Smiths Interconnect receives contract from General Atomics to develop multi-function RF microwave assembly for Air-to-Air Radar System

Smiths Interconnect, a leading provider of technically differentiated multi-function RF systems, subsystems, antennas, RF and MW components, connectors and cable assemblies  for Aerospace and Defense, announced the award of a development partner contract from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to design a multi-function microwave transmit and receive assembly ideal for Radar and Military Data Link communication applications.

GA-ASI is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop a Technical Standard Order (TSO) compliant Air-To-Air Radar (ATAR) for a Traffic Surveillance System that would enable routine flights of unmanned aircraft in the U.S. national airspace system.

Smiths Interconnect is partnering with GA-ASI to develop a FAA-certified X-band “integrated multi-function RF / Microwave transmit and receive” solution that is a central building block of GA-ASI’s ATAR solution. The transmit and receive assemblies are rugged, compact in size and suited for harsh airborne operating environments. Smiths’ extensive experience in the design and manufacture of these types of integrated assemblies on other programs with prime DOD Contractors made Smiths the right choice for the ATAR system.

“GA-ASI is pleased to have selected Smiths Interconnect as our development partner to provide the multi-function microwave transmit and receive assembly for our Air-To-Air Radar System. Smiths has been a supplier of choice for years due to their technical capability and highly reliable solutions,” said Satish Krishnan, Vice President of Mission Payloads & Exploitation (MPEx), GA-ASI.

“Our multi-function microwave assembly is rugged and compact in size, ideal for radar and military data link communication applications and suited for harsh airborne operating environments. We are very pleased to be partnering with GA-ASI to offer fast, reliable and efficient system designs on and off aircraft worldwide,” said Ralph DeMarco, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Smiths Interconnect Inc.

About Smiths Interconnect

Smiths Interconnect is a leading provider of technically differentiated electronic components, subsystems, microwave and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical applications in the commercial aviation, defense, space, medical, rail, semiconductor test, and industrial market segments. Smiths Interconnect is synonymous with exceptional performance whenever a technologically advanced, high quality solution is required to ensure reliability and safety.

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group, a global leader in applying advanced technologies for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs approximately 22,000 people in more than 50 countries.