MPQ-53
The AN/MPQ-53 is the multipurpose assembly of radars that is part of the Patriot Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system. Emphasis is on real-time response, the ability to operate in a heavy Electronic Counter-measures (ECM) environment, and the flexibility to adapt to changing threats. During Patriot engagements in Saudi Arabia and Israel during Operation Desert Storm, the operators claimed that the radar was detecting targets at more than 54 nm (62 mi; 100 km). Upgrades will permit greater flexibility in launcher deployments and for a range increase. Later radars will have a dual Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) transmitter and low-noise exciter.
The upper half of the rectangular antenna mount is dominated by a large, G-band phased-array antenna that performs both surveillance and tracking. The roughly circular array consists of more than 5,000 phase-shifting elements. Below and to the outside of the lower arc
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND I/J
MAX RANGE pulse search: 63 nm (73 mi; 117 km) PSTT: 49 nm (56 mi; 91 km) PDS of 53.8-ft2 (5-m2) target: 115 nm
(132 mi; 213 km) RWS, TWS: 90 nm (104 mi; 167 km) VSL, PRL: 5 nm (6 mi; 9 km) CW illumination for Sparrow: 38 nm (44 mi; 70 km)
PEAK POWER 10 kW (7 kW in pulse-Doppler, 500 W in pulse)
PULSE WIDTH 0.4 and 50 microsec in pulse; 0.4, 1.3, 2.0, or 2.7 in pulse-Doppler
SYSTEM WEIGHT 1,300 lb (590 kg) SYSTEM VOLUME 28 ft3 (0.79 m3)
of the large array are two smaller arrays, each with more than 50 phase shifters. Above and to the outside of the upper arc are two covered antennas.
Dividing the rectangular mount in half is a row of 18 rectangular boxes. Below the row are access panels and four more planar arrays. Three are similar in size to the two sited below the large array. They are located at the bottom of the mount. A larger array of approximately 250 phase shifters is mountedjust below the row of boxes. At least one array is the Hazeltine AN/TPX-46(V) 7 Interrogation Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator. The other planar antennas provide command guidance and receive signals from the missile.
The radars and missile launch controls are commanded by a computer housed in the trailer.
DEVELOPMENT •
Raytheon began development of the radar in the SAM-D program of the late 1960s, achieving initial
operational capability in 1985. In production by Raytheon Company, Andover, Massachusetts. In service in the US Army and several other countries.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND G
MPQ-54/MPA-49/TPQ-32 FAAR
The Forward Area Alerting Radar (FAAR) is a family of air defense radars designed to provide early warning to air defense weapons systems such as the Vulcan, Chaparral, and Redeye. They are mobile, pulse-Doppler systems designed to detect low-flying aircraft in high-clutter environments. Specific FAAR systems are the AN/ TPQ-32 (cabin- and trailer-mounted), AN/MPQ-54 (trailer-mounted), and the AN/MPA-49 (truck-mounted).
The FAAR system includes a primary open-mesh truncated paraboloid reflector and secondary Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) radar antenna assembly on a four-section telescoping mast. The operations shelter contains radar data extraction and processing units, operator’s console, and VHF voice and data links.
DEVELOPMENT •
Prototypes entered tests in 1968, with the system achieving initial operational capability in the early 1970s. Manufactured by Sanders Associates, Nashua, New Hampshire and Unisys, Great Neck, New York.
PPS-15
The AN/PPS-15 is a lightweight, portable, short-range perimeter surveillance radar that can be remotely operated. The PPS-15 can be mounted on a tripod or vehicle and is battery-powered.
Its rectangular antenna can be set for automatic sector scan on a given bearing with a selectable scan azimuth width. The PPS-15 transceiver uses Continuous Wave
(CW) correlation techniques and coherent Doppler pulse modulation.
Detection logic uses both velocity and range gates. The “all-range” channel searches for moving targets, while the “discrete-range” channel (or range gate) detects a target moving into that range. When a target is found within the gate, the operator hears a rising tone and sees a lighted display.
DEVELOPMENT •
Entered service in 1975. Manufactured by Amex Systems of Hawthorne, California (a subsidiary of General Dynamics). More than 1,650 had been sold before production ended. A later PPS-15B Model 386 had twice the maximum range, seven range gates, pseudo-random CW code modulation, and adjustable sector scan. It was not adopted for service, however.
COMBAT EXPERIENCE •
PPS-15 radars were used by the US FBI for surveillance of the Lake Placid, New York, sites during the 1980 Winter Olympics. (So far as is known, they encountered no combat.)
