US Government approves export of GaN-based sensor in Patriot radar
The US government has approved Raytheon to export a GaN-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Patriot sensor to Patriot Air and Missile Defense System partner nations.
"GaN-based AESA technology can bring customers of the combat-proven Patriot optimised 360-degree coverage while setting the stage for future capability improvements," said Ralph Acaba, vice president of Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business. "GaN-based AESA technology improves Patriot's already high reliability rate and significantly reduces the radar's annual operation and maintenance costs beyond what has already been achieved with other recent Patriot radar improvements."
The GaN-based AESA technology to be incorporated into Patriot is used in the design of the US Navy's new Air and Missile Defense Radar and a number of US Air Force systems.
In Feb 2014, Raytheon demonstrated a successful GaN-based AESA prototype Patriot array using GaN manufactured in Raytheon's Department of Defense-certified Manufacturing Readiness Level 8 foundry. Raytheon's GaN foundery was the first to receive DoD MRL 8 certification, indicating that Raytheon's GaN is ready to enter production after having demonstrated proven manufacturing and quality processes.
Raytheon's Patriot air and missile defence system provides protection against advanced threats, including aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is used by 13 nations.