MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – U.S. Navy logistics experts needed spare radar common frequency generators for the AN/SPQ-9B target-detection-and-tracking radar aboard Navy surface warships. They found a solution from Frontgrade Technologies Inc. in Plainview, N.Y.
Officials of the Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support activity in Mechanicsburg, Pa., announced an $11.4 million sole-source contract to Frontgrade Technologies last Thursday for 23 common frequency generators for the AN/SPQ-9B shipboard radar.
The AN/SPQ-9B radar from Northrop Grumman Corp. is for surface and air target detection and tracking, with a focus on fire control for ship-based weapons systems. The system is aboard Ticonderoga-class cruisers (CG 47); Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (DDG 51); and amphibious assault ships. the radar often pairs with the Mk 45 5-inch gun or the Phalanx machine gun for targeting against small fast-moving threats.
Stable frequency signals
Radar common frequency generators provide stable, precise, and repeatable frequency signals for radar systems. These signals are essential for synchronizing the radar transmitter, receiver, and processing systems.
They produce a fixed or tunable frequency that serves as a reference for radar systems; ensure that the radar transmitter, receiver, modulators, and signal processors operate in sync; and maintain frequency stability despite temperature changes, vibration, or power fluctuations. They also can serve as reference signals in electronic warfare (EW) systems.
Radar common frequency generators cover HF, VHF, UHF, or microwave bands, and provide precision with low phase noise for accurate target detection and tracking.
On this contract, Frontgrade Technologies will do the work in Plainview, N.Y., and should be finished by January 2029. For more information contact Frontgrade Technologies online at www.frontgrade.com/products/rf-solutions, Northrop Grumman at www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/mission-solutions/radars/active-electronically-scanned-array-aesa, or the Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support activity at https://cnrma.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/NSA-Mechanicsburg/.
