AN/TPQ-53 radar tracks UAS
The AN/TPQ-53 counter-fire radar has demonstrated its ability to identify and track UAS and pass that information to a command and control (C2) node, providing both air surveillance and counter fire target acquisition, Lockheed Martin announced on 27 June.
The demonstration was carried out as part of the US Army’s Maneuver and Fires Integration Experiment (MFIX) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
The ability for radar to track UAS and pass off information to C2 is a key capability as the battlespace becomes more crowded with aerial threats.
The AN/TPQ-53 radar identified and tracked several UAS and provided data to Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control. At the same time the radar carried out its original mission, providing accurate targeting data on rockets, artillery and mortars, providing a multi-mission radar (MMR) capability.
The Q-53 is a solid-state phased array radar system designed to detect, classify, track and determine the location of enemy indirect fire in either 360- or 90-degree modes.
Rick Herodes, Q-53 program director, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘The demonstration showed that the Q-53 radar can provide soldiers in combat real time awareness of air threats. The inherent flexibility of the Q-53’s active electronically scanned array (AESA) hardware architecture allows us to constantly evolve the Q-53’s software to deal with emerging threats. This demonstration provided further verification that the Q-53 enables the warfighter to stay ahead of changing global threats.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
