Lockheed Martin’s AN / TPQ-53 counterfire radar has successfully identified and tracked unmanned aerial systems (UAS) during the the US Army’s Maneuver and Fires Integration Experiment (MFIX).
In a demonstration, the radar identified and tracked several UASs, and provided information to Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control.
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The solid-state phased array radar system also supplied accurate targeting data on rockets, artillery and mortars.
Lockheed Martin Q-53 programme director Rick Herodes 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."
The Q-53 can be readily adapted to provide both air surveillance and counter fire target acquisition in one tactical sensor.
To date, Lockheed has won contracts for more than 100 radars and delivered more than 60 systems to the US Army, replacing the ageing AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37 medium-range radars.
The army is expected to award a full-rate production contract this year, bringing the number of systems to more than 170.
Lockheed produces Q-53 radars at its facilities in Syracuse and Owego, New York, Moorestown, New Jersey, and Clearwater, Florida, US.
Image: The AN/TPQ-53 radar can be rapidly deployed, automatically levelled and remotely operated. Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin.
