STARLite Radar
The AN/ZPY-1 STARLite is a small, lightweight synthetic aperture radar/GMTI radar used in tactical operations. The radar is under contract to the U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command for its ERMP General Atomics MQ-1C Grey Eagle Unmanned Aerial System.[1] STARLite weighs 65 lb (29 kg)., occupies 1.2 cubic feet (34 L), and requires less than 750W of power.[2] The Army has begun to take delivery of the systems.[3] The system is now ready for deployment to the battlefield.[4]
From the first orders in 2008 to October 2012, Northrop Grumman delivered half of the 174 radars ordered. 18 of the radars on order are a lighter, extended-range version. Weight was reduced by combining the radar power supply and processor and incorporating a Systron Donner inertial system. The new system weights 45 lb (20 kg). The patch antenna was replaced with a slot antenna, doubling its range to 10 mi (16 km). The original STARLite radar is used on the MQ-1C Grey Eagle and the Lockheed Martin Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) aerostat. The company is proposing the lighter version for integration onto small UAVs, including the RQ-7B Shadow, the MQ-8C Fire Scout, and the TigerShark UAS. Other potential customers include the Department of Homeland Security, which flies the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Guardian, and NATO countries.[5] The active electronically scanned radar is mounted on a rotating mechanical gimble with a 360 degree field of regard, although the antenna itself has a 110 degree field of view. In addition to SAR/GMTI, it has a dismount moving target indicator mode that can track a person walking on the ground from a range of 4.3 nmi (8.0 km; 4.9 mi).[6]
Manufacturer
Northrop Grumman manufactures the STARLite radar.
References
- ↑ Deagel.com
- ↑ Northrop Grumman
- ↑ UPI
- ↑ Army orders more radar kits for Sky Warrior drones (Defense Systems)
- ↑ Northrop Grumman Lightens StarLite for UAS Applications - Ainonline.com, 26 October 2012
- ↑ Northrop pitches STARLite for MQ-8C - Flightglobal.com, 23 October 2012
