Wednesday, June 17, 2009

DTN News: Raytheon To Display Operationally Tested ASTOR System At Paris Air Show

DTN News: Raytheon To Display Operationally Tested ASTOR System At Paris Air Show
*Source: Defense Media / Raytheon Company (NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - June 17, 2009: Raytheon Company's Airborne Stand-off Radar system that has been deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of coalition forces will be on display at the Paris Air Show. ASTOR is a sophisticated air-to-ground surveillance system that provides 24-hour, all-weather actionable intelligence. Airborne Stand-Off Radar (ASTOR) ~ ASTOR, the Airborne Stand-Off Radar program being supplied by Raytheon and Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) to the UK Ministry of Defence, is an advanced air-ground surveillance system which will be jointly operated by the RAF and the British Army. The program draws on Raytheon’s considerable capability in advanced surveillance radar, communications, networking and systems integration. ASTOR provides the UK world-class capabilities within the network-enabled battlespace. The ASTOR system represents a new era in military operations planning and management, delivering more accurate information and increasing the speed of decision making. The system provides a highly effective 24-hour surveillance and target acquisition capability. It delivers wide area, all weather surveillance and reconnaissance imagery in near real time for peacekeeping, warfighting and homeland security needs. At the heart of the ASTOR system is a dual mode Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI) sensor. The SAR provides high-resolution images for decision makers and the MTI monitors the quantity, direction and speed of moving targets for unparalleled situational awareness. The imagery, which can be exploited both on board the aircraft and on the ground, is passed by secure data links to ground stations at all levels of command and control. By operating at high altitude, and at considerable long range stand-off distances, the radar platform is able to remain over safe territory while providing an excellent “look-down” angle of the target area. "ASTOR has clearly proven itself during operational trials," said RAF Group Capt. Harry Kemsley. "As we prepare to deploy again to provide airborne support during the Afghanistan elections, we are looking forward to exploring additional capabilities and continuing counter-insurgency operations." The ASTOR system comprises five Sentinel aircraft, six tactical ground stations, two operational-level ground station units, support vehicles, and an extensive and sophisticated support infrastructure. Raytheon has delivered all ASTOR equipment to the U.K. Ministry of Defence and supports the system in the field, assisting the front line on operations and in training and logistics. The ASTOR's dual mode radar incorporates a synthetic aperture radar and moving target indicator for wide-area surveillance. Data from the radar system is exploited and disseminated by an extensive and sophisticated communications suite including wide- and narrow-band data links, tactical data links, secure VHF and UHF radios, and satellite communications. All are controlled through a central mission system operated by crews in the air and ground segments. "Raytheon's moving target indication and synthetic aperture radar technology allow near real-time dissemination of critical data to the ground forces," said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. "The actionable intelligence provided by ASTOR has had an immediate operational impact on the success of U.K. and allied ground forces in theater." Raytheon Systems Limited is a prime contractor and major supplier to the U.K. Ministry of Defence and has developed strong capabilities in mission systems integration in defense, national security and commercial markets. RSL also designs, develops and manufactures a range of high technology electronic systems and software at its facilities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide. Note to Editors: An ASTOR Sentinel R1 aircraft and a tactical ground station will be on static display at the Raytheon pavilion behind chalet A387. Members of 5 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, RAF, who have operated the system during deployment, will be showcasing the system's capabilities.

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