Microelectronics
If there’s one essential element in advanced programmable radar systems, it’s the Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor. Critical components of theTPS-77, TPQ-53, LRDR and the Space Fence, these chips are prized for their ability to carry high while consuming relatively little power and dissipating little heat. GaN chips are assembled in a vast clean room environment populated by materials scientists and engineers in bunny suits and dozens of robots.The dexterous machines handle parts as small as a fingernail with high precision, enabling rapid, reliable production of advanced transmit/receive modules. Every part is thoroughly tested before moving onto the next phase.
Next comes assembling thousands of digital and analog electronic components onto the radar system’s motherboard. These circuit boards, which handle digital processing and radio frequency transmission, are assembled by highly automated surface-mount machines that place tens of thousands of partsper hour. The robots ensure rapid, accurate production 20 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Circuit card assembly
Now it’s time to make the specialized assemblies, known as line-replaceable units, or LRUs. Large-scale radar systems employ thousands of LRUs, each responsible for a precise function – from powering the radar, to signal transmission and reception. That means every LRUrequires a particular grouping of electronics. Additive manufacturing devices, robotics, and integrated digital and radio frequency test stations ensure the LRUs function before they become part of an integrated radar systems.
LRUs
The radar system is starting to become recognizable. Precision-machined assemblies provide structure and give the radar system its distinctive shape. Active and passive components complete the transmit and receive chains, and the LRUs are integrated to bringthe array to life. Robots assist with high-volume, high-precision operations while physical dimensions are continuously analyzed. Arrays are vetted extensively in near-field anechoic chambers and far-field test ranges to ensure performance to specification. Finally,they’re prepared to be mated with the rest of the radar system for customer delivery.
Array Subassembly
A process that starts at the microscopic level with nearly weightless component parts culminates with final integration, test, and delivery. From turnkey-ready systems to large-scale site installations, every radar is delivered to meet customer specifications. Custom transportation equipment ensures the highly sensitive devices are moved with precision, ready to meet the needs of the warfighter.
Integration and Delivery
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Manufacturing the next generation of digital radar systems
What does it take to make a radar system? Here's a look at the advanced manufacturing technologies Lockheed Martin employs at its facilities from robotics and machine learning to additive manufacturing and AR.