The US government has selected Lockheed Martin Australia to provide high frequency over-the-horizon radar technology to the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in a move that reinforces Australia’s status as a provider of world-leading radar technology, the company stated.
This technology is the result of a partnership between Lockheed Martin Australia and Adelaide-based high-powered amplifier systems company Schach RF.
“Lockheed Martin Australia recognised the expertise of Schach RF in the design of innovative high-power amplifier solutions,” Lockheed Martin said in a statement. “Together, local Lockheed Martin Australia engineers worked closely with Schach RF to successfully engineer a world-leading product, which not only meets stringent performance requirements levied by NRL but also provides them with improved logistical convenience and deployment flexibility through modular design and standardisation practices.”
The awarding of a contract will see Lockheed Martin and Schach RF providing next-generation high-power amplifier solutions to the NRL over coming years. This technology will allow the NRL to further its high frequency radar research, which has many potential applications, according to Lockheed Martin, including the development of surface wave radar programs to detect and track air and surface targets.
“At Lockheed Martin Australia, we know that investing in local small to medium enterprises, particularly those spearheading new research and developments, will transform our local and international industry,” said Lockheed Martin Australia general manager Jack Mahoney. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to export homegrown technology to the United States, confirming us as a world force in defence innovation.”
Schach RF chief executive Chris Schach highlighted the importance of the awarding of the contract: “Schach RF is delighted to be able to incorporate its leading-edge amplifier technology to address the NRL’s needs.
“Our ongoing partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia to help further develop this technology and deliver it to both local and international customers demonstrates the value of local innovation, which is competing and winning on a global scale.”
