AN/TPQ-49 American Counterfire Radar System
AN/TPQ-49
Artillery Locating Radar
Basic Information
Name
AN/TPQ-49 American Counterfire Radar System
Designation
AN/TPQ-49
Alternate Designation
AN/TPQ-49
Equipment Type
Artillery Locating Radar
Manufacturer
—
Date of Introduction
2010
Description
The AN/TPQ-49 multi-mission radar leverages SRC’s LCMR and LSTAR software to provide the warfighter with a versatile, powerful, all-in-one multi-mission radar capable of supporting early warning weapon location for indirect fire, counterfire target acquisition (CTA), and air surveillance missions. As there is a demand to immediately react to the emerging threats, counterfire radars shall be characterized by a high degree of accuracy and a short span of reaction time. Thus, rotating antenna arrays are seen as insufficiently efficient in the case of such systems, as the refresh rate in the case of the rotating antenna is too low, to intercept artillery rounds traveling at high velocities. Thereby, most of the counterfire radars use fixed and relatively large antenna arrays. The radar provides continuous 360-degree surveillance and 3-D target location using a non-rotating electronically steered antenna. Its small footprint and lightweight design make the radar ideal for fixed site emplacement in hard-to-reach areas where typical radars are impractical. The system can simultaneously detect and track multiple targets from separate points of origin within a 315 square kilometer surveillance area. The radar is designed to support a variety of missions including air surveillance, force protection, CTA, very short-range air defense (VSHORAD), small UAS detection and tracking, and critical infrastructure protection.
Ground Specifications
Crew
1
Variants
AN/TPQ-49A
A 2018 upgrade variant of which the delivery contract provided sustainment support and a technology refresh of the USMC inventory of AN/TPQ-49 systems. Contract specifics include: system refresh kit installation, program management, initial/sustainment spares provisioning, live fire testing, and new system production and equipment training. Although exact details are unconfirmed at this time, it is assessed this variant is available for export to select US partner nations.
System
Alternative Designation
AN/TPQ-49
Type
Counterfire Radar System
Classification
AN/TPQ-49 counterfire radar is classified as C-RAM equipment (Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar). The primary purpose of such radiolocation is to provide own forces with relevant information concerning the incoming RAM ordnance. Secondly, systems of this class are also utilized in order to define the locations from which the rounds are fired, and thus make it possible to develop firing solutions for own artillery assets.
Crew
1 ea
Mission
Performs multiple missions
simultaneously including
early warning, counterfire
and air surveillance
Multi-Mission
The AN/TPQ-49 radar is multi-mission
capable, allowing the operator to
configure the radar to support a
variety of missions simultaneously,
including early warning for indirect
fire, CTA, air surveillance, and counter UAS missions. In multi-mission mode, the radar can perform the tasks of two
or more radars and can be configured
to prioritize specific capabilities to fit
mission needs.
Features
Performs multiple missions
simultaneously including
early warning, counterfire
and air surveillance
Extremely reliable with
almost no moving parts
Supports multiple
interface standards
Rooftop, tower, or
tripod mountable
Complete integrated
logistics support
3-D location display
360 degree coverage with
non-rotating, electronically
steered antenna
Powered by AC grid,
generator, 24 VDC vehicle,
or battery
Benefits
• Transports easily and installs rapidly
(< 20 minutes) in challenging terrain;
• Low lifecycle cost;
• Unattended remote operation;
• Few false alarms in
challenging clutter;
• Ideal for integrated solutions
- EO/IR camera or
counterfire response
- ADS-B or secondary
surveillance radar
Applications
Air surveillance:
• Counterfire target acquisition;
• Counter-UAS;
• Critical infrastructure protection;
• Force protection;
• Ground-based sense and avoid;
• VSHORAD
Power
The radar power consumption is low (up to 1.2 kW), which does not require a specific purpose dedicated power supply unit. It is enough to provide 110/240 VAC or 24 V DC electricity (generator or a vehicle).
Battery
Alternatively, a battery may also be used as a power supply for the system.
Electronically Scanned Antenna
This electronically scanned antenna is the main feature that distinguishes this radar. The antenna in question allows for 360 degrees observation and 3D target tracking (elevation from 0 to 30 degrees). However, directional (sector) operation is also possible, which enhances the refresh rate achievable by the radar. The antenna system itself may also be installed on masts, thanks to which the observation range could be potentially extended, which is especially valuable in rough terrain. The antenna array is shock-proof as it does not feature any moving parts, which also translates into low maintenance requirements. This, on the other hand, significantly diminishes the operational costs throughout the radar’s lifecycle. The antenna itself consists of 24 identical longitudinal column-shaped antenna systems, uniformly distributed with 15 degrees increments around the central base. The above makes it possible to create 24 overlapping beams. The columns may be arranged and freely dismantled. In a transport setting, they may be packed separately.
Operating frequency
L-Band
Tripod
The antenna section is based on a special tripod that may be deployed anywhere, also on the buildings, or as a part of the forward operating base infrastructure.
Remotely Operated Capability
According to the Americans, the radar in question may also be used by small elements stationed at forward operating bases. This is one of the reasons that motivated the designers to give the AN/TPQ-49 an ability of being operated remotely.
Weapon Location
SRC’s AN/TPQ-49 radar system is a
trusted U.S. Marine Corps program of
record. Combined with SRC’s LCMR
software, the system is designed
to detect, track, classify and warn
of incoming RAM threats while
determining point of origin and point
of impact locations. The system can
track multiple weapons simultaneously and has a detection range of greater
than 10 kilometers, and a point
of origin accuracy of 75 meters
at 5 kilometers.
Air Surveillance
With SRC’s LSTAR software, the radar can detect and track a wide range of traditional and non-traditional
aircraft, with an instrumented range
of 30 kilometers. The LSTAR software
extends the radar coverage volume
by employing air surveillance specific
waveforms tailored to airspace
monitoring. This capability makes the
radar an ideal solution for general air
surveillance for VSHORAD, wind farm
gap-filling, and small UAS detection
and tracking.
Detection Range
The system can track multiple weapons simultaneously and has a detection range of greater than 10 kilometers, and a point of origin accuracy of 75 meters
at 5 kilometers.
Azimuth coverage
360°
Elevation coverage
0 - 30°
Emplacement Time
Less than 20 Min
Displacement Time
Less than 20 Min
Note
AN/TPQ-49 is a modular expandable design. Tests are in progress, the goal of which would be to integrate the antenna array with an optronic sensor, which would make it possible to create a complete security and observation system. The same method is used for setting up secondary radar antenna array with IFF system integrated. This makes it possible to utilize the AN/TPQ-49 radar as a part of airspace monitoring and air traffic control solution.
Dimensions
Diameter
1020 mm
Height
2160 mm
Weight
68 kg
Image Sources
Details
Country of Origin
United States
Category
Radars
Land > Radars
Filter Label
A
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
—
Width
1.02 m
Height
2.16 m
Weight
68 kg
Documents & Files (3)
Operators (6)
United States
United Kingdom
Israel
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
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