Northrop Grumman announced the successful demonstration of its STARLite radar on a U.S. Army Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS), an aerostat surveillance platform uniquely positioned to aid in the defense of ground troops.

During the demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz., the STARLite system, which carries the military designation AN/ZPY-1, detected vehicles and individuals in the area of interest. STARLite cues the electro-optical infrared camera to targets detected by the radar.

"STARLite performed exceptionally well and exceeded our customer's expectations," said John Jadik, Vice President of Weapons and Sensors for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division. "The success of the STARLite demonstration clearly shows the versatility and technical capabilities of the system that will prove to be a critical asset to our nation's warfighters."

Northrop Grumman's STARLite is a small, lightweight radar used for supporting tactical operations. By providing precise battlefield intelligence in all types of weather and in battlefield obscurants, day and night, STARLite significantly improves battlefield situational awareness and optimizes force maneuver and engagement for mission success.

Each STARLite radar comes equipped with a complete software package that enables easy operator control of all radar functions. STARLite leverages Northrop Grumman's experience from the development of the proven Tactical Endurance Synthetic Aperture Radar and the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Radar.