Advanced technology ultrareliable radar (URR)

Abstract

The authors describe the URR (ultrareliable radar) system, subsystems, software architecture, and reliability and maintainability design. Objectives of the current URR program, which is scheduled to be completed in early FY '90, are also discussed. As originally conceived, the URR program was to develop next-generation radar technology that would exhibit an order of magnitude improvement in reliability over existing radar systems. Since existing systems were exhibiting a mean time between failures (MTBF) of approximately 40 hours, the URR reliability goal was established at 400 hours for a system serial MTBF. The URR program has developed technology applicable to the advanced tactical fighter and F-15/F-16/B-1B updates by integrating advanced receiver/STALO (stable local oscillator) technology with solid-state phased-array active aperture technology and very-high-speed integrated circuit common signal processor technology.<>