CAPTOR Radar

The Euroradar CAPTOR, also known as ECR-90, is a multi-mode pulse-doppler radar used in the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. The radar was developed from the BAE Systems Blue Vixen, which had been designed for the BAE Sea Harrier, by Euroradar. The ECR-90 was renamed CAPTOR as the project passed the production contract milestone. The CAPTOR detects, identifies, prioritizes and engages targets beyond the effective range of the enemy weapon systems while remaining resistant to severe electronic jamming. It features active electronic beam steering with nearly instantaneously repositioning of radar beam which enables faster detection and increased tracking ranges. The CAPTOR enables the Eurofighter to operates in complex scenarios with high agile airborne and ground-based threats in combination with assimetric warfare.

AN/SPS-73(V)12

The AN/SPS-73(V)12 is a two-dimensional, surface-search/navigation radar. It provides contact range, bearing information, and improved signal processing and automatic target detection capability. The radar has its own display indicator, which is capable of displaying radar contacts from the AN/SPS-73 radar or other shipboard radars. The AN/SPS-73's surface-search function provides short-range detection and surveillance of surface units and low-flying air units, while the AN/SPS-73's navigation function enables quick and accurate determination of ownship position relative to nearby vessels and navigational hazards. The AN/SPS-73 radar video is displayed on the ship control console in the Pilot House to provide an alternate source of navigation data to the Officer of the Deck. Radar triggers and antenna bearings are used to properly display the Furuno radar video data on the ship control console.

AN/SPS-10B

The AN/SPS-10B was a medium range, C-band, surface warning radar with a limited air capability. In the Canadian Forces, this type was used in pre-DELEX steamers and training facilities. The AN/SPS-10B was used for the detection, ranging and tracking of surface contacts and to a limited extent, air contacts as well. Range and bearing information was passed to a PPI type display. This radar type had the potential to be used with IFF/SIF equipment so the SPS-10 was originally fitted with a built in beacon. The RCN never used this feature, so it was disabled.

Specifications for the AN/SPS-10B

Type: C-band warning radar
Frequency: 5450 Mcs variable to 5825 Mcs
Wavelength: 5 cm
Peak power output: short pulse = 190 kw; long pulse = 280 kw
Pulse Width: short range pulse - .25 microsecond; long range pulse - 1.3 microsecond PRR  625; variable to 650
Receiver IF: 30 Mcs
Antenna rotation: 15 rpm fixed
Beamwidth: vertical, 12 to 16 degrees; horizontal 1.5 degrees
Resolution: on short range, 50 yds; on long range, 275 yds
For Bearing: less than 1 degree of error

AN/SPA-4 Range-Azimuth Indicator

The AN/SPA-4 was a self-contained range-azimuth indicator which was designed for operation with any naval search radar system having a pulse repetition frequency between 140 and 3,000 pps. This indicator was capable of receiving radar information from one of eight different radar systems as selected by a front panel control. This feature was not used in HMCS HAIDA but ships of succeeding classes did use it. That switch controlled a radar switchboard called the SB-440. Position 1 selected the SPS-10, 2 for SPS-12 and 3 for Sperry Mk2. On HAIDA there was an externally mounted selector switch that was used to select the radar input source. The AN/SPA-4 utilized a remote PPI type indicator using a 10 inch, flat CRT.

The AN/SPA-4 determined the azimuth by means of a mechanical cursor coupled to an electronic cursor; jointly they were accurate to within one degree. Azimuth information was also indicated by a mechanical counter when the cursor was moved. The SPA-4 had also the capability of transmitting electrically, the bearing and range information to other systems such as fire control or directly to a projector on the plot table. That would cut down on verbal communication.

Specifications for the AN/SPA-4 Indicator

Type: range-azimuth radar indicator
Vintage: September 1954
Range selection: 1.5 to 300 miles continuous using a centered PPI and limited by the pulse rate of radar set that it was connected to.
Weight: 378 pounds
Dimensions: 38" H x 19" W x 21" D
Power requirements: 120 VAC, 60 Hz at 10 amps
Contractor: RCA Victor Company, Montreal P.Q.
Contract number: FE 113375, A/T 2-P-1-1877

Sperry 127E

Sperry 127E was a solid state navigation radar which utilized integrated circuit (IC) technology and was first fitted aboard DDH 280 class. It was fitted with a 12 inch CRT and was designed on the precepts of the Radio Law, Safety Agreement of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the American FCC standards and the British DTI standards.

