Press Release

Contact: Kernan Chaisson, Senior Electronics Analyst

Phone: (301) 309-1741

Fax: (301) 309-1742

Web site: www.forecastinternational.com

E-mail: kernan@erols.com

Forecast International, Inc.

22 Commerce Rd. Newtown, CT  06470 USA

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Top Radar Market Manufacturers Maintain Status Quo

 

NEWTOWN, Conn. [January 16, 2006] ― Production of airborne and land/sea-based radars will generate $24.6 billion over the next 10 years, according to Forecast International’s “The Market for Radar Systems.”  The analysis projects that the segment’s top five companies – Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, MEADS International, Thales, and Rockwell International – will garner roughly $12 billion during this forecast timeframe, representing 49 percent of the total 10-year market.

 

These companies are solidly entrenched, and there is little likelihood that any other company will take over a top slot any time soon (with the exception of Lockheed Martin, a contender for a major part of the Space Radar program).  There will continue to be changes in the number four and number five positions, with around 12 companies possibly moving up (or down) based on contracting fortune and timing.  Programs such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter are going to drive this aspect of the analysis from year to year.

 

Forecast International Radar Analyst Kernan Chaisson notes that advances in electronically scanned antennas and phased arrays make them the apertures of choice for the next-generation fighter and attack aircraft.  Technology is making AESA (active electronically scanned array) a viable, affordable, attractive alternative to the old dish or more modern phased-array aperture.  AESA allows the radar to generate jamming beams against enemy systems within the radar and antenna’s bandwidth.  Electronic attack is a stated mission for the JSF, and an electronic attack capability is being considered for retrofit to the F/A-22’s APG-77 sensor suite.  Also, the F/A-18E/F’s APG‑79(V) is being evaluated for a possible retrofit of a limited electronic attack capability.

 

With unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) becoming increasingly prevalent for battlefield surveillance, synthetic aperture radars are becoming a valuable addition to the electro-optical sensor suites they carry.  The Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion (MP‑RTIP) is being developed for the Global Hawk and for the Air Force JSTARS replacement, the E-10A.  Predator is already equipped with a small, UAV-specific radar, as are European designs.

 

Forecast International, Inc., is a leading provider of Market Intelligence and Analysis in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics.  Based in Newtown, CT, USA, Forecast International specializes in long-range industry forecasts and market assessments utilized by strategic planners, marketing professionals, military organizations, and governments worldwide.  To arrange an interview with Forecast International’s analysts, please contact Monty Nebinger (203-426-0800, monty.nebinger@forecast1.com).