Roke & NIITEK Agree to US Partnership for the MRA Radar Technology

LONDON, August 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Roke Manor Research has formed a partnership with its sister company NIITEK (Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, Inc.) to sell Roke's Miniature Radar Altimeter (MRA) system in the USA. NIITEK, the world leader in fielded Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) landmine and buried explosive detection systems, will also manufacture Roke's MRA under licence in the USA.

NIITEK has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in deploying and manufacturing complex sensors systems.  In partnering with NIITEK, Roke will leverage an established US manufacturing capability while expanding into the US market.  

The Roke MRA is the world's smallest radar solution for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), aerial targets and missile systems, freeing up valuable space to maximise payload. It is also extremely lightweight, 1.5 kg lighter than traditional radar altimeters, and is designed to 'plug and play' for easy integration into all major UAV platforms.

Both businesses are part of the Chemring Group Plc.

Paul Webb, Unmanned Systems Business Sector Manager for Roke, said: "NIITEK has a reputation for innovation and product development, which fits well with Roke's pedigree in leading the UK defence R&D market.

"We believe demand will be high in the USA for the MRA as it is the smallest and most accurate product of its kind in the world. The MRA will deliver the USA the best of both worlds - cost effectiveness, but without compromising product capability and reliability."

About Roke Manor Research Ltd http://www.roke.co.uk

Roke Manor Research Ltd, based in Romsey, Hampshire, is the principal electronics research and development centre of Chemring Group Plc. Founded in 1956, Roke is one of the UK's leading suppliers of innovative solutions and contract R&D. Roke employs 450 staff and has over 430 patents to its name. Roke pioneers developments in electronic sensors, networks, and communications technology.  

About NIITEK http://www.niitek.com

NIITEK, based in Dulles, Virginia is part of Chemring Group Plc.  Founded in 2000, NIITEK is the world leader in the design, development and production of Counter-IED Ground Penetrating Radar ("GPR") systems.  NIITEK's combat ready GPR systems are at the leading edge of mine detection technology and are successfully being used by US and Coalition forces in Afghanistan.