The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) missile defense radar has passed its critical design review.

“Successfully executing CDR validates that the LRDR system is ready to proceed into fabrication, demonstration and test and that the hardware and software component have achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 and Manufacturing Readiness Level 7,” said a Lockheed Martin announcement.

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $784 million Missile Defense Agency contract in 2015 to develop the LRDR, a high-powered, long-range S-Band radar incorporating solid-state gallium nitride components.

“With the completion of CDR, the program now begins the start of low-rate manufacturing, which began in October,” Lockheed Martin said.

“In preparation for full-rate manufacturing starting in mid-2018, Lockheed Martin will be utilizing production hardware in combination with prototype systems, tactical back-end processing equipment as well as tactical software to demonstrate system performance in an operational environment to achieve system TRL 7. Lockheed Martin will be performing a series of tests in the Solid State Radar Integration Site, including a closed-loop satellite track test.”

The company is on track on an aggressive schedule to deliver the radar to Clear, Alaska, in 2020.

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