Northrop Demos Mobile, Mini-AESA radar to Track Drones

Northrop Grumman Corporation has demonstrated its mobile Highly Adaptable Multi-Mission Radar (HAMMR) system against a target drone to the US Army at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

During the successful live fire demonstration, Northrop Grumman used the HAMMR system, mounted on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee) as an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) sensor to detect and track an unmanned aerial vehicle target, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

The HAMMR is a short- to medium-range X-Band Three Dimensional (3D) radar that utilizes the proven Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) AN/APG-83 F-16 fighter radar in a ground-based, sense on-the-move role. HAMMR provides multi-mission 3D performance for air surveillance, weapon cueing and counter-fire target acquisition missions in either a 360-degree or sector-only staring mode. HAMMR delivers the ability to provide force protection while operating on the move, increasing warfighter survivability.

“This demonstration validated the sense on-the-move capability in concept for the Department of Defense’s IAMD enterprise and proved that this capability can be developed and fielded to warfighters much sooner than anticipated,” said Mike Meaney, vice president, land and maritime sensors, Northrop Grumman.

Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS) creates a paradigm shift for IAMD by replacing legacy stove-piped systems with a next-generation, net-centric approach to better address the evolving complex threat. The system integrates disparate radars and weapons to construct a far more effective IAMD enterprise. IBCS delivers a single integrated air picture with unprecedented accuracy and broadens surveillance and protection areas. With its open systems architecture, IBCS allows incorporation of current and future sensors and effectors and interoperability with joint C2 and the ballistic missile defense system.