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 A Sentinel radar | |
| 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° |
TheAN/MPQ-64 Sentinel is anX-bandelectronically steeredpulse-Doppler3D radar system used to alert and cueShort Range Air Defense (SHORAD)weapons to the locations of hostile targets approaching their front line forces. It is currently produced byRaytheon Missiles & Defense.
First built in 1995 as a modification ofAN/TPQ-36A for search and track role in the NorwegianNASAMS air defense system, the Sentinel radar is deployed with forward areaair defense units of theU.S. Army. Mounted on a towed platform, it can be positioned remotely from the rest of the unit.
Theantenna usesphase-frequency electronic scanning technology, forming sharp 3D pencil beams covering large surveillance and track volume. It uses a rotating platform with a high scan rate (30 RPM) to provide 360 degree coverage. The radar is designed with high resistance toelectronic countermeasures (ECM) andanti-radiation missiles (ARM).[1]
The system automatically acquires, tracks,classifies, identifies and reports high- and low-altitude targets, includingcruise missiles,unmanned aerial vehicles, and both rotary- and fixed-wingaircraft. Identification of friendly aircraft is aided byidentification 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 operatedautonomously and communicate with thefire direction center viawideband fiber-optic link. It can also distribute its data over aSINCGARS radio network.
Under A1 Improved Sentinel modernization program, existing Sentinel units are equipped with modern digitalCOTS-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.
Updated version of Improved Sentinel for theNASAMS 2 air defense system.
Employed by the DutchJoint Ground-based Air Defence Command.
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 supportcounter-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.
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AN/MPQ-64A3 is mounted on a 2.5 ton trailer with an on-board power generator, towed by an armoredFamily 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 theIntegrated 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.
In 2019, the U.S. Army selectedLockheed Martin to develop theactive electronically scanned array (AESA) variant of the radar in a $281 million contract.[5] The Sentinel A4 is a complete redesign of the sensor that uses digital processing and solid-state antenna modules based ongallium nitride (GAN) transmitters. The scalable modular architecture is shared with the long-rangeAN/TPY-4 radar, which has 1000 individually controlled elements and usesGPU computing for signal processing.[6]
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]
Produced byRaytheon Missiles & Defense. Before its acquisition by theRaytheon Company, theHughes Aircraft Co. developed the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar at its plant inFullerton, California, and manufactured it at its facility inForest, Mississippi.
Per theJoint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), the nomenclature AN/MPQ-64 is
