RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES TO BUILD NEXT-GENERATION OVER-THE-HORIZON RADAR

Raytheon Technologies is using its decades of expertise as an integrator of missile defense systems to develop a first-of-its-kind, next-generation over-the-horizon radar to defend the homeland. The new system will be able to quickly detect, track and classify cruise missiles – day or night, and in any conditions, including when the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are on display.

Over-the-horizon radars can detect objects hundreds to thousands of miles away beyond the range limit of conventional radars. They operate in the high-frequency band of 5 MHz to 35 MHz, using powerful radio signals transmitted by a large antenna.

The next-generation over-the-horizon radar builds on technology and design that power a system known as ROTHR (Relocatable Over-The-Horizon Radar), which the U.S. Navy uses as its primary detection system for border security and drug smuggling.

Raytheon Technologies would produce the new system at its facilities in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Thanks to digital technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, the new radar not only has increased sensitivity to improve detection, but also can predict where a missile is heading for a more accurate intercept.

Raytheon Technologies would be responsible for manufacturing the system, which includes overall program management, systems engineering and integration. It will also build direct digital receivers and computing equipment and deliver next-generation software.