Ground Forces

Counter Battery Radar

In response to a request from Ukraine, and as part of our ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense and internal security operations, on November 14, 2015 the United States delivered two AN/TPQ-36 radar systems to Ukraine at a ceremony in Lviv.

The compact, mobile, combat proven AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder weapon locating radar accurately, rapidly and automatically locates medium-range enemy mortars, artillery and rocket launchers. It can handle simultaneous fire from weapons at multiple locations, detecting and reporting their positions on the first round
The compact, mobile, combat proven AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder weapon locating radar accurately, rapidly and automatically locates medium-range enemy mortars, artillery and rocket launchers. It can handle simultaneous fire from weapons at multiple locations, detecting and reporting their positions on the first round

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had the opportunity to review the equipment, and was briefed by U.S. military personnel on its capabilities. The radar systems delivered on November 14 will help defend Ukrainian military personnel and civilians against rocket and artillery attacks, which have historically been the most lethal threat to Ukrainian personnel and civilians.

The equipment was delivered on a rapid timeline – less than two months after President Obama delegated to the Secretary of State the authority to draw down up to $20 million in defense articles and services and up to $1.5 million in non-lethal commodities and services to provide these systems to Ukraine.

The provision of these systems brings our total security assistance committed to Ukraine in response to the crisis to more than $265 million since 2014.

 

AN/TPQ-36(V)10 Firefinder Weapon Locating System

The AN/TPQ-36 directs accurate counterfire to neutralize enemy positions.

During an official ceremony on Lviv airport attended by ranking government officials, the U.S. government formally delivered two AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radars to Ukraine, transported to destination by a U.S/ Air Force C-17 airlifter (U.S. State Department photo)
During an official ceremony on Lviv airport attended by ranking government officials, the U.S. government formally delivered two AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radars to Ukraine, transported to destination by a U.S/ Air Force C-17 airlifter (U.S. State Department photo)

 

Medium-Range Surveillance

ThalesRaytheonSystems’ compact, mobile, combat proven AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder radar accurately, rapidly and automatically locates medium-range enemy mortars, artillery, and rocket launchers. It can handle simultaneous fire from weapons at multiple locations, detecting and reporting their positions on the first round. The AN/TPQ-36 can detect and report the positions of up to 10 different weapons in seconds, at a maximum range of 15 miles/24 km. The system also corrects and improves delivery of friendly fire.

 

Highly Mobile

Compact and highly mobile, the AN/TPQ-36 supports rapid deployment of forces and close combat. It can be positioned and ready for operation in 15 minutes. It can be readied for movement in 5 minutes by a five-man crew. Because it can move quickly from one position to another, it is typically located close to the forward battle line in direct support of brigade operations. The AN/TPQ-36 comprises an antenna-transceiver trailer, a generator, and an operation control shelter that contains the paper map display and communications suite.

The prime movers for the system consists of three HMMWVs (Recon/Cargo Vehicle, Shelter Vehicle with Q-36 in tow, Generator Vehicle with spare generator in tow). The manned operation control shelter can be located as far as 164 feet/50 m away from the unmanned antenna trailer. The system is capable of being operated remotely 328 feet/100 m from the shelter.

 

Defeats Enemy Firepower, Supports Friendly Weapons

The AN/TPQ-36 stationary antenna sweeps a rapid sequence of beams along the horizon, forming an electronic radar curtain over 90 degree area. Any target penetrating the curtain triggers an immediate verification beam. On verification, an automatic tracking sequence begins. While tracking any single target, the radar continues scanning, locating, and tracking others.

 

Training and Maintenance

With high system reliability and maintainability simplified by computer-controlled, built-in test equipment, ThalesRaytheonSystems’ AN/TPQ-36 provides unusually high system availability. Improved On-line fault detection and off-line fault diagnostics alert the operator to system faults, directing repair action to the unit that must be replaced. Ninety percent of all repairs required in the field can be performed by the crew, with a mean-time-to-repair of only 30 minutes. The cost effectiveness of the AN/TPQ-36 is enhanced by its 90 degree – 360 degree sector, small crew, ease of operation, and high availability.

 

State of the Art Radar Processor

The AN/TPQ-36 has been upgraded with a full radar compliance radar processor. The radar processor is common between the AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37 Radars. The new processor reduces the number of circuit cards from 9 to 3. Customers benefit tremendously from the significant reduction in cost per unit and unlimited future growth potential. The open LAN based design accommodates future changes.

United States Delivers Two Q-36 Counter Battery Radar Systems to Ukraine
United States Delivers Two Q-36 Counter Battery Radar Systems to Ukraine

 

Specifications

Maximum range 15 miles/24 km
Effective range Mortar: 11 miles/18 km
Artillery: 9 miles/14.5 km
Rockets: 15 miles/24 km
Azimuth sector 90°
Frequency X-band, 32 frequencies
Prime power 115/200 VAC, 400 Hz, 3-phase, 8 kW
Peak transmitted power 23 kW, min