Sea based X-Band Floating Radar

X-BAND RADAR PHOTO:MDA

The Sea based X-Band Radar (SBX) a self- propelled, semi-submersible radar station is the tracking and discrimination radar used as part of the US Missile Defense Agency’s Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system against long range ballistic missiles. This is the world's largest X-band radar. SBX, a key component of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program, consists of an advanced radar system mounted on a sea-going platform. SBX is capable to track, discriminate and assess long-range ballistic missile threats. SBX passes data to elements of the GMD system to facilitate the interception of missiles by ground-based interceptors. The radar will continue to relay updated targeting information after an interceptor launches its kill vehicle toward the incoming target. It is based off the coast of Alaska and is linked to 10 ground-based interceptor missiles deployed at Fort Greely in Alaska and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. By providing the radar with a sea-borne mobility, this sensor can be deployed to support either GMD system testing or to provide radar coverage for possible threat missile launches throughout the world. The radar (known as X - Band Radar or XBR) is designed, built and tested by Raytheon. XBR is a mechanically-slewed phased array sensor that uses the most advanced electronic components and software. Its high output power, along with sophisticated signal detection algorithms, allow the radar to accomplish its mission against a host of very small targets and at very long ranges. To protect the radar from the anticipated harsh environments, an air- supported radome was devel- oped using a unique synthetic laminated fabric and innovative assembly techniques. The radar is described by Lt. Gen Trey Obering (director of MDA) as being able to track an object the size of a baseball over San Francisco in California from the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, approximately 2900 miles. The SBX radar system has a continuous communications between the platform and shore facilities, provided via a commercial C-band satellite, using a unique redundant dual-antenna system designed and furnished by Harris Maritime Communication Services (MCS) subsidiary. SBX's floating platform, a modified oil-drilling vessel Moss CS-50, measures 240 feet wide and 390 feet long. It includes a power plant, bridge and control rooms, living quarters, storage areas and the infrastructure necessary to support the massive X-band radar. Moss CS-50 is a fifth generation, semi-submersible, multi-purpose bare deck platform built by Norway's Moss Maritime AS. The height from the water surface to the top of the radar dome will be 250 ft. The SBX has a submerged draft displacement of 50,600 tons. The platform is twin-hulled, self-propelled and designed to be stable in high winds and turbulent sea conditions. Its bare deck is strong enough to accommodate a topside structure with the weight up to 20,000t. With a main deck area larger than a football field, the SBX is self-sufficient and contains an infrastructure that will support deployment for extended periods of time. The GMD System, as well as the SBX component, were developed under the direction of the Boeing Company, the prime contractor. As prime contractor for the GMD program, Boeing is responsible for the development and integration of the GMD system components, including the SBX; ground-based interceptor; battle management, command, control and communication systems; early warning radars; and interfaces to the Defense Support Program early warning satellite system. The Missile Defense Agency completed integration of the SBX platform and radar in the spring of 2005 at a cost of approximately $900 million. United States has deployed this sea-based radar to the ocean east of Japan to track any North Korean ballistic missile launches.