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.
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.
