New Radar Sees Threats Others Miss
Three Points to Remember:
- The new radar doubles drone detection range and improves accuracy in a smaller design.
- Deployed at major presidential events, MXR has proven effective against small drone threats and false alarms.
- The system integrates with larger command and control networks and a range of weapon platforms.
Leidos unveiled the next evolution of its multi-mission radar, engineered to outperform drones where it matters most. The Multifunction X-Band Radar Gen2 (MXR-G2) doubles detection range, improves accuracy and reduces its footprint. A new cooling design manages the added power load, enabling continuous, reliable performance. Leidos developed the radar in partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC).
“MXR-G2 is in production and rolling off the assembly line,” says Leidos MXR Chief Engineer Andrew Evans. “We’ve built a radar that delivers more capability at a lower cost.” Leidos produces MXR at its 76,500-ft² Electronics Manufacturing Facility in Huntsville, AL. The site manufactures core components, like circuit boards and harnesses, and assembles them into fully integrated radar systems.
Securing airspace at presidential events
Small drones are now one of the most common and dangerous threats to public safety and national security, a risk highlighted in a 60 Minutes segment featuring MXR. To help counter the threat, the radar was deployed at several high-profile events this year, including:
- President Jimmy Carter's funeral in January
- Presidential Inauguration in January
- Presidential address to Congress in March
- Army 250th Birthday parade in June
“Air defenders, border security operators, and critical infrastructure teams all face growing challenges from small drones,” says Evans. “MXR brings clarity to that threat environment.”
Adapting to the toughest detection environments
The challenges of drone detection change with the environment where they are deployed. For instance, drug cartels use low-flying drones to smuggle goods and monitor U.S. forces along the border, exploiting open terrain to evade traditional radars. MXR counters this with advanced software and clutter-mitigation algorithms that track drones even at near-ground altitudes.
The system uses a fast, narrow radar beam and advanced processing to identify and separate tiny drones from other objects, anything from birds to small planes. At recent national events, MXR proved its value by distinguishing drones from thousands of birds and even from everyday activity like a person riding a scooter. The system’s machine learning and advanced filtering sharply reduce false alarms, giving defenders a clearer picture of the skies.
For military and civilian operators, MXR offers:
- Reliable, 24/7 coverage in any weather.
- Rapid deployment and mobile protection for forces on the move.
- Compatible with any counter-drone system and land platform, manned or unmanned, with plans to expand to sea-based platforms.
- Seamless integration into larger command and control networks.
Pairing with AirShield and beyond
MXR was designed to fit easily into layered defense systems. It works directly with Leidos’ AirShield, feeding detection data that supports real-time targeting and engagement. AirShield is associated with the Army’s Advanced Multi-Layered Mobile Force Protection program, or AM2FP.
MXR can also share its data with other sensors and air-tracking systems, giving operators a faster, clearer view of the skies. By integrating quickly into military and civilian command networks, the radar helps reduce blind spots, speed up decisions, and strengthen defenses against evolving threats.
Looking ahead
Leidos is working on future upgrades that will make MXR useful in an even wider range of environments and missions. “MXR was designed with flexibility at its core,” said Evans. “That allows us to adapt quickly to new mission demands and keep our partners ready for whatever comes next."