Specifications for the Sperry 127E

Type: naval navigation radar
Peak power: 25 kilowatts
Operating frequency: 9410 Mhz +\- 30 MHz
Range: 120 miles
Pulse length: 0.05 to 1.2 microseconds depending on range
Pulse repetition rate: 500 to 4000 pulses per second depending on range
Scanner rotation: 30 rpm for 1/4 to 6 mile scales; 15 rpm for 12 to 120 mile scales
Dimensions and weights: indicator, 27"D x 20"W x 51"H , 350 lbs; scanner, 20"L x 50"W x 49.5"H, 300 lbs; Xcvr, 26.5"D x 22"W x 17"H, 190 lbs; M-G Set, 36"L x 15"W x 12"D, 330 lbs; Antenna, 7 foot end fed, slotted array, waveguide type
Power requirements: 115 VAC 60 Hz, 600 VA
Circa: 1975- 76

Sperry Marine Radar MK 2

The Sperry Marine Radar MK 2 was a medium range, surface search radar which was designated High Definition Warning Surface (HDWS) set. From the early 1950's, until well into the 1970's, almost every ship in the Royal Canadian Navy was fitted with the Sperry Mk 2. Although its primary use was to locate other ships, helicopters, navigation aids and shorelines, it was very effective in detecting submarine periscopes. The Sperry MK 2 was fitted aboard HAIDA. After life expiry, the Mk 2 was replaced by the Sperry Mk 127E solid state radar.

Specifications for the Sperry Marine Radar MK2

Type: naval surface search radar
Vintage: May 1953
Operating frequency: 9375 Mcs +\- 45 Mcs
Peak power: 30 kilowatts
Pulse length: 0.25 microseconds
Pulse repetition rate: 1000 pulses per second
Scanner rotation  15 rpm
Beam Width: horizontal, 2 degrees; vertical, 17 degrees
Range markers: fixed 0.5, 2, and 5 mile intervals +/- 1%; variable, 0.3 to 20 miles +/- 2%
Range scales: 1, 2, 6, 15 and 30 miles
Resolution: range, 80 yards; bearing, 2 degrees
Indicator CRT size: 12 inch diameter
Power requirements: 115 VAC 60 Hz, 1000 watts
Dimensions and Weights: indicator, 27"D x 20"W x 51"H , 350 lbs; scanner, 20"L x 50"W x 49.5"H, 300 lbs; Tx/Rx, 26.5"D x 22"W x 17"H, 190 lbs; M-G Set, 36"L x 15"W x 12"D , 330 lbs
Contractor: Sperry Gyroscope, Great Neck, N.Y

AN/SPG-34

The AN/SPG-34 was an X-band fire control radar for AA guns. The antenna was a 40 inch diameter dish that could produce a 2.4 degree beam. Designed for surface vessels of the Canadian Navy, AN/SPG-34 had a power output from 25 to 30 Kw and a range of 25,000 yards. The HAIDA was fitted with the AN/SPG-34 fire control radar.

AN/SPS-12

The AN/SPS-12 was an L-band, medium surveillance radar which was developed to detect aircraft and surface vessels. It was primarily an air search radar which was fitted on the original Canadian DDE class destroyers. Target range of the AN/SPS-12 was presented on an A-type indicator. Bearing data was also provided for presentation on PPI units. Provision was also made to connect IFF equipment to the radar set. The AN/SPS-12 had a maximum range of 200 miles and operated in the frequency range of 1250 to 1350 Mcs.

