PARIS: Raytheon Company’s Airborne Stand-off Radar system that has been deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of coalition forces will be on display at the Paris Air Show. ASTOR is a sophisticated air-to-ground surveillance system that provides 24-hour, all-weather actionable intelligence.
“ASTOR has clearly proven itself during operational trials,” said RAF Group Capt. Harry Kemsley. “As we prepare to deploy again to provide airborne support during the Afghanistan elections, we are looking forward to exploring additional capabilities and continuing counter-insurgency operations.”
The ASTOR system comprises five Sentinel aircraft, six tactical ground stations, two operational-level ground station units, support vehicles, and an extensive and sophisticated support infrastructure. Raytheon has delivered all ASTOR equipment to the U.K. Ministry of Defence and supports the system in the field, assisting the front line on operations and in training and logistics.
The ASTOR’s dual mode radar incorporates a synthetic aperture radar and moving target indicator for wide-area surveillance. Data from the radar system is exploited and disseminated by an extensive and sophisticated communications suite including wide- and narrow-band data links, tactical data links, secure VHF and UHF radios, and satellite communications. All are controlled through a central mission system operated by crews in the air and ground segments.
“Raytheon’s moving target indication and synthetic aperture radar technology allow near real-time dissemination of critical data to the ground forces,” said Tim Carey, vice president for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems. “The actionable intelligence provided by ASTOR has had an immediate operational impact on the success of U.K. and allied ground forces in theater.”
Raytheon Systems Limited is a prime contractor and major supplier to the U.K. Ministry of Defence and has developed strong capabilities in mission systems integration in defense, national security and commercial markets. RSL also designs, develops and manufactures a range of high technology electronic systems and software at its facilities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.
Background Information
An ASTOR Sentinel R1 aircraft and a tactical ground station will be on static display at the Raytheon pavilion behind chalet A387. Members of 5 (Army Cooperation) Squadron, RAF, who have operated the system during deployment, will be showcasing the system’s capabilities.
