Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array
.jpg?lang=en) AN/APG-78 Longbow radar on a JGSDF AH-64D Apache | |
| Country of origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman |
| Introduced | 1998 |
| Type | Millimeter-wave fire-control radar |
| Frequency | Ka band |
| Range | 5.0 mi (8 km)[1] |
The AN/APG-78 Longbow is a millimeter-wave fire-control radar (FCR) system for the AH-64D/E Apache attack helicopter. The radar is produced by Longbow LLC, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.[1]
The AN/APG-78 Longbow is a millimeter-wave fire-control radar (FCR) system for the AH-64D/E Apache attack helicopter. The radar is produced by Longbow LLC, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.[1]
Design and development
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In the 1990s, Australia recognized a need for an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. In 1996, Australia issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the aircraft for the RAAF under Project Wedgetail,[2] referring to the Wedge-tailed eagle.[citation needed] In 1999, Australia awarded Boeing Integrated Defense Systems a contract to supply four AEW&C aircraft with options for three additional aircraft.[citation needed]
The 737 AEW&C is roughly similar to the 737-700ER. It uses the Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar. The L band (1 to 2 GHz) electronically scanned AEW and surveillance radar is located on a dorsal fin on top of the fuselage, dubbed the "top hat", and is designed for minimal aerodynamic effect. The radar is capable of simultaneous air and sea search, fighter control and area search, with a maximum range of over 600 km (look-up mode). When operating in look-down mode against fighter-sized target, the maximum range is in excess of 370 km. When used against maritime targets, the maximum range is over 240 km for frigate-sized targets. MESA is capable of simultaneously tracking 180 targets and conducting 24 intercepts. In addition, the radar antenna array is also doubled as an ELINT array, with a maximum range of over 850 km at 9,000 metres (30,000 ft) altitude.[3] The 10.8 m long by 3.4 m high antenna assembly incorporates 7.3 m long by 2.7 m high Side-Emitting Electronic Manifold array, with the top hat supporting array providing 120° coverage on port and starboard side, while the top hat array itself provides 60° fore and aft, thus providing a complete 360° coverage. The radar's beam can be set for a 2° to 8° width, while scan duration can be set from 3 s to 40 s. Radar signal processing equipment and central computer are installed directly below the antenna array.[4]
Other modifications include ventral fins to counterbalance the radar and countermeasures mounted on the nose, wingtips and tail. In-flight refueling is via a receptacle on top of the forward fuselage. The cabin features eight operator consoles with sufficient space for four more; the Australian fleet will operate ten consoles with space for two more (four on starboard side and six on the port side).[5] Northrop Grumman's MESA radar also formed the basis for the same company's Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) which was developed for the United States Air Force's E-10 MC2A aircraft.[citation needed]
Applications
- AgustaWestland Apache Longbow
- Bell AH-1Z Viper (option)
- Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow
- Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian
- Boeing–Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche (canceled)
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Longbow FCR Product Card" (PDF). Lockheed Martin. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ^ "AIR 5077 - Project Wedgetail" Archived 27 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Defence Materiel Organisation
- ^ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's - IHS". janes.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
- ^ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's - IHS". janes.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
- ^ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's - IHS". janes.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
External links
Category:Aircraft radars Category:Military radars of the United States Category:Military electronics of the United States Category:Northrop Grumman radars