Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program

[2] The MP-RTIP is a "modular, active electronically scanned array radar system" designed to be scaled in size in order to fit on board different platforms.

[2] The primary improvements are a dramatic increase in resolution and an ability "to collect ground moving target indicator imagery and synthetic aperture radar still images simultaneously".

The three-year program was undertaken by Northrop Grumman at a contract cost of $410 million, and focused on the basic design of the radar system.

[2] The Global Hawk's system is the first to be flight tested, a program for which Northrop Grumman is using its Proteus aircraft (built by Scaled Composites).

The program, jointly conducted by Northrop Grumman and the Air Force's 851st Electronic Systems Group, is being operated from the Mojave Spaceport.