The U.S. Navy has named Raytheon Technologies as the lead systems integrator for enhancements to be performed on the over-the-horizon (OTH) radar system. The improvements are hoped to enable the system to better detect maritime smuggling of illegal drugs and other contraband into the United States.
As lead systems integrator, the company will be responsible for integration of hardware, including high-power transmitters and digital receivers, and software that supports improved tracking capabilities and mitigation of clutter. The improvements will enable the relocatable OTH radar (ROTHR) system (see image above) to identify and track ships or aircraft at distances to 3,000 km.
Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power for Raytheon Missiles & Defense, said, “As a leading defense integrator with more than 30 years of experience working with over-the-horizon radars, Raytheon Missiles & Defense is uniquely positioned to lead the systems integration for the maritime capability.”
He added that the company’s people and motivation to improve their technologies translate to ever-improving systems: “Across the company, we are continuing to improve our technologies and capabilities to provide next-level solutions and over-the-horizon radars are no exception.” Raytheon is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the ROTHR system, deployed for the U.S. Navy in the 1990s.