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND J
RANGE
vehicles 3,281 yd (3,000 m) personnel 1,640 yd (1,500 m) SYSTEM WEIGHT 23.6 lb (10.7 kg)
P-STAR
The Portable Search and Target Recognition Radar (P-STAR) is a lightweight surveillance radar for light infantry units. It is designed to detect both low-flying aircraft and helicopters.
The P-STAR’s rectangular planar-array antenna has an integral Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder and is sheathed in fiberglass. The Liquid-Crystal
Diode (LCD) display may be remotely located up to 109 yd (100 m) from the radar itself. The relatively powerful transmitter has 19 channels and Pulse Repetition Frequencies (PRF). The receiver’s 60-dB sub-clutter visibility increases the range at which aircraft can be detected.
Signal processing places a premium on early target alerting and cuing to afford as much reaction time as possible. A primary channel detects both aircraft and helicopters; a secondary channel is designed to look for the peculiar Doppler returns from rotating helicopter blades.
To counter Electronic Counter-measures (ECM), the P-STAR employs
frequency agility, sector blanking, strobe-on-jam, automatic search for a channel clear of jamming, and two sidelobe can-celers to block sidelobe jamming.
DEVELOPMENT •
Development began in 1988; production prototype tested in May 1990, achieving initial operational capability in 1993. Manufactured by Sanders Associates Inc., a division of Lockheed, in Nashua, New Hampshire.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND D
RANGE 11.9 nm (13.7 mi; 22 km) HEIGHT COVERAGE 0-10,000 ft
(3,054 m)
ACCURACY
azimuth +/-3°RMS
range +/-345 yd (300 m)
POWER
peak 1,OOOW
average 50 W SYSTEM WEIGHT approx 300 Ib (137
kg)
ANTENNA SCAN RATE 10 rpm BEAM ELEVATION —5°/ +30°, adjustable over — 5°/+5° range
TPQ-36 Firefinder
The AN/TPQ-36 is a member of the Fire-finder family of mortar-locating radars, the other system being the longer-range and less mobile AN/TPQ-37. The short-range TPQ-36 replaced the AN/MPQ-4 mortar-locating radar, but it also locates rocket and artillery. The system can also be used to correct “friendly fire.” A developed version is being produced as the AN/MPQ-64 Ground-Based Sensor (GBS).
This Three-Dimensional (3D), range-gated pulse-Doppler, vehicle-mounted system performs automatic scanning of a 90° sector of the horizon several times a second and can be expanded for 360° coverage when needed. Frequency shifts elevate the pencil beam, phase shifting steers it horizontally. The resulting beam-width is 2° in azimuth, 1.8° in elevation. A separate track channel for each projectile permits simultaneous tracking and measurement. This technique also allows the radar to designate another channel for uninterrupted scanning of the horizon. The TPQ-36 is effective in high-clutter environments.
The beams form a “fence” along the topographic horizon and “tag” every return. The system’s processor calculates the projectile’s origin by extrapolation of its trajectory and displays the firing weapon’s coordinates and altitude on a grid. This data is stored, and subsequent projectiles fired from weapons that have been located are ignored. The data can be fed directly to artillery fire control centers.
The TPQ-36 is vehicle- and trailer-mounted, typically using the 2V2-ton truck and more recendy variants of die High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).
VARIANTS •
AN/TPQ-36 (A) is the Low-Altitude Surveillance Radar (LASR) that uses about 70% of the same components as the TPQ-36 from which it evolved. LASR, however, is a 3D, vehicle-mounted, air defense surveillance radar that detects and tracks helicopters and low-flying targets. First entered production for the US Army in 1987. NOAH is the LASR selected for the Norwegian
Adapted HAWK (NOAH) surface-to-air missile program directed by a Norwegian fire control system.
DEVELOPMENT •
Hughes Aircraft
Ground Systems Group, Fullerton, California, won a full-scale, three-year contract from the US Army for development of the TPQ-36 in August 1978. TPQ-36 went into US Army service in 1981, with the US Marine Corps following; the Netherlands was the first foreign buyer in 1982, followed by 13 other countries.
The MPQ-64 Ground-Based Sensor
(GBS) is based on the TPQ-36A and was selected in 1992 by the US Army as a nondevelopmental GBS for the Army’s Forward Area Air Defense System (FAADS). 154 had been planned by 2001, but this number was later scaled back to 117, then to 85.
COMBAT EXPERIENCE •
The TPQ-36 was used by the US Marine Corps peacekeeping force in Lebanon in 1983 and 1984. Thailand used the Firefinder during border disputes with Laos in the late 1980s and was reportedly dissatisfied with its performance.
