In a significant milestone for national defence technology, Dawn Aerospace has successfully completed a complex radar tracking experiment in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the Defence Science and Technology (DST) division. The trial, named DARTE (Dawn Aerospace Radar Tracking Experiment), utilized the company’s innovative Aurora suborbital spaceplane to test the tracking capabilities of a Royal New Zealand Navy frigate against high-performance aerial threats.
The mission, conducted from the Tawhaki National Aerospace Centre, saw Aurora execute custom, high-speed flight profiles at high altitude. Simultaneously, HMNZS Te Kaha, a Anzac-class frigate, worked to detect and maintain a track on the fast-moving vehicle using its onboard radar systems. The primary goal was to gather real-world performance data on the radar’s ability to monitor a target operating at the edge of the atmosphere—a scenario difficult to replicate with conventional aircraft.
By hosting the trial domestically, the NZDF acquired critical operational data without the expense and logistical hurdles of using overseas test ranges. DARTE represents a foundational step in understanding how to detect and track emerging threats, while also proving the value of New Zealand’s growing aerospace sector. The data gathered will inform future defence strategies and enhance the Navy’s ability to protect national waters.
