LOCKHEED MARTIN SYRACUSE AWARDED $276 MILLION CONTRACT


By bblouin
Lockheed Martin Syracuse facility.

Lockheed Martin Syracuse and many other locations throughout New York are going to be pretty busy helping the U.S. Air Force (USAF) improve its radars. A new radar contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Syracuse NY to develop and produce the Variable Aperture Digital Radar (VADR).Suggested read: Fort Ord: Agent Orange Contamination, Trails Have Grenades

Lockheed Martin Syracuse Radars Will Help America’s Aerial Fleet for a New Age of Combat

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin Syracuse an initial $276 million contract. This is to develop and produce the VADR system, aimed at training aircrews against adversarial threats.The work will keep Lockheed Martin Syracuse jobs busy, along with work occurring at various facilities for the defense contractor, including Owego, New York, and Clearwater, Florida.Majority Leader of the United States Senate Chuck Schumer hailed the project and the high quality of work Syracuse Lockheed Martin continues to provide.Lockheed Martin is also collaborating with SRC, Inc., which will help bring even more experience to the VADR system project. Additionally, the government program office at Hill AFB in Utah will also be assisting.Related read: The AC-130J Ghostrider Laser Weapon Dream Has Officially Ended

Radars and Advancing Aerial Combat

Lockheed Martin's VADR system is designed to train aircrews against adversarial threats, with a focus on software development for growth.VADR's adaptability allows it to emulate different adversary systems, leveraging Distributed Digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology for commonality with other radars in Lockheed Martin's lineup.Featuring a fully functioning AESA and flexible software-based backend, VADR offers high fidelity for testing and training advanced platforms, suitable for multi-track, multi-engage systems.AESA radar systems electronically steer the radar beam, offering advantages over traditional rotating antenna-based systems for air-to-air combat. This includes rapid and accurate wide-area scanning and simultaneous tracking of multiple targets.The development at the Syracuse, NY Lockheed Martin location and elsewhere is helping airmen train better at a time when a focus on the USAF continues to grow stronger.An overhaul of the USAF took place in February 2024 to help the United States better prepare for a possible battle with China as tensions rise over the sovereignty of Taiwan.The fact that the VADR system is software-based and can be expanded upon by other collaborative entities over time should be no surprise but is still a welcomed feature.This allows the VADR system to evolve as technology and needs do in real time. A great way to not only remain innovative but to cut costs at the same time.

Is There Machining at Lockheed Martin in Syracuse?

As seen with the multi-million dollar VADR contract, machining at Lockheed Martin Syracuse may not be the focal point; however, the company’s Advanced Machining Center (RMS Operations Machining Center) isn’t too far away.The Advanced Machining Center in Owego, New York, is less than two hours away. It offers comprehensive metal craft solutions, including machining, welding, sheet metal work, assembly, surface treatment, and painting.Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, it prioritizes efficient product flow and cell-based machining. It is also implementing 6S and Lean Six Sigma practices for cost-effective manufacturing.Utilizing advanced Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP) technologies, the 120,000 sq. ft. factory features 30 high-speed CNC mills, including 5-axis capabilities. Furthermore, this ensures streamlined processes and minimized lead times.Lockheed Martin Syracuse and the other facilities involved with the VADR system project will have a certified, more than capable team. Additionally, they will have the best facilities, and plenty of monetary resources to help present and future warfighters.Read next:The Uproar of Team Lioness: How Taylor Sheridan’s Show Got it Wrong


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