AN/APS-147 radar
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| AN/APS-147 radar | |
|---|---|
| Name | AN/APS-147 |
| Country | United States |
| Type | Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar/Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar |
| Frequency | X band |
AN/APS-147 radar. The AN/APS-147 is an advanced airborne radar system developed for maritime patrol and surveillance missions. It is a multi-mode synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) and inverse synthetic-aperture radar (ISAR) system designed to provide high-resolution imagery of surface targets. Primarily deployed on P-3 Orion aircraft, it significantly enhances the capabilities of anti-submarine warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.
Development and variants
The development of the system was led by Raytheon under contract to the United States Navy. It evolved from earlier systems like the AN/APS-137 to meet requirements for improved over-the-horizon targeting and battle damage assessment. A key variant is the AN/APS-147(V), which incorporated enhanced signal processing and electronic counter-countermeasures capabilities. Further development led to systems like the AN/APY-10 radar, used on the P-8 Poseidon, which shares core technology. International partners, including Japan and South Korea, have also procured variants for their maritime patrol fleets.
Design and technical specifications
The radar operates in the X band, providing high-resolution imagery in various modes including SAR, ISAR, and sea surface search. Its design includes a planar array antenna and utilizes advanced pulse-Doppler techniques for detecting small targets in high sea states. The system integrates with onboard mission computers and data links, such as Link 16, to disseminate targeting information. Key features include a moving target indicator mode for tracking vessels and a coherent change detection capability for monitoring fixed areas. The hardware is designed for reliability in the demanding environment of naval aviation.
Operational history
The system entered service with the United States Navy's VP-30 and other patrol squadrons in the late 1990s. It has been extensively used in operations including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing critical surveillance over the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. The radar proved vital for monitoring maritime traffic and enforcing UN sanctions. It has also supported counter-narcotics missions in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean for agencies like the United States Coast Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration. Its performance in tracking fast attack craft and submarine periscopes has been a key asset.
Operators
The primary operator is the United States Navy, which equipped its P-3C Orion fleet. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force operates the system on its P-1 and upgraded P-3C aircraft. The Republic of Korea Navy also uses the radar on its P-3CK aircraft. Through the Foreign Military Sales program, other allied nations have acquired the technology. The system's deployment has bolstered Five Eyes intelligence-sharing capabilities and interoperability among NATO partners during exercises like RIMPAC.