The US Air Force is proceeding with Lockheed Martin as the preferred contractor for the delivery of a new ground-based radar under the three Dimensional Expeditionary Long-Range Radar Rapid (3DELRR) program.
While the service already chose Lockheed Martin for the effort in April 2021, after evaluating solutions also provided by Northrop Grumman and Australia’s CEA Technologies, it noted back then that no procurement funds were available at the time, adding that the potential of a second integration award would maintain competitive pressure until funds are available.
After the initial choice of Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor on the program, Northrop Grumman also received a contract for work under the program in September 2021.
However, the air force now said the program expects to exercise options for the initial radars, pending the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill, adding it only intended to enter production with Lockheed Martin.
“Our acquisition strategy allows us to exercise the production option for one or both of the SpeedDealer follow-on contracts,” said Col. Erik Rhylander, senior materiel leader, Theater Battle Control Division.
“Both companies have impressive systems. After assessing radar capabilities, costs for production and sustainment, and residual technical risks to meeting the Air Force’s requirements, the AN/TPY-4(V)1 system provides the best overall value for the Air Force.”
3DELRR will be the air force’s principal ground-based sensor for long-range surveillance, detection and tracking of aerial targets in support of theater commanders and will replace the AN/TPS-75 currently in service.
As previously stated, the US Air Force will expect the selected system to be fully deployable by 2024, with the current contract including production options for up to 35 long-range radar systems.
