Key Takeaways
- Raytheon has secured a contract from the Office of Naval Research for advanced radar software development.
- The new software allows multiple radar functions to operate independently, improving adaptability and spectrum sharing.
- Successful validation will lead to the integration of this technology into operational naval radar systems.
Enhanced Radar Software Development
Raytheon has been awarded a contract by the Office of Naval Research to advance radar software for next-generation naval systems. The project focuses on developing a flexible software architecture that permits individual components within a radar system to function independently. This capability enables a radar to perform several missions at once, adapting swiftly to evolving operational requirements.
Colin Whelan, president of Raytheon’s Advanced Technology division, emphasized the increasing congestion of the electromagnetic spectrum. “The electromagnetic spectrum is more crowded than ever, and our systems have to be smarter about how they operate in it,” he stated. The new software-driven approach allows for precise control over radar operations, positioning Raytheon to adapt to the changing landscape of mission demands.
This development builds on Raytheon’s established expertise in software-defined apertures, utilizing a modular architecture that enhances capability through software upgrades instead of requiring hardware modifications. This flexibility not only quickens performance enhancements but also reduces costs and risks associated with traditional redesign processes.
Upon completion of the software development, Raytheon plans to conduct a series of demonstrations to validate the independent control of radar modules. Key features to be validated include operational capabilities for simultaneous missions and effective spectrum sharing. Once these capabilities are confirmed, the technology will be transitioned into operational naval radar systems, signifying a significant advancement in naval defense technology.
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