Raytheon opens new JLENS test site

14 December 2011 - by the Shephard News Team

Raytheon has recently established a new test site for its Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS). The cruise missile defence system will now be tested at the new White Sands Missile Range site, NM.

JLENS systems, each consisting of a tethered 74-meter aerostat, can be elevated to 10,000 feet. One aerostat elevates a surveillance radar that provides 360-degree coverage out for long distances over land and sea. The other aerostat elevates a fire-control radar. Each of the aerostat platforms has the capability to integrate other communications and sensor systems.

According to Raytheon, testing at the new site will focus on the JLENS' ability to detect, track and integrate with US Army and Navy intercept systems to engage hostile targets, including cruise missiles and other air breathing aircraft, and stay aloft and operational for extended periods. The system is also designed to detect surface threats on land and sea.

JLENS is one of several radar systems that Raytheon designs and builds for applications such as situational awareness, air and missile defence, and air traffic management.