In 1960-61, the Flag Officer Atlantic Coast and the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (Admirals Dyer and Brock) became very concerned about the problems being experienced with fighting equipment in the RESTIGOUCHE class. The culprits named were, in order of importance:  the 3-inch/70 gun, the SQS-503 sonar and the SPS-12 radar. The source for this was:  Minutes and papers, 11th Senior Officers' Conference, November 20-21, 1961, file NSS 1279-188, now in the National Archives.

An investigation revealed that the radar equipment, unlike the gun and the sonar, to be blameless. The difficulty was the poor quality of maintenance in the fleet at the time. During this period one must remember that the trade structure of the Navy had been turned upside down in 1960 and electrical officers had been removed from ships, as a result of the Tisdall report.  In the short run, shipboard maintenance  suffered badly. Later on, the addition of a parametric RF amplifier (the Dicke-Fix receiver, developed at the Defence Research Telecommunications Establishment in Ottawa) greatly improved the performance of the SPS-12, and made it much less sensitive to mistuning then so common in the fleet".

Specifications for the AN/SPS-12

Type: L-band air search radar
First delivered: September 1953
Frequency range: 1250 to 1350 Mcs
Range: 200 miles
Peak Power Output: 500 kilowatts
Wavelength: 22.2 to 24 Cm
Pulse Length: Long pulse - 4 microseconds; Short pulse - 1 microsecond
PRR: Long range - 300; Short range - 600 (Could be varied as an anti-jamming measure)
Receiver IF: 30 Mcs
Beamwidth: Vertical - 30 degrees; Horizontal - 3 degrees
Antenna rotation: Auto-clockwise; 2.5 to 15 rpm's; Emergency 10 rpm

AN/SPS-33

The AN/SPS-33 was a vertical, 3-dimensional target-tracking radar developed by the firm Hughes for the American Navy. It operated in combination with the AN/SPS-32 to form the SCANFAR system. The AN/SPS-33 was phased array and was frequency scanned in elevation and phase scanned in azimuth. The AN/SPS-33 had a maximum range of 250 nautical miles. It was unreliable and consumed a lot of power and it was built with vacuum tubes.

AN/SPS-32

The AN/SPS-32 was a long-range air search and target acquisition radar developed by Hughes for the US Navy. The AN/SPS-32 operated together with the AN/SPS-33, which was the square array used for 3D tracking, into one system known as SCANFAR. It  was installed on only two vessels, the cruiser USS Long Beach and the carrier USS Enterprise, placing a massive power drain on the ship’s electric system. The technology of the AN/SPS-32 was based on vacuum tubes and the system required constant repairs. The SPS-32 was a phased array radar which had a range of 400 nautical miles against large targets, and 200 nautical miles against small, fighter-size targets.

AN/APQ-180

The AN/APQ-180 is an all-weather, multi-mode radar which was developed by Raytheon from the APG-70 for the AC-130U Specter gunship aircraft. This X-band pulse-doppler radar is designed for both air-air and air-ground missions; they are able to look up at high-flying targets and down at low-flying targets without being confused by ground clutter. The APQ-180 radar has fixed target track, ground moving target indication and track, projectile impact point position, beacon track, and a weather mode. The AN/APQ-180 system uses a modified gimbaling scheme for the planar array, and an upgraded analog signal processor unit, and incorporates several enhanced (and new) air-to-ground modes.

AN/TPS-58 MTLR

The AN/TPS-58 Moving-Target-Locating Radar (MTLR) is a coherent Doppler radar developed by Raytheon for the US Army. It is used for general surveillance and artillery burst detection. The AN/TPS-58 is a transportable (vehicle-mounted) radar which weighs 3,500 pounds and is equipped with a truncated parabolic reflector (65 × 52 cm) antenna. The AN/TPS-58 can locate moving personnel at ranges between 450 m and 12 km, and vehicles between 450 meters and 20 km to an accuracy of 50 meters. The AN/TPS-58B can automatically track moving targets and predict their future location. A well-trained crew can emplace or march-order the AN/TPS-58B within 15 minutes. The operations shelter can be remoted up to 48 meters from the antenna site.

