Advanced Radar Threat System (ARTS)

marauder2048

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What I could find on the different variants. Clarifications/corrections appreciated.

V1: RF: PESA
V2: RF: Extended L-band. EO/IR: Lockheed INFIRNO (MWIR)
V3: RF: C-band
V4: RF: S-band (search), "SHF-EHF bands" (engagement) PESA. EO/IR: LWIR search + SWIR/MWIR tracker
 
From LMMFC's 2017 Supplier Summit
 

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Synopsis

ARTS-V2 is a pre-Milestone B Program to develop and field a high fidelity threat emitter for live aircrew training for anti-access/area denial environments. ARTS-V2 will provide the advanced capabilities necessary to train aircrews in the employment of fifth generation aircraft against foreign fielded live double-digit surface-to-air missile threat systems.

The required capabilities include the replication of system radio frequency signals and waveforms, advanced self-protection capabilities, mobility, physical characteristics and operational tactics, techniques, and procedures.

ARTS-V2 is a robust, ruggedized, mobile system. It will provide threat accurate radar tracking and reactivity to include acquiring, tracking and engaging multiple aircraft simultaneously with representative receiver/processor and electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities. The system radar signal will meet threat representative parametric data of the actual threat. Additionally, the system will provide threat representative full effective radiated power, replicate threat signals, antenna patterns, operational modes and threat tactics capabilities, and the capability to send real-time radar data to the Range Control Center (RCC) in conjunction with the range's Digital Integrated Air Defense System (DIADS)-controlled threat environment for processing and analysis. ARTS-V2 will provide multi-spectral threat representation.

Further information concerning the full scope of this effort can be found within the Statement of Objectives (SOO) posted with this announcement. All interested parties must be able to qualify for performance of the entire scope of the effort.
 

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Another article from Jane's IDR that sort of goes into some of the differences b/w V-1 and 2:

According to the USAF, ARTS-V2 is a ruggedised, mobile system intended to develop and field a high-fidelity threat emitter, focused on tactical, mobile, short/medium-range radar threat systems, for live aircrew training for anti-access/area denial environments. As such, it will replicate RF signals and waveforms to create a realistic electromagnetic environment in which to train aircrew "in the employment of fifth-generation aircraft against foreign fielded live double-digit surface-to-air missile threat systems".

Functionality will include the generation of "threat accurate radar tracking and reactivity" to include acquiring, tracking, and engaging multiple aircraft simultaneously with representative receiver/processor and electronic counter-countermeasure capabilities (the system radar signal will meet threat representative parametric data of the actual threat). ARTS-V2 will also provide multispectral threat representation.

Additionally, the ARTS-V2 system will provide threat representative full effective radiated power, replicate threat signals, antenna patterns, operational modes and threat tactics capabilities, and the capability to send real-time radar data to the Range Control Center in conjunction with the range's Digital Integrated Air Defense System-controlled threat environment for processing and analysis.

A sources sought synopsis for the ARTS-V1 system, intended to emulate the capabilities of a strategic, long-range, relocatable surface-to-air missile system, was released by the Air Force Materiel Command in January this year. According to the solicitation, ARTS-V1 is envisaged as "a robust and ruggedised Passive Electronically Scanning Array [PESA] system that is transportable, tracks, and/or engages multiple targets simultaneously, and is reactive to aircrew/aircraft defensive measures". An acquisition effort is expected to start in fiscal year 2020.

ARTS-V1 Engineering and Manufacturing Development is being completed under the Navy Closed Loop PESA System (CLPS) Program, on contract with Georgia Technical Research Institute (GTRI) and Electronic Warfare Associates: the USAF anticipates receipt of a production Technical Data Package, all relevant and required configuration control documentation, and a production representative article from the CLPS programme.

http://www.janes.com/article/71434/usaf-moves-forward-with-advanced-radar-threat-system-variant-2-acquisition

https://govtribe.com/project/arts-v1

Version-1 seems to be focused at replicating longer range/strategic sensors while Version-2 is going to concentrate on Short-Medium range. It appears that Version-2 is running ahead of V-1 as far as development and fielding timeframe is concerned unless I completely missed source selection on the V-1 system.
 
...
 

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ARTS-V4 Request for Information Notice; Replicate a surface-to-air (SAM) radar system to fulfill the need for both Short and Long Range advanced threat training system.

The Range Threat System Program Office (SPO) is considering issuing a competitive IDIQ contract to develop and produce up to 60 ARTS-V4 systems. The Range Threat SPO anticipates a Fixed Price Incentive Firm (FPIF) 3 year development phase and a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) 6 year production period.

