active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system that operates in the S-band frequency range.
According to Northrop Grumman, G/ATOR provides precise fire control and real-time 360-degree, four-dimensional tracking of a wide range of airborne threats, including cruise missiles, hypersonic missiles, crewed aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems.
Currently, 39 G/ATOR radars have been delivered to the USMC and USAF, with the 40th delivery anticipated later this year. The radar incorporates Northrop Grumman’s US-manufactured microelectronics to support advanced multifunction and multi-mission capability.