Northrop Grumman Corp. (NGC) has delivered the first AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), incorporating advanced high-power and high efficiency GaN antenna technology to further improve the system’s operational capabilities. This system was delivered ahead of schedule and is the seventh G/ATOR system delivered in the low rate initial production (LRIP) phase of the program.

The AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR is an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA), multi-mission radar that provides comprehensive, real-time, 360 degree situational awareness against a broad array of threats, including fixed wing aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, unmanned autonomous systems (UAS) and rockets, artillery and mortar. It is rapidly deployable worldwide to meet United State Marine Corps needs and includes the latest cyber and digital beamforming technology that enables the radar to perform multi-mission tasks at significantly lower operation and maintenance costs compared to existing USMC radar systems.

GaN technology provides cost savings and multiple performance benefits, including enhanced system sensitivity and increased reliability. All subsequent G/ATOR LRIP and full rate production systems will now incorporate this advanced GaN technology.

Delivery of the first GaN G/ATOR system follows the delivery of six LRIP systems to the Marines, beginning in early 2017. Using two of those six systems, the Marine Corps achieved G/ATOR Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the air surveillance mission in February of this year. The remaining four systems will establish IOC for the counter-battery mission later this year. Achieving IOC, G/ATOR systems, trained Marines and associated logistics support are now in operational service with Marines.

Given the AN/TPS-80’s open architecture design, Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract through the Office of Secretary of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office in 2016 to support the addition of a fire control mission.

Both the Marine Corps and Northrop Grumman continue to make detailed preparations to successfully execute the full rate production program, which is scheduled to begin in early 2019.

“The Marine Corps are the first to take delivery of a production ground-based multi-mission AESA radar that incorporates this advanced GaN technology. The incorporation of this advanced technology in production radars is unique to the Marine Corps and enables G/ATOR to provide additional mission capability to the warfighter at an affordable cost.” — Roshan Roeder, vice president, land & avionics C4ISR division, Northrop Grumman.