TPQ-36s were deployed with US units in Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield. Both Firefinder types received urgent software modifications that enabled them to plot launch points for TacticalBallisticMissiles(TBM).20Army and Marine Corps Firefinders were modified on the day before the ground war began.
The “Q-36″ became the “mainstay” of the XVIII Airborne Corps’ artillery coun-terfire preparation when none of the larger TPQ37s were able to complete the cross-country move because of “severe mobility problems.” Accounts from several artillery units indicated that they regarded the system as indispensable.
On the other hand, the Q-36 often detected phantom targets. Conjecture suggested that the radar was picking up fragment trajectories and tracking those as well as real projectiles because the software was too sensitive. Further analysis added the possibility of a hitherto unsuspected bug in the system’s software. Another explanation was that users had come to expect the radar to be more discriminating than was possible.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND I/J
RANGE 16.2 nm (18.6 mi; 30 km) ACCURACY 0.2° X 0.17° (3.6 X 3 mils)
OPERATIONS CABIN WEIGHT 2,500 lb
(1,136kg) SETUP TIME 20 min
TPQ-37 Firefinder
The AN/TPQ-37 and the shorter-range and more mobile AN/TPQ-36 make up the US Firefinder system of artillery-, rocket-, and mortar-locating radars. The TPQ-37 differs from the TPQ-36 in being capable of locating artillery and rocket launchers at their normal ranges.
The TPQ-37 was developed from the TPQ-36 and has an improved antenna, signal processor, and computer. It uses a phased-array antenna with Track-While-Scan (TWS) and simultaneous tracking capabilities using a separate track channel for each projectile.
The radar is generally deployed in conjunction with the TPQ-36, with three TPQ-36 and two TPQ-37 systems per division sector. The TPQ-36 is usually deployed 3.2-4.3 nm (3.7-5 mi; 6-8 km) from the Forward Edge ofthe Battle Area (FEBA), and the TPQ-37s at 4.3-5.4 nm (5-6.2 mi; 8-10 km).
The TPQ-37 is said to be reliable and capable of operating at a wide range of temperatures. Kevlar armor plating increases protection of the system from the environment.
DEVELOPMENT •
Production of 72 systems was ordered in 1977 from Hughes
Aircraft, Ground Systems Group, Fuller-ton, California. In service in both the US Army and Marine Corps.
In 1981, a moratorium was placed on sales of the TPQ-37 to foreign buyers due to concerns regarding potential transfer and compromise of high technology. The moratorium was lifted and sales to foreign customers was authorized in 1983 after a study suggested that the risk was relatively small. As many as seven other countries may operate the TPQ-37.
COMBAT EXPERIENCE •
US TPQ-37s were deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield. Both Firefinder types received urgent software modifications that enabled them to plot launch points for Tactical Ballistic Missiles (TBM). 20 Army and Marine Corps Fire-finders were modified on the day before the ground war began.
The commander of the 1st Armored Division Artillery said that the TPQ-37 “had no significant faults and was an extremely reliable source of enemy targeting information. It provided many more enemy artillery acquisitions during our counterfire battle than the [TPJQ-36 did." On the other hand, an officer of the XVIII Airborne Corps' artillery headquarters stated that the Q-37 "experienced severe mobility problems in crosscountry movement. No Q37 [sic] radar played a significant role in the XVIII Airborne Corps eastern sector. All six radars were unable to complete the crosscountry trek—the trailer must be replaced.”
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND I/J
RANGE 27 nm (31.1 mi; 50 km)
TPS-32/TPS-64
The AN/TPS-32 is a mobile, long-range, tactical, Three-Dimensional (3D) air defense radar used in the Marine Tactical Data System (MTDS). It is mounted in three shelters, with the antenna collapsible onto three pallets for movement.
The tall, narrow, horizontally polarized planar-array antenna rotates at 6 rpm. Subdividing a long pulse into five sub-pulses of differing frequencies creates five overlapping elevation beams that are step-scanned as a group through a — 1° to + 18° range. Returns are taken by five individual receivers, each of which is tuned to one of the five subpulses. The transmitter can vary the interpulse period and peak power to better illuminate targets at long ranges and lower elevations.
The receiver applies double-canceling Moving Target Indicator (MTI) processing for clutter rejection, automatic 3D target detection, automatic correlation of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and radar returns, and clutter censoring. A nine-channel video processor is also provided.
