The US Army has turned to industry partners for a new, lightweight radar to be fitted on its high-altitude surveillance balloons.
A request for information was issued for the desired airborne sensor that should address the service’s deep sensing requirements.
It stated that the payload must weigh less than 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) and use power and communication equipment already on spy balloons.
It should also fill current gaps for indicators and warnings, long-range precision fire targeting, and situational understanding.
More importantly, the new radar needs to survive pressure and other challenges associated with operating at altitudes of 60,000 feet (11.7 miles) or higher.
According to the service, the balloon-based sensor payload will be used to support its large-scale ground combat operations.
Interested companies have until July 22 to submit their white papers detailing the capabilities, cost, and performance of potential solutions.
Focus on High-Altitude Platforms
The request comes as the US Army continues to bolster its high-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to rival China.
In February 2023, a Chinese spy balloon illegally entered US airspace and passed over multiple military sites.
Though two military officials initially said the balloon acquired US intel before being shot down, a final investigation revealed that it was unable to gather data.
After the incident, the US Army said it would soon launch a program to develop a high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform.
The system will reportedly leverage sophisticated sensors to cover wider areas and improve the military’s reaction time in response to potential threats.
