Indra and Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated the first phase of integration of new a solid state S-band radar system being developed for the future Spanish F-110 Frigate. The test was part of the technology development phase in the joint development of this next generation radar system.
During the demonstration, which took place at the Lockheed Martin facility in Moorestown, NJ/USS, Lockheed Martin and Indra successfully completed the integration of Indra’s Digital Transmit-Receive modules into Lockheed Martin’s Solid State phased array antenna. Representatives from the Spanish Ministry of Defence, the Spanish Navy and the US Navy watched the engineers demonstrated the mechanical, electrical and thermal compatibility of the devices. This new solid state radar will provide proven AEGIS air defense capability while introducing leading edge technologies for future Spanish frigates and other international platforms.
The F-110 Frigate is the Spanish Navy’s next generation of multi-mission surface vessel, due to see operation in the next decade. The Spanish Navy operates five AEGIS-equipped Álvaro de Bazán-class (F-100) frigates, which are equipped with the Lockheed Martin-developed AEGIS Combat System and SPY-1 radar. F-110 will include the introduction of an evolved Combat Management System and new solid-state S-band radar with the aim to advance the strong partnerships between U.S. and Spanish industry established during the development and fielding of the first four ships of the F-100 programme and expanded for F-105.
As part of the collaboration, Indra is supplying the building block to achieve a fully Digital Antenna, including the Digital Transmit-Receive modules that contain state-of-the-art Solid State Gallium Nitride (GaN) high power amplifiers, developed from its experience in the design of radar and electronic warfare systems, integrating leading edge technologies in high power amplification and digitalisation.