DEVELOPMENT •
The TPS-32 began as the TPS-32 (XN-1) in 1958 and achieved initial operational capability in the US Marine Corps in 1969. Manufactured by ITT Gilfillan of Van Nuys, California; still in service. Turkey’s sets were adapted for use within the NATO Air Defense Ground Environment (NADGE) system and designated AN/TPS-64.
COMBAT EXPERIENCE •
The two Kuwaiti TPS-32 installations were destroyed during the Iraqi invasion in August 1990. As part of the US Marine Corps’ mobilization during Operation Desert Shield, TPS-32s were deployed in Saudi Arabia.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND E/F (2.905-3.080 GHz)
RANGE 300 nm (345 mi; 556 km)
ACCURACY
azimuth 0.5°
height, at 100 nm (115 mi; 185 km) 1,200ft (336m)
height, at 300 nm (345 mi; 556 km)
3,000 ft (914 m) range 750 ft (229 m)
PEAK POWER 2.2 MW PULSE WIDTH 30 microseconds INTERPULSE PERIOD 1,090-3,772 mi-crosec
ANTENNA GAIN at least 41 dB ANTENNA siDELOBE at least 25 dB below peak of main beam
TPS-43E
The AN/TPS-43E is a three-dimensional,
long-range, high-power, air defense radar that operates in the same frequencies as the Marine Corps’ TPS-32. It is used as part of a ground-based air defense interceptor or missile system. The radar is palletized for ease of air or road movement.
The open-mesh, truncated paraboloid antenna has a stripline matrix array to create multiple height-finding beams. A separate Hazeltine AN/UPX-23 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator with Interrogate Sidelobe Suppression (ISLS) sum/difference antenna is also mounted.
The linear-beam klystron transmitter with solid state creates the pulses. Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) features include pulse-to-pulse frequency agility, staggered Pulse Repetition Frequencies (PRF), and sidelobe blanking. To reduce clutter and further enhance ECCM, the six-channel receiver/processor also applies digital coherent Moving Target Indication (DMTI) processing, Coded Pulse Anti-clutter System (CPACS), and Jamming Analysis and Transmission Selection (JATS) that uses a small printed-circuit radar-sidelobe reference antenna.
DEVELOPMENT •
More than 170 TPS-43 series radars produced for US and more than 20 other countries. Manufactured by the Westinghouse Defense and Electronics Center of Baltimore,
Maryland. US TPS-43s were modified as
TPS-43E ULSA (Ultra-Low Sidelobe Antenna) radars (later redesignated
TPS-75).
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND E/F (2.9-3.1 GHz) RANGE 240 nm (276 mi; 445 km)
ACCURACY
azimuth 0.35°
height +/-1,500 ft (457 m)
range 350 ft (107 m)
PEAK POWER 4.0 MW, average 6.7 kW PULSE WIDTH 6.5 microsec ANTENNA BEAMWIDTH 1.1° X 0° to 20° ANTENNA SCAN RATE 6 rpm ANTENNA GAIN
transmitting 36 dB
receiving 40 dB ANTENNA ELEVATION ANGLE 0°-20° MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURES (MTBF)
600 hr
MEAN TIME TO REPAIR (MTTR) 30 min
TPS-44 Alert
The AN/TPS-44 is a solid-state, air
transportable air surveillance radar used as the sensor component of the US Air Force’s 407L forward air traffic control system.
Selection of a given Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) determines many of its performance attributes, including pulse width and average power.
Housed in a single operations shelter with large open-mesh truncated paraboloid antenna, the TPS-44 can be set up in about 40 minutes by a team of four persons.
DEVELOPMENT •
Entered service in the 1970s. Manufactured by ISC Cardion Electronics ofWoodbury, New York.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND D (1.25-1.35 GHz)
ACCURACY
azimuth
range 628ft (191 m) at 533 and
800 Hz, 0.5 nm (0.6 mi; 0.9 km) at 400 Hz PRF
POWER
peak more than 1 MW
average 745 W at 533 Hz PRF,
1.12 kW at 267 or 800
Hz PRF
PULSE WIDTH 4.2 (267 Hz PRF), 2.8 (400 Hz PRF), 1.4 (533 or 800 Hz PRF) microsec
ANTENNA BEAMW1DTH 3.8° X 8° (COSC-
cant squaring from 7° to 27° in elevation)
TPS-59
The AN/TPS-59 is a three-dimensional, long-range, D-band air defense surveillance radar. The TPS-59 active phased-array antenna is broken into two halves for travel on trailers; the wing sections of each row fold over the center section. Setup time is about one hour.
