ATP-3-09-12 Field Artillery Counterfire and Weapons Locating Radar Operations Download
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AN/TPQ-50 Weapons Locating Radar System Characteristics and Employment 26 October 2021 ATP 3-09.12 I-3 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS I-11. During planning the tactical position areas are selected based on MDMP, the range capabilities of the WLR, and METT-TC. A complete analysis of METT-TC will dictate which factors are most important. Generally, WLRs are positioned far enough from the FLOT to acquire enemy weapons and to prevent loss of personnel and equipment to enemy action. Avoiding unnecessary moves supports maximizing coverage and cueing time. I-12. The AN/TPQ-50 is usually positioned 1 to 2km behind the FLOT to support brigade counterfire. Positioning may change based on the tactical situation. PROXIMITY OF OTHER WEAPONS LOCATING RADARS I-13. Other WLR systems or active emitters can interfere with WLR coverage by attenuating or jamming the WLR beam. WLRs and emitters in close proximity, operating on the same frequency or azimuth of search may cause jamming or increase the false location rate. Inadvertent jamming can be avoided by careful planning of WLR positions. I-14. The AN/TPQ-50 performance can be degraded due to radio frequency interference from other WLRs or communications equipment; therefore, site selection should take interfering sources into consideration. High power emitters, such as air surveillance radars, can be a source of substantial interference. The AN/TPQ-50 should be placed as far away as possible from this type of interference. All sources of information should be used to determine all possible emitters in the AO to avoid interference. Note. Several air surveillance radars and Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device EW Systems operate in the same frequency band as the AN/TPQ-50. I-15. If multiple AN/TPQ-50 systems are operating in the same area, each AN/TPQ-50 system is positioned a minimum of 1000m apart and on a different frequency from the other systems. Minimum frequency separation of 30 MHz for three or less AN/TPQ-50s and minimum frequency separation of 20 MHz with more than three AN/TPQ-50s. See figures I-2, I-3 and figure I-4 for examples of operating two or more AN/TPQ-50s from the same AO. Figure I-2. AN/TPQ-50 position considerations for two weapons locating radars