ATP-3-09-12 Field Artillery Counterfire and Weapons Locating Radar Operations Download
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26 October 2021 ATP 3-09.12 J-1 Appendix J AN/TPQ-36 Weapons Locating Radar Systems Characteristics and Employment This chapter discusses characteristics and employment techniques for the AN/TPQ36 WLRs. The AN/TPQ-36 is optimized to locate shorter range, high-angle and lower velocity weapons, mortars, and shorter range artillery. It also can locate longer range cannons and rockets within its maximum range. While detecting mortars and artillery, the AN/TPQ-36’s higher probability of detection extends to approximately 14,500 meters for artillery and 18,000 meters for mortars. Rockets can be detected with reasonable probability out to 24,000 meters. The AN/TPQ-36 can search up to 6400 mils (not simultaneously) by using the extended azimuth search function in which the computer automatically traverses the antenna from two to four positions and performs target location. SECTION I – CHARACTERISTICS AND EMPLOYMENT OPERATIONS CONTROL GROUP J-1. The operations control group (OCG) is the focal point for operating the AN/TPQ-36. The OCG consists of the shelter mounted on a vehicle with the shelter cable set. The shelter cable set consists of two 50-foot cables. These cables connect the shelter to the ATG. One cable is a power cable that provides power from the ATG to the shelter. The second cable is a data cable that allows data exchange between the antenna and the shelter. The cables are stored on cable spools attached to the back of the shelter during movement. An alternate method of storing the cables is to place them in the utility vehicle bed under the shelter. This allows the cables to remain connected to the shelter during movement. This technique is often used since it shortens the emplacement time. ANTENNA TRANSCEIVER GROUP J-2. The ATG consists of the antenna, MAPS-H, a modified antenna trailer, radiating elements and associated feed, receiver preamplifiers, receiver protectors, azimuth and elevation positioning circuits, beam steering circuits, tilt sensor, and boresight telescope. The antenna is erected to the vertical position during operations and lowered to the horizontal position for transport. The OCG prime mover tows the ATG during movement. The modified trailer is equipped with the medium track suspension system. MAPS-H is a GPS aided, inertial surveying system, designed for use in the ground mobile environment. It provides the AN/TPQ-36 with an on-board position location and survey capability. MAPS-H uses a vehicle motion system to determine the location of the AN/TPQ-36 antenna. POWER DISTRIBUTION GROUP J-3. The power distribution group (PDG) consists of generator mounted on a prime mover, and the prime power cable. The generator is a 400 hertz, 60 kilowatt, precise power tactical quite generator mounted on a special pallet. The prime power cable is contained on a spool that is mounted on the left rear of the generator pallet. The prime power cable is a 32m cable that connects the PDG generator to the ATG via a power distribution box with an eight meter cable. This allows the PDG to be positioned up to 30 meters from the ATG, given the requirement for 10m of slack in the cable.