The radar scans electronically in elevation while rotating in azimuth. The TPS-59 antenna has 54 row feeds and three column feeds; each row power assembly feeds two rows. The smaller TPS-59M/34 has 34 row feeds. Above the planar-array antenna is the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) antenna.
The transmitters have pulse-to-pulse frequency agility over 14% of the bandwidth, being able to choose in a quasi-random manner. The transmitters are also capable of initiating psuedo-random Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF) and pseudo-random beam positioning.
TPS-59 is transported on three trucks or trailers; the antenna does not have to be separated for travel.
DEVELOPMENT •
General Electric began development in 1972. Marine Corps acceptance trials came in 1976-77. 15 TPS-59s were built under a contract with
the US Marine Corps; four of these were transferred to Egypt. Egypt later directly purchased an additional TPS-59. “More
than one” TPS-59M/34 were purchased
by Egypt in 1991. Manufactured by Martin Marietta (formerly General Electric Co.) of Syracuse, New York.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND D (1.215-1.4 GHz)
COVERAGE
azimuth 360°
height 100,000 ft (30,480 m)
range 4-300 nm (4.6-345 mi; 7.4-556km)
ACCURACY
azimuth 3 millirad (0.05°) height 1,000 ft (3,048 m)
range 100 ft (30.5 m)
RESOLUTION
azimuth 3.4° (-59), 2.5° (-59M/34) height 1.7° (-59), 2.7° (-59M/34) range 140 ft (42.7 m)
PROBABILITY OF DETECTION OF 10.76-FT2
(1-M2) RADAR CROSS SECTION more
than 90% within 200 nm (230 mi; 371
km); more than 70% at more than 200 nm
POWER
peak 46kW(-59),28kW
(-59M/34) average 8.3 kW (-59), 5 kW
(-59M/34)
prime power required 90 kW
CLUTTER REDUCTION ground 53 dB; weather 33 dB
ANTENNA BEAMWIDTH
-59 3.4° X 1.7° (monopulse) or 1.4° (low-angle)
-59M/34 3.4° X 2.7° (monopulse) or
2.2° (low-angle)
ANTENNA DIMENSIONS
width 15 ft (4.57 m)
height -5930ft (9.14m),
-59M/34 19 ft (5.79 m)
ANTENNA SCAN RATE 6 Or 12 rpm ANTENNA SIDELOBE REDUCTION 55 dB
BEAM ELEVATION RANGE -1°/ + 18° (depression angle through software)
MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURES (MTBF)
more than 1,000 hr
MEAN TIME TO REPAIR (MTTR) less than
40 min TPS-63
The AN/TPS-63 is a low-level, tactical air defense radar available in transportable or stationary configurations. The sectional antenna is stored in the operations shelter for movement and can be set up in about one hour. The original transmitter is a Traveling-Wave-Tube/Cross-Field Amplifier (TWT/CFA), A 100% solid-state transmitter is also available.
Most TPS-63s have a concave rectangular antenna that is taller than it is wide and has a central vertical feed. A Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) provides integral Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogation. Also available is a Low-Sidelobe Antenna (LSA) that retains the central feed, but has 32 vertical columns in a reflector that is considerably wider than it is tall.
The operator is allowed 21 possible frequency-pair selections with dual diversity. Jamming effects are also reduced by several forms of frequency agility, including pulse-to-pulse, burst, and sector. The radar also uses a full array of clutter-reduction processing techniques and can initiate up to 600 targets automatically.
The Low-Altitude Surveillance Radar (LASS) system is a TPS-63 installed on a tethered balloon platform to provide stationary airborne surveillance for extended periods of time. It was originally developed by Westinghouse, but most LASS production came from TCOM. It is employed by the Saudi Arabian Air Force as a supplementary airborne early-warning radar.
DEVELOPMENT •
More than 100 are in service in the US Army and Marine Corps as well as in 10 other countries. Manufactured by Westinghouse Defense and Electronics Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Benha Company for Electronics Industry in Egypt began coproduction of 34 sets, with Benha assuming 90% production for any additional orders.
