U.S. Navy to Develop Next-Generation Software-Defined Radar System for Surface Warships
The U.S. Navy has announced plans to develop an advanced software-defined radar system for surface warships in a move to replace existing radars that are outdated or unable to meet current threats. The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington has awarded a $32.2 million order to Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems for the production and support of the Next Generation Surface Search Radar (NGSSR) program.
As the ocean becomes increasingly complex with the proliferation of solid-state radar, surface warships face challenges in navigation and situational awareness. The crowded shipping channels, radio traffic, debris, and other radar systems operating in the same spectrum have made it difficult for warships to perform routine tasks. In addition, adversaries can exploit this complex sensor picture to conduct surveillance undetected.
To address these challenges, the NGSSR will utilize the latest digital technology and incorporate a software-based architecture at its core. The radar system will feature a suite of algorithms that enhance and optimize its performance by leveraging the software-defined architecture. This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability, making it easier to maintain and upgrade the radar system over time.
By implementing software-defined capabilities, the NGSSR will offer a range of benefits. It will extend the radar’s range and navigation functions in adverse weather conditions, resist electronic warfare attempts to jam it, detect unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), periscopes, floating debris, and floating mines, as well as improve collision avoidance in crowded waterways.
The NGSSR will eventually replace the Navy’s current AN/SPS-67, AN/SPS-73, BridgeMaster E series, and commercial-off-the-shelf radar systems. The AN/SPS-67 is a short-range, two-dimensional, surface-search and navigation radar system, while the AN/SPS-73(V)12 provides contact range and bearing information to determine own-ship position relative to nearby vessels and navigational hazards. The BridgeMaster E surface-search radar offers navigation capabilities to commercial and military high-speed crafts and vessels.
Ultra Electronics Ocean Systems has been tasked with developing, testing, and manufacturing the NGSSR. The company previously won contracts for NGSSR qualification systems and the first production lot. The work for this $32.2 million order will be conducted in Braintree, Massachusetts; Wake Forest, North Carolina; and Chantilly, Virginia, with an expected completion date of August 2025.
The development of the NGSSR represents a significant step forward for the U.S. Navy in enhancing the capabilities of surface warships. With its advanced software-defined architecture and improved functionalities, the new radar system will help the Navy maintain an edge in an increasingly complex and contested maritime environment.
