The United States Marine Corps has now approved the Northrop Grumman AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR). This milestone follows the delivery of the final Lot 1 and Lot 2 Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) G/ATOR system to the Marines. The USMC will field their first two systems by delivering them to Marine Air Control Squadrons 1 and 2 for operational use.
Early fielding, also known as Initial Operational Capability (IOC), is a significant milestone that indicates that a system is ready for operational deployment. It is achieved when production systems, spares, logistic support items and documentation have been tested and validated through a rigorous process. As the developer and system integrator, Northrop Grumman has taken G/ATOR from concept through to production.
The company has delivered six G/ATOR systems with Gallium Arsenide technology to the Marine Corps in Lots 1 and 2. Beginning with Lot 3 deliveries and including all Full Rate Production systems, G/ATOR will incorporate high power, high efficiency Gallium Nitride (GaN) antenna technology that can further enhance operational capabilities.
Under a separate contract, Northrop Grumman will also provide logistics support to the Marine Corps for G/ATOR systems.