COMBAT EXPERIENCE •
A LASS operated for the Kuwait Air Force by the US company TCOM detected the first surge of Iraqi armor that began the August 1990 invasion of Kuwait. The early warning is given credit for allowing the emir to escape to Saudi Arabia before Kuwait fell.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND D (1.25-1.35 GHz) RANGE 80-160 nm (92-184 mi; 148296 km)
detection range of 10.76-ft2 (1-m2) target, 90% probability and false-alarm probability of less than 1 in 10 million: 112 nm (129 mi; 207km)
HEIGHT COVERAGE 0-40,000 ft (012,192 m), to 40° elevation angle
ACCURACY
azimuth 0.35°
range 492 ft (150m)
RESOLUTION
azimuth 2.7°
range 1,200 ft (366 m)
POWER
peak 100 kW
mean 3 kW
PULSEWIDTH 39 microsec, dual-frequency selectable from 21 frequencies
PRF 774, fixed or staggered
RECEIVER DYNAMIC RANGE 123 dB MOVING TARGET INDICATOR (MTl) IMPROVEMENT FACTOR 60 dB SYSTEM WEIGHT 7,480 lb (3,400 kg)
ANTENNA GAIN 32.5 dB
ANTENNA SCAN RATE 6, 12, or 15 rpm ANTENNA DIMENSIONS
width 18 ft (5.5 m)
length 16 ft (4.9 m)
TPS-65
The AN/TPS-65 is a variable-range air-search radar similar in characteristics to the earlier AN/TPS-63. The TPS-65 was developed as a military air traffic control radar featuring dual diversity within 51 channels with manual or automatic selection. The system is compatible with various subsystems designed for commercial air traffic control purposes.
The Moving Target Indicator (MTI) operates on a variable four-pulse transmission to eliminate ground clutter while maximizing moving aircraft detection. Dual-channel reception allows the addition of a secondary three-pulse transmitter to enhance capabilities in inclement weather. The system also features constant false-alarm rate generation and built-in test equipment.
DEVELOPMENT •
In service with the Marine Corps as part of the US Air Traffic Control and Landing System and with several commercial users. Produced by Westinghouse Defense and Electronics Center, Baltimore, Maryland.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND D
RANGE COVERAGE 80-160 nm (92-184
mi; 148-296 km)
POWER
peak 100 kW
mean 3 kW
SYSTEM WEIGHT 13,669 lb (6,200 kg) ANTENNA GAIN 32.5 dB
ANTENNA SCAN RATE variable to 15 rpm ANTENNA DIMENSIONS
width 18 ft (5.5 m)
length 16 ft (4.9)
TPS-70
The AN/TPS-70 is a long-range tactical surveillance radar; it is also being studied as an Anti-Tactical Ballistic Missile
(ATBM) radar. The highly mobile three-dimensional system consists of a planar-array antenna and an operations cabin.
The antenna has 36 waveguides with 96 slots each. The system produces very low sidelobes, reducing probability of detection by hostile sensors and minimizing vulnerability to antiradiation missiles. Moreover, the antenna radiates a lower temperature than most, reducing its heat signature. Other ECCM techniques include pulse coding, random and automatic frequency agility, and staggered Pulse Repetition Frequencies (PRF).
The TPS-70 uses six receive beams, each with its own receiver, to illuminate a target at a given elevation several times during a single antenna scan. A Digital Target Extractor (DTE) system provides automatic clutter mapping and filtering using four-pulse Moving Target Indicator (MTI) processing, radar plot extraction, Identification Friend or FOE (IFF) decoding/plot extraction, and radar/IFF correlation. MTI processing yields an improvement factor of 50 dB. The plot can maintain 500 tracks simultaneously.
DEVELOPMENT •
The TPS-70 is in service in the US Army and Air Force. It is also the base for the US Caribbean Basin Radar Network (CBRN), which consists of eight radar sites.
Manufactured by Westinghouse Defense Electronics Center, Baltimore, Maryland. Westinghouse produces the TPS-70 in lots offour to six systems, which allows for the quick delivery of ordered systems. More than 10 other countries operate the TPS-70. Not all users have been identified.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND EF (2.9-3.1 GHz) RANGE 240 nm (276 mi; 440 km) detection of target of 21.5-ft2 (2.0-m2) cross section, probability of detection 75%, probability of false alarm less than 1 in 1 million: 175 nm (202 mi; 324 km)
ACCURACY
azimuth 0.25° height at 180 nm (207 mi; 333 km) +/-1,500 ft (457m)
range 350 ft (107 m)
RESOLUTION (50% probability for 21.5-
ftV2-m2 target)
azimuth 2.4°
range 1,600 ft (488 m)
POWER peak 3.5 MW
average 6.2 kW PULSE LENGTH 6.5 microsec PRF (AVERAGE) 250/275 pulses per sec ANTENNA BEAMWIDTH azimuth 1.5°; elevation, transmit 0°-20°, receive 2.3°-6.0°
ANTENNA SCAN RATE 6 rpm
ANTENNA SCAN LIMITS azimuth 360°, elevation angle 0°-200, altitude 99,500 ft (30,333 m)
ANTENNA DIMENSIONS
width 18 ft 2 in (5.55 m)
height 8 ft 4 in (2.54 m)
MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURES (MTBF) 600 hr
MEAN TIME TO REPAIR (MTTR) 0.5 hr TPS-73
The AN/TPS-73 is a long-range tactical air traffic control radar that can also be used for gap-filling and surveillance duties. It is said to be the only E-band radar with a solid-state transmitter, which improves reliability. The system can be transported by a CH-53 helicopter or C-130 transport and can be set up within two hours.