The ARTS-V4 program anticipates being a Milestone B program to replicate a surface-to-air (SAM) radar system to fulfill the need for single platform, multiple range (short and long) tactical advanced threat training system. ARTS-V4 shall track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, and be capable of engaging fixed- and rotary wing aircraft. The Target Engagement radar is integrally connected with an electro optical tracking system which includes a longwave thermal imager and dual band short/mid-wave IR tracker. The weapon system is manned by two operators and is reactive to aircrew/aircraft defensive measures. The weapon systems are integrated on a mobile, robust and ruggedized system, capable of tracking and engaging targets while on the move, in all range terrain to include but is not limited to driving on gravel, dirt and paved roads. The system shall provide threat representative full effective radiated power, replicate threat signals, antenna patterns, operational modes and threat tactic capabilities. The system must be capable of weapons simulation for engagement scoring purposes as well send real-time radar data to the Range Control Center (RCC) or Live Missions Operations Center (LMOC) in conjunction with the range's Digital Integrated Air Defense System (DIADS)-controlled threat environment for processing and analysis. ARTS-V4 will be threat–representative at a high level of fidelity across the electromagnetic spectrum. The system needs to replicate the threat at a high enough fidelity to stress current electronic warfare systems, support 5th Generation aircraft engagements, and support CAF Live Virtual Constructive implementation.

The ARTS-V4system includes antenna, transmitters, all command, control, and communications (C3) equipment, power generation equipment, and any other ground support equipment necessary to facilitate a true-to-threat site footprint.

The ARTS-V4 Technical Data Package (TDP) is planned to be a comprehensive source file capable of supporting competitive re-procurement, re-manufacturing, operational mission requirements, and total organic system sustainment of both hardware and software. The Government intends to acquire data rights for the ARTS-V4 TDP as defined in DFARS 227.7103-5, DFARS 252.227-7013, and DFARS 252.227-7014 in order to maintain competition throughout the lifecycle.

https://www.fbo.gov/index.php?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=218a34d5a8c74f1618da39ca537dd9f6&tab=core&_cview=1
 
Request for Information (RFI) Advanced Radar Threat System - Variant 1 (ARTS-V1)



PROGRAM DETAILS:

The Range Threat System Program Office (SPO) is considering issuing a competitive contract for future production of an estimated seven ARTS-V1 systems, with potential for additional production units. The Range Threat SPO anticipates a fixed-price type contract with a production period of three to four years long (note the notional schedule in section 2.3.2 and the V1 production contract award estimate).


2.2 System Description: ARTS-V1 shall track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, and be capable of engaging fixed aircraft. The weapon system is manned by five operators and is reactive to aircrew/aircraft defensive measures. The weapon systems are integrated on a transportable, robust and ruggedized system, capable of traveling on all range terrain to include driving on gravel, dirt and paved roads. The system shall provide threat representative full effective radiated power, replicate threat signals, antenna patterns, operational modes and threat tactic capabilities. The system must be capable of weapons simulation for engagement scoring purposes as well send real-time radar data to the Range Control Center (RCC) or Live Missions Operations Center (LMOC) in conjunction with the range's Digital Integrated Air Defense System (DIADS)-controlled threat environment for processing and analysis.


2.2.1 The ARTS-V1 system includes antenna, transmitters, all command, control, and communications (C3) equipment, power generation equipment, and any other ground support equipment necessary to facilitate a true-to-threat site footprint.


2.3 Current Phase: ARTS-V1 is currently in Milestone B development, and is acquiring a Government Level III Technical Data Package (TDP) with a Production Representative Article (PRA) under the Closed Loop Passive Electronically Scanned Array Simulator (CLPS) contract. The CLPS program is managed by the Naval office in Patuxent River delivering test ground systems to the Nevada Test and Training Range.


2.3.1 Future Production Strategy: The Range Threat SPO intends to award a future production contract to industry. This contract would be production of an estimated seven ARTS-V1 systems in accordance with the Government Level III TDP, with the potential for additional units. Any component or subsystem deviation to the Government Level III TDP would require acceptance testing and TDP design change authorization by the Government.


2.3.2 Notional ARTS-V1 Schedule (with Fiscal Year dates):
• Build-out of the PRA estimated completion: 2nd Quarter 2021
• Final Air Force testing estimated completion: Mid-2022
• V1 Government Level III TDP estimated completion: Mid-2022
• V1 "Build-To-Print" Production Request For Proposal (RFP) estimated release:
Mid-2022
• V1 "Build-To-Print" Production Contract estimated award: Mid-2023
• Final V1 Production Delivery required: 4th Quarter 2026 or earlier



2.4 The ARTS-V1 Technical Data Package (TDP) is planned to be a comprehensive source file capable of supporting competitive procurement, re-manufacturing, operational mission requirements, and total organic system sustainment of both hardware and software. The Government Level III TDP is currently unavailable. The Range Threat SPO expects initial CLPS TDP release by March 2019 and the full ARTS-V1 level III TDP by April 2022. Since the Government Level III TDP is currently unavailable, the SPO has concept drawings and diagrams posted for access. These concept documents are made available to give industry an idea of the scope of the production effort (Please note that questions and comments concerning the RFI or the TDP with Government responses will be consolidated into one document and released via FBO).
 

Dyess conducts ARTS V2 evaluation​

By Staff Sgt. David Owsianka, 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs / Published December 03, 2020



Dyess Air Force Base, Texas --
When it comes to ensuring aircrew can successfully and accurately drop bombs on target, they train at the Snyder Electronic Scoring Site in Snyder, Texas.