The mission of the AN/TPS-58 MTLR is to detect, locate, and identify moving ground targets with sufficient accuracy for attack by friendly weapon systems. The radar also can vector friendly patrols to specified areas. The MTLRs are usually employed by division artillery in general support of the division and are therefore seldom directly controlled by cannon battalions. However, they may be attached to battalions for support only, such as security, survey, and Classes I and II.

AN/SPY-3

The AN/SPY-3 is an X-band, active phased array radar which has been developed by Raytheon for the US Navy to be used for both blue-water and littoral operations. It can combine the functions of up to five radars and ten antennas. AN/SPY-3 is the first US shipboard Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system which operates in both the X-band and S-band of radar frequencies. The SPY-3 radar was designed for the Navy's newest amphibious warfare ships, the next generation aircraft carrier, CVN-77 and the DD(X) class of surface combatant ships. MFR was initially planned for introduction in CVN-77 and next-generation CVNX aircraft carriers and the now-refocused DDX surface warship programs.

While the AN/SPY-3 is capable of performing most functions in either frequency band, for functions such as horizon search (anti-sea skimmer) and precision track (for fire control), the band can be selected for current atmospheric, target characteristics, and other factors such as anomalous and multipath propagation. It has a single 6-faced antenna that can share the bands when, for example, the electronics in one band are controlling a maximum number of missiles. X-band functionality, in the 7 to 12.5 GHz frequency range, is optimal for low-altitude propagation effects, narrow beam width for best tracking accuracy, wide frequency bandwidth for effective target discrimination, and the target illumination for SM-2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM). Using the S-band is advantageous for search, operation in all forms of weather, and a narrow beam width for target tracking and resolution.

RT-34/APS-13

The RT-34/APS-13 was a low power UHF tail warning radar transmitter/receiver which was used in Allied aircraft such as the P51 Mustang and also the P-38L, P-47D, P-61, P-63, P-82D in the later stages of the war. The APS-13 operated at 420 MHz with a receiver IF of 30 MHz and was powered by an internal rotary generator which was supplied from the aircraft 27V dc system. The electro-mechanical construction was all aluminium, and the equipment utilized all miniature glass valves except for the voltage stabilizer which was a VR105V (0C3). The PA was two 6J6s. The APS-13 equipment was manufactured by RCA, Camden, New Jersey, USA under a contract number 458-DAY-44 (1944).

AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder radar

The AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder is a light weight, weapon locating, I-band radar developed by Northrop Grumman for the US Army. The radar was designed to detect and track artillery projectiles to find out the exact point from which they have been fired. With a coverage of 360º, the AN/TPQ-36 is capable of simultaneously locating up to 10 different firing plataforms or weapons situated in different positions. It has a maximum range of 18 miles (25km) and can locate mortars, artillery, and rocket launchers. The AN/TPQ-36 is an electronically-steered radar, which means that the radar antenna does not actually move while in operation; nevertheless it can be moved manually if required. This radar system is made up of an operational control group and an antenna transceiver group. The AN/TPQ-36 is currently manufactured by Hughes and is in service at brigade and higher levels in the US Army, US Marine Corps, Spanish Army, and Australian Army. The radar is mounted on trailer and towed by a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. The AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder (V)8 version can extend system performance, improves operator survivability and lowers life cycle cost. Greater processing power and the addition of a low noise amplifier to the radar antenna improves detection range (by up to 50%) and performance accuracy against certain threats.

Specifications for the AN/TPQ-36

Maximum range: 25 km
Effective range: artillery, 12 miles (18km); rockets, 18 miles (25km)
Azimuth sector: 90°
Frequency: I-band, 32 frequencies
Prime power: 115/200 VAC, 400 Hz, 3-phase, 8 kW
Peak transmitted power: 23 kW, min.

AN/SPY-1

The AN/SPY-1 is a ship-based, passive phased array radar developed by Lockheed Martin for the US Navy. Using four complementary antennas in order to provide full 360 degree coverage, the AN/SPY-1 is an important component of the Aegis Combat System, which is computer controlled. This 3-dimensional, S-band radar has a range of 100+ nautical miles, and an azimuth of 360º. Up until the introduction of the AN/SPY-1, an ordinary mechanically rotating radar could detect a target when a radar beam struck that target once during each 360º rotation of the antenna; a separate tracking was then used to engage each approaching target. Now, the computer-controlled AN/SPY-1 is capable of bringing these functions into one system. The four fixed arrays of "SPY" send out beams of electromagnetic energy in all directions simultaneously, continuously providing a search and tracking capability for hundreds of target at the same time.

