3D Lanza

- , May 30, 2018

Quick Facts

Role and Mobility Long-Range Volumetric Air Surveillance and Air Traffic Control; Fixed Position
Frequency L-Band
Range 470 km
Air Defense Interceptor Systems N/A
Targets Theater Ballistic Missiles
Status/Exports Operational; Uruguay and Portugal
Producer Indra Sistemas

 


Overview

The 3D Lanza is a ground-based, fixed-position long-range volumetric air search radar developed by Indra in the 1990s to replace the Spanish Air Force AN/FPS-113 and AN/FPX-90 surveillance radars.[i] The purpose of the 3D Lanza radar is two-fold; it serves military operators as a 3D air surveillance radar, but it also serves civilian customers as a real-time air traffic control radar.[ii] With a range of 470 km, the 3D Lanza can also detect targets with an altitude up to 30,000 meters (100,000 ft). The 3D Lanza radar also possesses soft-fail technology that helps minimize any degradation during recovery and clear up all types of clutter including weather and terrain.[iii] Spain’s Indra has also developed a mobile version and a naval version of this system.


Strategic Implications

Strategically, the 3D Lanza radar is valuable for the Spanish Air Force because it allows its ground stations to operate 24/7 automatically with a minimum of specialized crew members relaying the data, freeing up personnel to operate in other areas of importance.[iv] While operating, the shapes and positions of its narrow pencil beam can be controlled in range and elevation to step over clutter and reduce clutter returns.[v] This feature provides the operating country with the best possible chance of detecting all threats before impact.


Timeline

July 2015: Indra to deliver 3D Lanza radars to NATO communications and Information Agency (NIC).[vi]

2007: The Uruguayan Air Force contracted to acquire two Lanza radars by the end of 2009:

2000: The first 3D Lanza system was commissioned for its use in the Sistema Integrado de Mando y Control Aereo (SIMCA) program.

1990s: The 3D Lanza radar was chosen to replace the Spanish Air Force An/FPS-113 and AN/FPX-90.


Recent News


    References

    [i] http://www.deagel.com/Sensor-Systems/3D-Lanza_a002887001.aspx

    [ii] Ibid.

    [iii] http://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/02.surv/karte004.en.html

    [iv] http://www.deagel.com/Sensor-Systems/3D-Lanza_a002887001.aspx

    [v] https://www.indracompany.com/sites/default/files/lanza_3d.pdf

    [vi] https://www.airforce-technology.com/uncategorised/newsindra-to-deliver-lanza-3d-long-range-deployable-air-defence-radars-to-nato-agency-4622455/