On Sept. 28, 2020, members from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, supported the evaluation of the Advanced Radar Threat System Variant 2 to improve the site’s ability to provide ‘real-world’ airpower threat-reaction training for aircrews to ensure the survivability of personnel and equipment in actual battle situations.

The demonstration at Snyder ESS assessed the search, acquisition, targeting and tracking capabilities of the ARTS V2 mobile threat training system. The system used an internal test and evaluation method to test onboard systems followed by a test in which the operators used targets of opportunity to further evaluate the effectiveness. While still in the development stage, the testing conducted on the ARTS V2 is critical to the system’s progress toward fielding.
“Having this new training system is absolutely necessary because having a new generation emitter enables us to keep pace with the advances in technology by ourselves and our adversaries,” said Maj. Patrick Burke, 7th Operations Support Squadron assistant director of operations. “The Snyder training site allows for aircrew to become familiar with how to identify and defeat threats while in a training environment. This way the crews will be more prepared in the event that these threats are encountered in a combat environment.”
The primary customers of this site include aircrew who operate the B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress, C-130J Super Hercules, F-16 Fighting Falcons, F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lightning II and E-3 Sentry aircraft.
The site simulates enemy surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery systems for training purposes.
“This training system is state-of-the-art with optical and built-in debrief capabilities,” said David Garza, 7th OSS Snyder ESS range manager. “This will also add to the current robust electronic warfare threat density to provide a more realistic enemy Integrated Air Defense and Counter Air Defense System.”
The location of the range enables each of the airframes to train on advanced threats at a central location.
“As our adversaries continue to upgrade their equipment and develop new and emerging systems to counter our Air Force, it’s imperative that the aircrew receives training that can better replicate what we would see in an actual combat environment,” Burke said.
Dyess conducts ARTS V2 evaluation
 
a bit suck that there is no VHF one given that VHF radar like Nebo are getting popular
 
Request for Information (RFI) Advanced Radar Threat System - Variant 1 (ARTS-V1)



PROGRAM DETAILS:

The Range Threat System Program Office (SPO) is considering issuing a competitive contract for future production of an estimated seven ARTS-V1 systems, with potential for additional production units. The Range Threat SPO anticipates a fixed-price type contract with a production period of three to four years long (note the notional schedule in section 2.3.2 and the V1 production contract award estimate).



2.3 Current Phase: ARTS-V1 is currently in Milestone B development, and is acquiring a Government Level III Technical Data Package (TDP) with a Production Representative Article (PRA) under the Closed Loop Passive Electronically Scanned Array Simulator (CLPS) contract. The CLPS program is managed by the Naval office in Patuxent River delivering test ground systems to the Nevada Test and Training Range.

If they are related then that would suggest that the ARTS-V1 would be a C-band PESA.


Additionally:

The Range Threat System Program Office (SPO) is interested in procuring a minimum of eight (8) ARTS-V1 Radar Cross Section (RCS) shells..ARTS-V1 RCS shells shall replicate the appearance and physical properties of the identified threat system which the ARTS-V1 radar units replicate. They are not required to be self propelled but must be towable/mobile.

 

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ARTS V-4 has been indefinitely suspended by the USAF. Instead, the Air Force Red-Team has launched a new effort to rapidly develop and field UHF and VHF band AESA radars over the next 3-5 years.

 
ARTS V-4 has been indefinitely suspended by the USAF. Instead, the Air Force Red-Team has launched a new effort to rapidly develop and field UHF and VHF band AESA radars over the next 3-5 years.

Should have done that years ago
 
Procurement award for ARTS-V1:

Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp., Atlanta, Georgia, has been awarded a $770,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Advanced Radar Threat System - Variant 1 (ARTS-V1) production systems. This contract provides for the procurement of ARTS-V1 systems and interim contract support, training and completion of the technical data package. Work will be performed in Atlanta, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 24, 2027. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2021 other procurement funds in the amount of $43,952 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8210-22-D-0001).

 
Was talking to a former Aussie forum member here who shared some images of this CEA radar with me that the USAF uses in test ranges. The USAF calls it RSE/YETI, it seems like the radar can be populated by different band modules. CEA turned it into a radar for the RAAF and it is replacing TPS-77s (the L-band one). The smaller array is IFF according to the person (he took the first two images)
 

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Was talking to a former Aussie forum member here who shared some images of this CEA radar with me that the USAF uses in test ranges. The USAF calls it RSE/YETI, it seems like the radar can be populated by different band modules. CEA turned it into a radar for the RAAF and it is replacing TPS-77s (the L-band one). The smaller array is IFF according to the person (he took the first two images)
This is the so-called YETI system deployed to the Alaska Range with the Eielson AFB guys. You can see the RAAF guy.
 

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This is the so-called YETI system deployed to the Alaska Range with the Eielson AFB guys. You can see the RAAF guy.
There’s no obvious RAAF guy in that pic, there is an obvious RAN guy however. Quite possibly as this radar system is derived from the one developed for the RAN ANZAC Frigates which was at that time the only operational CEA radar platform.
 
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