Although the AN/SPY-1 was fist installed on the the USS Norton Sound 1973, it became fully operational in 1983 on USS Ticonderoga as the SPY-1A. The SPY-1D was first installed on Arleigh Burke in 1991. The SPY-1F is a smaller version of the 1D designed to fit frigates. It is not used by the US Navy but has been exported to Norway.

AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel

Using an X-band range-gated, pulse-doppler system, the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel is an acquisition and tracking surveillance three-dimensional radar which is used to alert and queue Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) weapons to the locations of hostile targets approaching their front line forces. The AN/MPQ is deployed with forward area air defense units of the US Army and USMC. The Sentinel automatically detects, tracks, identifies, classifies, and reports airborne threats in a range of 75 kilometers. This surveillance radar provides early warning to ground crews by supporting engagement of threats including helicopters, high-speed attack aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Over 200 systems have been ordered world-wide, with more than 100 delivered or in production.

The new upgraded versions of the AN/MPQ-64 is fitted with new, modern COTS based electronics which ensures greater performance while implementing a low risk technology insertion. This improved Sentinel radar provides a significant range extension improvement, which means improved target detection at extended ranges and improved target detection for rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. The AN/MPQ-64 was developed by Raytheon at its Fullerton, California facility.

AN/MPN-14

The AN/MPN-14 was a Mobile Ground Approach System which could be configured as a complete Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) or Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) facility. The AN/MPN-14 radar was used by air traffic controllers to identify, sequence, and separate participating aircraft, provide final approach guidance through air defense corridors and zones, and coordinate ID and intent with local air defense units at assigned airports and air bases. These services could be provided in all types of weather.

The AN/MPN-14 was capable of identifying aircraft using secondary radar up to a 200-nautical-mile (370 km) radius and primary radar coverage to 60 nautical miles (110 km). It provided both azimuth and elevation information from 15-nautical-mile (28 km) to touchdown. The unit had three ASR display indicators and one PAR indicator located in the operations shelter, and one each ASR and PAR indicator located in the maintenance shelter. Complete operations were conducted from the operations trailer. The system was limited to a single runway but had the capability of providing opposite direction runway operations with the aid of a transportable turntable.

AN/MPQ-14

The AN/MPQ-14 was a height and direction-finding radar which was used for Ground Directed Bombing (GDB), during the Korean and Vietnam War. The AN/MPQ-14 was employed to guide attack aircraft at night or during adverse weather conditions. It was the first guiding radar system used to direct bombing missions conducted by the US Marine Corps, introducing the ability to deliver ordnance in close air support missions in poor visibility conditions. The AN/MPQ-14 operated in the frequency range of 2,740 to 2,960 MHz and had an azimuth of 360º.

AN/SPN-46

The AN/SPN-46 is a precision aproach and landing radar system developed by Textron Systems for the US Navy aircraft carriers. The AN/SPN-46 utilizes an X-band coherent transmitter and receiver using monopulse tracking and doppler processing on received signals for clutter rejection and rain attenuation at an operating range of 8 nmi. During day and night operations and in adverse weather conditions, the AN/SPN-46 provides safe and reliable final approach and landing guidance for Marine Corps helicopters and AV-8B Harrier VSTOL attack aircraft. Since this radar system is equipped with two dual-band radar antennas/transmitters, the AN/SPN-46 can control up to two aircraft simultaneously in a "leapfrog" pattern. The AN/SPN-46 is also capable of providing for a manually controlled approach (MODE III landing) in which the AN/SPN-46 air traffic controller relays to the pilot continuous updates on his position and direction. The AN/SPN-46 also uses low-probability-of-intercept (LPI) technology to decrease the probability of passive detection by hostile forces.