The Alenia-built open-mesh, truncated paraboloid antenna is illuminated by dual E-band beams for better clutter performance.
The low-noise receiver applies Adaptive Moving-Target Detection (AMTD) and high-resolution ground-clutter maps to suppress clutter and range/azimuth adaptive threshholding of the Doppler filters to sharpen the radar’s sensitivity to targets. The autotracker can maintain 600 known tracks or 300 tentative tracks simultaneously. To resist Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), the radar applies pulse-to-pulse or burst-to-burst frequency agility as well as automatic selection of an unjammed frequency.
DEVELOPMENT •
The TPS-73 was purchased by the Marine Corps in 1990. Manufactured by Paramax (a Unisys company) in Great Neck, New York, and Al-enia SpA of Rome, Italy.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND E, F (2.7-2.9 GHz)
RANGE 60 nm (69 mi; 111 km)
detection of target of 10.8-ft2 (1.0-m2) cross section, probability of detection 90%, probability of false alarm less than 1 in 1 million: 60 nm (69 mi; 111 km) ACCURACY (RMS) azimuth 0.18° range 350 ft (60 m)
RESOLUTION (98% probability for 2
10.8-ftVl-m2 targets)
azimuth 3.5°
range 760 ft (230 m)
POWER
peak 10 kW
average 1.1 kW ANTENNA BEAMWIDTH azimuth 1.45°, elevation 5°
ANTENNA SCAN RATE 12 or 15 rpm MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURES (MTBF)
5,000 hr
MEAN TIME TO REPAIR (MTTR) 1.4hr TPS-75
The AN/TPS-75 is a three-dimensional, long-range, high-power, air defense radar that grew out of earlier updates of the TPS-43. It is used as part of a ground-based air defense interceptor or missile system. After the TPS-43′s E-squared (-43E Enhanced) program began by improving signal processing, a second effort—Seek Screen—that developed the planar-array Ultra-Low Sidelobe Antenna (ULSA) was merged with it and the result redesignated the TPS-75. In turn, the smaller TPS-70 was developed as TPS-75′s export variant. A physical difference between the -70 and -75 is the crease in the TPS-75′s antenna, showing where it folds for transport.
The ULSA antenna uses a linear beam klystron transmitter and produces very low sidelobes, reducing probability of detection by hostile sensors. The low side-lobes also minimize the effect of signal jamming and reduce the ability of Anti-radiation Missiles (ARM) to lock on, except at very short ranges where they would have already been detected and other defense systems activated. Moreover, the antenna radiates a lower temperature than most, reducing its heat signature. Other Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) techniques include pulse coding, random and automatic frequency agility that steps through 12 frequencies, and staggered Pulse Repetition Frequencies (PRF).
A platform supports the antenna, and the whole unit may be mounted at fixed installations. A second antenna, for the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, is located on top of the main array.
Like the TPS-70, the TPS-75 uses six
receive beams, each with its own receiver, to illuminate a target at a given elevation several times during a single antenna scan. Data from the multiple beams are used for more accurate measurement of target elevation. Compared to the
TPS-70, the TPS-75 has finer range and
azimuth resolution.
A Digital Target Extractor (DTE) system provides automatic clutter mapping and filtering using four-pulse Moving Target Indicator (MTI) processing, radar plot extraction, IFF decoding/plot extraction, and radar/IFF correlation. The MTI improvement factor is 30 dB. As part
of the processing system, Litton Data Systems’ AN/GYQ-51 Advanced Tracking
System (ATS) operates at the rate of 50 million instructions per second.
The radar is palletized for ease of air or road movement. Under the Seek Screen program, ITT began development of sur-vivable decoys, with the first production examples being delivered in September 1992.
