AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (November 2016) |
Country of origin | United States |
---|---|
Frequency | X band |
Range | AN/MPQ-64: 40 km (25 mi) AN/MPQ-64F1/A3: 120 km (75 mi) |
Altitude | Operating: 3,000 m (9,800 ft) Non-operating: 12,000 m (39,000 ft) |
Azimuth | 360° |
Elevation | –10° to +55° |
The AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel is an
First built in 1995 as a modification of
Main characteristics
The
The system automatically acquires, tracks, classifies, identifies and reports high- and low-altitude targets, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. Identification of friendly aircraft is aided by identification friend or foe (IFF) interrogation.
The system can be deployed using HMMWV fitted with a 10 kW 400 Hz 115/200 VDC on-board power generator. It can be operated
AN/MPQ-64A1 Improved Sentinel
Under A1 Improved Sentinel modernization program, existing Sentinel units are equipped with modern digital COTS-based electronics for signal and data processing, which ensures greater performance and allows software modification for quick updates of fielded systems.
Waveform upgrades for the receiver/exciter and the replacement of the transmitter with power amplifier modules allows Sentinel to generate, receive and filter low-intensity target classification waveforms. Variable rotation rate increases time on target and position the antenna to improve classification and tracking of smaller cruise missile targets. Updated software supports classification of beyond visual range targets and electronic countermeasures.[2]
The upgrade provides a significant range extension and better detection against subsonic cruise missiles, slow-moving Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and drones, and rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft.
AN/MPQ-64F1
Updated version of Improved Sentinel for the NASAMS 2 air defense system.
AN/MPQ-64M2
Employed by the Dutch Joint Ground-based Air Defence Command.
AN/MPQ-64A3 Enhanced Sentinel
The U.S. Army ordered the A3 Enhanced Sentinel improvement program in 2011.[3]
The upgrade includes the TPX-57 Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) modification kit, which consists of a new Ethernet router, enhanced Radar Control Terminal (eRCT), Signal Data Processor (SDP) box, and multiple circuit card assemblies. This will convert existing A1 Improved Sentinel units to A3 Enhanced Sentinel configuration, increasing reliability and fixing identified hardware issues [2][4] to match the capabilities of the F1 Improved Sentinel.[3]
The eRCT enables remote operations and includes a tactical data recorder needed to support counter-battery radar capabilities. A new operational mode, Multi Mode Sentinel, provides detection for Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (RAM) fire, giving rapid information on the point of origin of the hostile fire as well as an estimate of the impact point.
AN/MPQ-64A3 is mounted on a 2.5 ton trailer with an on-board power generator, towed by an armored Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) truck.[4]
Additional updates are planned for the FY2016-2022. The Common Platform Upgrade modifies the prime mover for the rotating antenna to a common Army platform, which allows the sensor to receive commands from the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) network.
The Adjunct Sensor upgrade improves countermeasure protection and threat detection by using a separate S-Band antenna. Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) upgrade adds Mode S support with GPS M-Code capability.
AN/MPQ-64A4
In 2019, the U.S. Army selected
The AESA antenna allows extended range, faster and more accurate hostile target recognition, and ability to track more threats. It will detect and track small targets, such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Cruise Missiles, and slow targets, such as UAS and Rotary Wing (RW) aircraft, at low altitudes in clutter and urban settings, with high levels of unwanted signals and echoes generated from physical objects in the environment.[2]
Sentinel A4 will be able to contribute sensor data to the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) network and Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2.[7]
Manufacturer
Produced by
Nomenclature
Per the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), the nomenclature AN/MPQ-64 is
- "AN/" indicating Army/Navy(Marines)
- "M" for 'mobile',
- "P" indicating a position finder (radar).
- "Q" for a special-purpose(multipurpose) radar, in this case 3D RADARs.
- "64" is the 64th model of this family of MPQ radars.
See also
- NASAMS
- AN/TPQ-36
References
- ^ "AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel - ThalesRaytheonSystems". 2007-05-14. Archived from the original on 2007-05-14. Retrieved 2021-10-05.
- ^ a b c Exhibit P-40, Budget Line dacis.com
- ^ a b "USA: $162.7M for Sentinels to Watch the Skies".
- ^ a b "Thales-Raytheon to build 50 AN/MPQ-64 Enhanced Sentinel A3 radar systems in $51.9 million deal".
- ^ "U.S. Army awards $281 million contract for newest air and missile defense radar". Defence Blog. 28 September 2019. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ "Lockheed Martin completes first AN/TPY-4 radar production". 5 May 2022.
- ^ "Sentinel A4". 9 May 2022.