Lightweight Counter-Mortar Radar LCMR
The Lightweight Counter-Mortar Radar family of systems provides continuous 3-D, 360-degree surveillance and 3-D rocket, artillery and mortar location using a non-rotating, electronically steered antenna. The capabilities of LCMR and AN/TPQ-36 are similar in the sense that they both can detect in 360 degrees the same types of indirect fire, but not in terms of range. It is not directly proportional to the size, but LCMR has a much shorter range than the N/TPQ-36 will provide. Because of the LCMR’s size, however, commanders can get to a location where they need detection capability much more quickly than with something like a Firefinder AN/TPQ-37.The radars perform with a track-while-scan capability allowing for the simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple threats fired from separate locations. Once a RAM threat is detected, the radar sends an early warning message indicating that a round is incoming. After sufficient data is collected to enable an accurate point of origin, the weapon’s location is reported back for a counterfire response from any integrated system.
The Army began fielding new radar systems to protect forward-deployed forces in October 2012. Several next-generation, mobile Counter Target Acquisition, or CTA radar systems provide Soldiers with a 360-degree protective envelope or warning capability against incoming enemy rocket, artillery and mortar fire.
The the AN/TPQ-53 truck-mounted mobile radar system, and the Humvee-mounted AN/TPQ-50 Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar, incorporate a series of technological upgrades to prior iterations of deployed radar capability developed through Army and industry science and technology efforts.
The radars work by pulsing electromagnetic signals or radio waves across a particular area in various wavelengths and in various directions; once these radio waves bounce off of or hit an object in their path, they send back a return signal or small amount of electromagnetic energy, allowing radar operators to determine the range, elevation, size and speed of incoming projectiles.
These radars systems give a lot of capability to commanders in the field, especially in a non-linear. In a non-contiguous battlefield, the enemy can pop up anywhere.
Also, the CTA radar capability is able to predict the point of impact of a given incoming round by calculating or assessing its ballistic trajectory. This information, determined with the help of specially engineered computer algorithms, allows radar operators to determine the point of origin and estimated point of impact related to incoming hostile fire.
The technological maturation of both the AN/TPQ-53 and AN/TPQ-50 radar systems, the cornerstone programs of record for the future, were heavily informed by an S&T effort beginning in 2002, called Multi-Mission Radar Advance Technology Objective.
The goal of this effort, which involved Army and industry scientists and experts, was to develop a single mobile radar system able to simultaneously perform Air Defense Surveillance, Air Defense Fire Control, Counter Target Acquisition and Air Traffic Service missions under all geographical and operational conditions.
Many of the hardware, software and processing advances developed and demonstrated in the MMR S&T effort paved the way for the AN/TPQ-53 and AN/TPQ-50. At the same time, these CTA capabilities with Product Manager Radars were transferred management from Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors to PEO Missiles and Space.
Both the AN/TPQ-50 and AN/TPQ-53 radars are configured to integrate with ground-based Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar systems designed to protect forward operating bases. C-RAM provides an integrated system with Fire Control Radar capability engineered to detect, track and destroy incoming hostile fire.
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