DEVELOPMENT
• Initial operational capability in 1990. Manufactured by the Westinghouse Defense and Electronics Center of Baltimore, Maryland. 51 conversions from TPS-43E to TPS-75 funded
through FY1991, with 12 in service by the end of 1991.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND E/F (2.9-3.1 GHz) RANGE 240 nm (276 mi; 440 km)
detection of target of 18.3-ft2 (1.7-m2) cross section, probability of detection 80%, probability of false alarm less than 1 in 1 million: 165 nm (190 mi; 306 km)
ACCURACY
azimuth 0.35°
range 350 ft (107m)
height +7-1,500 ft (457 m)
RESOLUTION
azimuth 1.6°
range 1,060 ft (323 m)
COVERAGE
elevation 0°-20°
azimuth 360°
POWER
peak 4.0 MW
average 6.7 kW PULSE LENGTH 6.5 microsec
ANTENNA GAIN
transmit 36 dB receive 40 dB
BEAMWIDTH
azimuth 1.1°
MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURES (MTBF)
600 hr
MEAN TIME TO REPAIR (MTTR) 0.5 hr
TRACKSTAR
The Target Acquisition Radar System, or Trackstar, works with short-range air defense systems such as the Blowpipe, Chaparral, Stinger, and Vulcan. It is similar to the AN/MPQ-54 FAAR, but has many upgrades including an armored, self-contained, integrated radar/command-and-control system.
A folding antenna erects from the roof of the M577 command post carrier that houses the system electronics. Although a two- or three-person crew is required to operate Trackstar, erection, leveling, and stowage are automated.
Each Trackstar can operate in a network with three odier systems, sharing targets through data links, which reduces the exposure of an individual radar to countermeasures. An individual radar can track up to 64 targets. The system rejects fixed clutter, ground traffic, weather and chaff using Digital Moving Target Indicator (DMTI) and Doppler processing while automatically transmitting target track cuing, allowing the system to operate in high-clutter environments. The digital signal processor can identify and classify rotary-wing aircraft even while homing in on the target at ranges up to 30 km.
DEVELOPMENT •
First sale was to Egypt in 1990. Manufactured by Sanders Associates, Nashua, New Hampshire, and in service in Egypt.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND D
RANGE 32.4 nm (37.3 mi; 60 km)
UPS-3 Sentry
The AN/UPS-3 Sentry Tactical Defense
Alert Radar (TDAR) is a tactical, low-level air defense surveillance radar derived from the Israeli EL/M-2106H radar. It features a quadrapod-mounted antenna unit, remote-control operation, and remote-display unit.
The antenna has four slotted waveguides and has two rotation rates; GEC introduced a reduced sidelobe upgrade
(-38 dB below main lobe) in 1988. The UPS-3′s Track-While-Scan (TWS) mode can follow 40 targets simultaneously. A digital signal processor can apply Moving Target Indicator (MTI) processing to returns, improving the signal-to-noise ratio by 55 dB.
Early displays used Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) to indicate range and azimuth and if the target is fixed-wing (steady glow) or helicopter (flashing). Later displays use a more conventional Plan Position Indicator (PPI) screen. A single radar can cue as many as four displays.
DEVELOPMENT •
First US buys came in 1990 by the US Marine Corps; later purchases supplied US Army light and airborne divisions. Manufactured by GEC (formerly Lear-Siegler) Astronics of Santa Monica, California; in production.
COMBAT EXPERIENCE •
UPS-3 radars were deployed with the Marine Corps and the 82nd Airborne during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-91.
SPECIFICATIONS •
BAND D
RANGE 16.7 nm (19.3 mi; 31 km)
ACCURACY
azimuth 2° range 656 ft (200 m)
velocity 10 kts (11.5 mph; 18.5
km/h)
POWER
peak 210 W
average 18 W SYSTEM WEIGHT 171 lb (77.6kg) SYSTEM GAIN at least 22 dB ANTENNA BEAMWIDTH 8° X 17° ANTENNA SCAN RATE 10 or 15 rpm ANTENNA ELEVATION – 3°/ +10°
Vigilant
The Vigilant is a fully automated, mobile, three-dimensional, low-level air defense radar system. It is transportable by two vehicles or by aircraft and can be set up in about 30 minutes. The system is designed to operate as part of an air defense sensor network and can be remote-controlled.
The Vigilant features a planar array antenna with 36 slotted waveguides and low sidelobes. It generates seven stacked beams for height-finding and can track up to 1,000 targets simultaneously. The system has “look-down” capability and a variable data rate of three to six seconds for mountain deployment. To counter Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), Vigilant can apply pulse coding, staggered Pulse Repetition Frequencies (PRF), and random and programmed frequency agility. Moving Target Indicator (MTI) processing that results in a 48-dB im-
