Lockheed Martin completed production of two of the four SPY-1D(V) radar arrays for Australia’s first Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD).
“The SPY-1D(V) arrays are the visual icon of Aegis, and the success of the array production is setting the pace for the open architecture Aegis Weapon System development that will be the backbone of Hobart and the following AWDs,” said Paul Johnson, managing director of Lockheed Martin Australia.
Hobart’s SPY-1D(V) arrays eventually will be tested and integrated with the full Aegis Open Architecture Weapon System destined for the destroyer.
The unique SPY-1 multi-function phased array radar system replaces numerous conventional independent sensors and is designed for the most challenging environments and missions, including long-range volume search, fire control-quality tracking and ballistic missile defence.
SPY-1’s S-band frequency range permits optimum performance in all-weather operations and the ability to perform all major radar functions while simultaneously providing proven S-band mid-course guidance for semiactive missiles, such as the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, SM-2 and SM-3.