Endwave announced that it has entered into a multi-million dollar contract with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire control Co. to design the RF Receiver unit for the Comanche Radar system used in the Boeing RAH-66 Comanche Helicopter. The contract with Lockheed Martin, a primary sub-contractor to The Boeing Co. for the Comanche radar program, calls for Endwave to design the radar receiver unit, and to manufacture and deliver prototype and evaluation units that will be used in qualification trials within the complete radar system.
"We are honored to have been selected by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control for this important program, particularly at a time when our nation's security is of such a large concern," said Ed Kieble, chief executive officer and president of Endwave Corp. "It is gratifying for Endwave to be able to apply its unique millimeter wave technology, design expertise and manufacturing resources toward the development of this advanced radar system. We are proud to offer our services to a program that will help safeguard the men and women of our armed forces who risk their lives to protect our freedom."
"Endwave proved to be a highly capable and reliable supplier of the Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR) program," stated Benny Smith, program manager, Comanche FCR, Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control. "We are pleased to once again utilize Endwave expertise and extend their role further in the design and production of this critical component for the Comanche Radar system."
The Comanche radar, a derivative of the proven Longbow Fire Control Radar used on the Apache attack helicopter, delivers the same high performance in a streamlined package to support the stealth mission. Its millimeter-wave technology provides unequalled target detection, location, classification and prioritization. The Comanche Radar system also uses the Longbow Hellfire missile for fire-and-forget capability in all weather conditions.
The selection of Endwave for the Comanche Radar program represents an expansion from Endwave's role as a component supplier to Lockheed Martin for the Longbow radar program, under which Endwave designed and continues to produce low noise amplifiers (LNA) for the Longbow Fire Control Radar used on the Apache attack helicopter. Under the Comanche program, Endwave will deliver a higher level of integration, as the RF receiver unit for the Comanche is a LRU (line replaceable unit) that integrates the LNA component with other active components in a complete subsystem assembly.