ATP-3-09-12 Field Artillery Counterfire and Weapons Locating Radar Operations Download
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AN/TPQ-36 Weapons Locating Radar Systems Characteristics and Employment 26 October 2021 ATP 3-09.12 J-3 MASKING J-10. The radar section chief must consider visibility and masking (for example, varied elevations, dense trees or foliage, and high buildings). This becomes of greater importance when covering a 6400 mil sector. Radar position analysis system is used to conduct site analysis and determine the optimum initialization data. Blind spots in the coverage can be determined and reported to the counterfire section for appropriate action. See appendix F for more information on the radar position analysis system. ELECTRONIC LINE OF SIGHT J-11. The overriding consideration in the selection for an AN/TPQ-36 site is electronic line of site. All WLR systems must have an electronic line of sight to the projectile being detected to acquire the weapon. However, electronic line of site to the weapon is not required. The section chief verifies electronic line of sight before occupying the site. This can be done manually or with radar position analysis system. Verifying the electronic line of sight before occupying the site can save valuable time by eliminating untenable sites. TRACK VOLUME J-12. Track volume is determined by the vertical scan of the WLR. The vertical scan can be reduced because of the terrain contour or screening crest in front of the WLR. WLRs require 50 mils of track volume to detect a projectile. The difference between the high and low mask angles should not exceed 30 mils for the AN/TPQ- 36. PLANNING FOR TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS J-13. The tactical position areas are selected based on IPB, the range capabilities of the AN/TPQ-36, and METT-TC. A complete analysis of METT-TC will dictate which factors are most important. 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. The tactical considerations for positioning the AN/TPQ-36 is generally positioned 3-6km behind the FLOT. J-14. Positioning will change based on the tactical situation. These considerations include the layout of the battlefield contiguous or non-contiguous, or linear and non-linear. PROXIMITY OF OTHER WEAPONS LOCATING RADARS J-15. Other WLR systems or active emitters can interfere with WLR coverage by attenuating or jamming the WLR beam. WLRs and emitters close in proximity or azimuth of search may cause jamming. Inadvertent jamming can be avoided by careful planning of WLR positions. J-16. When two or more AN/TPQ-36s are operating in the same area they must be separated by at least 250 meters. CABLE LENGTHS J-17. Cable lengths must be considered when selecting a WLR site. The cables determine the maximum extent to which the components of the WLR can be dispersed. The location of system components is determined by terrain contour, foliage, site access, and threat. Ideally, the WLR components should be positioned to take advantage of naturally available cover and concealment. Nonetheless, cable lengths may dictate the actual positions. J-18. Based on these lengths, the AN/TPQ-36's OCG can be placed up to 40m from the ATG and 30 meters from the PDG. The remote control display terminal can be located up to 90m from the shelter when using both control display terminal cables. Emplacement of system components must allow for 10m of slack in the cables to prevent damage to cable heads and connectors.