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LESSON 4 HIGH-TO-MEDIUM-ALTITUDE AIR DEFENSE (HIMAD) MISSILE SYSTEMS
TASK
This lesson does not specifically relate to any enlisted or officer task but provides general information on the Hawk and Patriot missile systems.
CONDITIONS
Use only the lesson material to complete the examination.
STANDARDS
You must attain a grade of 70 percent on the examination to receive credit for this subcourse.
REFERENCES
Lesson material.
Learning Event 1: THE HAWK MISSILE SYSTEM
HAWK
Hawk battalions are employed in point and area defenses in the rear area operations and tactical operations areas. Hawk positioning should ensure coverage of low-altitude routes of approach to permit engagement of aircraft as far forward of the defended area as possible.
System Description
The Hawk missile system is a very-low-to-medium-altitude guided missile system designed to provide air defense coverage against low-to-medium-altitude air attack. All major components are trailer mounted, giving the system a high degree of operational mobility. Hawk uses advanced technology to meet increased threats. Most Hawk units are retained by the air defense commander for use in defending theater priorities. Basically, the system is employed in the battery configuration; however, during the 1985-1987 time frame, the system employment may be by platoons and Hawk will have increased responsibility for point defense of critical rear area assets.
System Operation (Engagement Sequence)
The Hawk system (Figure 62) detects targets with two types of acquisition radar (1). The continuous-wave acquisition radar (CWAR) provides low-to-medium-altitude detection coverage. The pulse acquisition radar (PAR) provides medium-to-high-altitude, medium-range detection coverage. Following detection, the information coordination central (ICC)(2) allows for target IFF, and automatic data processing (ADP) of target information. The battery control central (BCC)(3) displays target information received over the Army tactical data link (ATDL) from the AN/TSQ-73, as well as information received from the radars and the ICc. The tactical control officer (in the BCC) selects targets (4) for engagement and assigns them to a firing section (5). The high-power illuminator radar (HIPIR)(6) tracks the targets (7) and provides a reference signal to the missile. In an electronic countermeasures environment, the ROR (8) furnishes ranging information for target engagement. After launch, the missile (9) homes on the target by continuous comparison of the transmitted signal of the HIPIR with the reflected signal from the target. Using this information to make continuous adjustments in its course, the Hawk missile flies a proportional navigation course to the kill point (10).
System Characteristics
Hawk missile system characteristics are shown in Figure 63.
Learning Event 2: THE PATRIOT MISSILE SYSTEM
PATRIOT
The Patriot missile system is designed for maximum effectiveness against the air threat anticipated in the 1980s and beyond. The Patriot has the role of providing very-low-to-very-high-altitude air defense of ground combat forces and critical assets. The system is designed to replace US Nike Hercules and, eventually, most of the Hawk missile systems. This system performs its mission with less tactical equipment, greater firepower, improved electronic counter countermeasures (ECCM) capability, 100 percent mobility, and simplified logistics and maintenance. Patriot also requires fewer major end items of equipment and personnel than previous air defense systems.
System Description
The Patriot missile system can-
o Engage and destroy threat aircraft operating at all tactical speeds and altitudes.
o Deliver sufficient firepower to counter threat saturation attacks.
o Operate at night and under conditions of adverse weather or reduced visibility.
o Function effectively in an ECM environment.
o Move about the battlefield by using organic wheeled vehicles.
The system can also be transported by rail or ship and can be airlifted by C-141 with disassembly, and by C-5 aircraft without alteration.
The Patriot system (Figure 64) consists of the following major items of equipment:
o Radar set.
o Engagement control station.
o Electric power plant.
o Launching station.
o Antenna mast group.
System Operation
The following illustration (Figure 65) shows the scheme of operation of a Patriot fire unit and the principal functions of each major item of equipment. The radar set (RS)(1) covers the surveillance area and detects (2) all targets. RS data (3) on each target are processed by the engagement control station (ECS)(4) weapons control computer (WCC). Targets are then manually or automatically identified as unknown, friendly, or hostile. When a target has been identified hostile, it then may be engaged either manually or automatically. Once engagement is initiated, the WCC determines which launch station (LS)(5) will fire. The WCC communicates with the selected LS by means of VHF communications. One of the selected LS's missiles is then activated, data are exchanged between the selected missile and the WCC (6), and the missile (7) is launched. It is acquired by the RS and a two-way data link (8) is established with the WCC through the RS. The missile is commanded to the vicinity of the target by the WCC and then the target is acquired by the onboard missile seeker antenna (9). The target is then tracked via missile, while the two-way data link is maintained at an increased rate. The missile moves to the intercept point while the target is illuminated (10) by the RS. The missile proximity fuze is armed, causing the activation of the warhead at the proper time.
System Characteristics
Patriot missile system characteristics are shown in Figure 66.
