AN/TPS-59

The AN/TPS-59 is a solid-state, three-dimensional, air search radar designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin for the US Marine Corps. This phased array radar is highly mobile and conceived for long-range aircraft and tactical ballistic missile detection and tracking. The AN/TPS-59 is also the only mobile radar in the world certified to detect tactical ballistic missiles. The US Marine Corps currently employs AN/TPS-59 Version 3, which can precisely predict missile launch and impact points, and cue defensive weapons against incoming threats. The radar’s 740-kilometer (400 nautical miles) range exceeds the range of 90 percent of the tactical ballistic missiles in the world today, and its mobility allows it to be forward-based to further extend the range of the system.

The AN/TPS-59 Version 3 can be integrated with other sensors for improved launch and impact point prediction, extended range capabilities, cooperative engagement and joint tactical information distribution. With over 126 radars deployed in 17 countries worldwide, the TPS-59/FPS-117 family of solid-state radars has an unsurpassed record for performance and reliability. Similar to the AN/FPS-117, the AN/TPS-59 is used by the United States Marine Corps, Egypt, and Bahrain. It has seen action in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and has been deployed to the Republic of Korea.

Specifications for the AN/TPS-59

Type: three-dimensional phased array radar
Primary function: air search radar
Maximum range: 400 km
Maximum detection altitude: 90,000 ft (27,000 m)
Weight: 20,000 kg
Primary User: United States Marine Corps
Unit Cost Approx: $50 Million USD
Introduced: in the 1980s