Trust Automation has been contracted by Lockheed Martin to provide a motion control system for its AN/TPQ-53 (Q-53) counterfire target acquisition radar (CTAR).

The company's fifth manufacturing contract with Lockheed involves work on the Q-53's rugged vehicle automation system.

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The Q-53 is said to detect and track the location of enemy indirect fire in either 360° or 90° modes, therefore providing enhanced protection to soldiers.

It can be adapted for harsh environments and changing missions to provide both air surveillance and counter-rocket, artillery, mortar (C-RAM) in one tactical sensor.

Trust Automation Business Development vice-president Craig Von Ilten said: "We are thrilled to maintain the commitment and confidence from Lockheed Martin with the award of our fifth contract to deliver Q-53 systems.

"We are honoured to support our troops with the most innovative and reliable technology available."

"We are honoured to support our troops with the most innovative and reliable technology available."

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The Q-53 has been developed to replace the ageing AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37 medium-range radars currently in service with the US Army.

Its active electronically scanned array antenna provides a foundation for multi-mission capabilities, Lockheed said in a statement.

Lockheed Martin has already secured contracts to supply 104 Q-53 units.

Trust Automation was recently awarded contracts to supply systems for TPS-77 multi-role radars and the multi-mission launcher (MML) for the US Army.


Image: Trust Automation continues to provide motion control systems for Lockheed Martin's Q-53 radar. Photo: courtesy of PRNewsFoto / Trust Automation.

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