AN/TPQ-36

The AN/TPQ-36 is a highly mobile, X-band, medium-range, combat-proven Firefinder radar system. A Firefinder radar provides information about enemy artillery, mortars and rocket launchers location for the counterattack. It can detect and report the position of up to 10 different weapons in seconds, at a maximum range of 24 kilometers. A rocket launcher can be located at a maximum range of 24 kilometers, while a howitzer can be located at a maximum range of 18 kilometers. The AN/TPQ-36 is so rapid that the position of the enemy often is determined before the projectile impacts. The system automatically corrects altitude differences using computer-stored digital maps. The TPQ-36 is so automatic that, once set up, it does not require an operator. In addition, the system provides high operational availability and reduced maintenance costs. The TPQ-36 consists of an antenna-receiver trailer, a generator, and an operator control shelter containing computers, communications and other equipment. The control shelter weighs about 2,500 pounds and can be placed up to 50 meters away from the antenna. The control shelter can be used on the longer-range Firefinder radar TPQ-37 with only minor software changes. The TPQ-36 is carried on HMMWV vehicles, but many other vehicles are suitable for the job. The mobile TPQ-36 Firefinder system can be set up in just 15 minutes, and removed and moving from the set up location in just 5 minutes. It is typically located close to the forward battle line in direct support of brigade operations. When deployed, the AN/TPQ-36 stationary antenna creates an electronic radar curtain over a 90° area. Any target penetrating the curtain is detected, tracked and verified, while the system remains ready for another potential target. The TPQ-36 can also provide a 360° coverage, in which it will search one sector for a short period and afterwards it will return to another sector. The AN/TPQ-36(V)8 is the most recent upgraded model. The TPQ-36 is operated by the US Army (22) and the USMC (22), Portugal (2) and Turkey (4) which also purchased the -36(V)8 version. On 1 August 2005, ThalesRaytheonSystems - a joint venture between Raytheon and Thales - was awarded a $130 million contract to provide spare parts to support the TPQ-36 and TPQ-37 fire finder radars fielded by the US Army. Including this contract, the US Army has awarded $220 million to support both weapon locating systems. Deliveries of the 18,500 spare parts began in June 2005 and were expected to conclude by December 2007.

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