Advanced Above Water Sensors

The Advanced Above Water Sensors program (PE 0604501N) is a Navy Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing sensor capabilities for surface combatants. The overarching goal of this program is to develop, integrate, and modernize above-water sensor systems to enhance the Navy's ability to detect, track, and engage a wide range of threats in complex maritime environments. This program element supports multiple projects, each with specific objectives related to improving radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), and signal processing technologies. There is an emphasis on supporting the Aegis Modernization Program and ensuring continued operational effectiveness against evolving threats.

Multi-Mission Signal Processor (MMSP) is a key component of this program, aimed at providing simultaneous Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capabilities for DDG 51 class ships and Aegis Ashore installations. MMSP development includes modifying SPY-1D transmitters for dual beam operation, reducing radar frame times, and enhancing reaction times. The processor improves performance in challenging environments such as littoral zones, electronic attack (EA), and chaff, while also increasing commonality in software and hardware across platforms. The program also includes technology refresh efforts to address obsolescence and system security requirements. Engineering efforts are led by Lockheed Martin and supported by several Navy research centers.

Shipboard Passive Electro-Optical Infrared (SPEIR) Development focuses on delivering a 360-degree passive EO/IR electronic support capability for surface ships. SPEIR Block I provides persistent, autonomous detection and tracking of threats such as anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and fast attack craft. The system features wide and narrow field-of-view sensors, laser range-finding for 3D target tracking, and high-resolution imaging for identification and threat assessment.

Block II will expand coverage and add capabilities like periscope detection, mine-like object avoidance, and integration with future combat systems. The budget supports software upgrades, system integration, qualification testing, and preparation for transition to production. Major development and integration efforts are led by L3 Harris and Lockheed Martin.

Improved Capabilities SPY-1 Radar is dedicated to enhancing the reliability, maintainability, and availability (RM&A) of the AN/SPY-1 radar system. This includes solid-state technology insertions to address diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS), which are expected to reduce fleet maintenance costs and mitigate obsolescence. Warfighting improvements under this line include the development of transmitter noise cancellation (TNC) for countering low radar cross-section threats, side lobe blanking (SLB) for improved performance in electronic attack environments, and advanced calibration experiments (ACE/ERACE) to enhance radar accuracy. The program also supports the development of algorithms for non-cooperative target recognition (SBNCTR) and rapid radar capability improvements to address emerging electronic attack threats.

Acquisition strategies for these projects emphasize evolutionary development and integration of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies. The Navy leverages sole-source and competitive contracts with industry partners such as Lockheed Martin, L3 Harris, and Raytheon. Surface Warfare Centers and research laboratories play a significant role in systems engineering, integration, and test activities. The SPEIR program is structured to enable full and open competition for future production units by procuring a technical data package during the engineering and manufacturing development phase.

Program justifications are rooted in the need to maintain technological superiority and operational readiness in the face of rapidly evolving threats. The modernization of SPY-1 radar and the integration of advanced EO/IR sensors are critical for defending against advanced missiles, drones, and asymmetric surface threats. Addressing obsolescence and ensuring system security are also central objectives, as legacy systems face increasing supportability challenges. The program's focus on commonality, modularity, and open systems architecture aims to reduce lifecycle costs and facilitate future upgrades.