G/ATOR radar program to utilize digital agility for a software-defined platform
NewsJuly 26, 2021
FALLS CHURCH, Va. Northrop Grumman is harnessing digital agility on the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) program. A digital-first sensor, the AN/TPS-80 will be designed to cyclically receive capability updates with every software load.
The company also claims that its hardware is being improved, such as transitioning to higher-performance gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor components from gallium arsenide (GaAs) and by adding transmit/receive modules for longer-range capability.
Northrop Grumman invested in the AN/TPS-80 by creating a digital transformation roadmap and completing initial versions of a digital model or “digital twin” where new software or engineering changes can be developed, demonstrated, and deployed in a virtual environment before fielding.
This adaptability of the AN/TPS-80 was demonstrated in a number of field trials and system tests conducted over the past year. At a U.S. government test range, Northrop Grumman’s engineering team was able to detect and respond to electronic attacks by implementing countermeasures through software updates in hours.
