Thu, Apr 16, 2009
Long-Range Surveillance Systems Help Improve ATC Coverage
Lockheed Martin has received a $1.6
million contract from the Brazilian Air Force to support six of its
TPS-77 -- known in Brazil as the TPS-B34 -- long range air
surveillance radars currently monitoring airspace in the Amazon
region.
Since their installation between 2000 and 2005, the Lockheed
Martin-manufactured radars have been an integral part of the
Brazilian Integrated Air Traffic Control and Air Defense System
(SISDACTA), also supplying information to the Amazon Protection
System (SIPAM), a complex network of ground-based and airborne
sensors providing surveillance in the region, implemented by the
Amazon Surveillance System (SIVAM) Project.
The TPS-77s have dual-use capability, providing both air
surveillance and air traffic control. These radars have withstood
the unique environmental challenges experienced in the Amazon
jungle and also have demonstrated 100% reliability during
deployments, by road and by air, to support Brazilian Air Force
exercises.
Under the terms of the contract, Lockheed Martin will provide
technical support for the six radar systems and on-the-job training
for Brazilian radar technicians. The one-year contract includes
options to extend the support for up to five years.
The AN/TPS-77 is the latest configuration of what Lockheed terms
"the world's most successful 3-D solid-state radar design." The
transportable radar provides continuous high-quality 3-D
surveillance on aircraft targets at ranges out to 250 nautical
miles.
The AN/TPS-77 shares some technical components and maintenance
activity with Lockheed Martin's AN/FPS-117 radar. There are 36
AN/TPS-77s and 134 AN/FPS-117 systems operational in 25 countries.
Lockheed Martin notes many have performed for years completely
unmanned in remote areas, and in a wide range of operational
environments.
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