ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download

Organization and Capabilities for Fire Support within the Brigade Combat Team 1 March 2016 ATP 3-09.42 1-7 Table 1-2. Target acquisition radar capabilities Radar Unplanned Search Sector Range Optimized to Detect Number of Radars Organic To ABCT SBCT IBCT AN/TPQ-36 1 1600 mils 0.75-24km Shorter range, high- angle, lower velocity weapons such as mortars and shorter- range artillery (1) (1) (1) Cannon Field Artillery Battalion AN/TPQ-37 1 1600 mils 3-50 km Longer range, low angle, higher velocity weapons such as long- range artillery and rockets. (1) (1) (0) Cannon Field Artillery Battalion AN/TPQ-50 2 6400 mils 0.5-10 km Shorter range, high- angle, lower velocity weapons such as mortars 4 4 4 Cannon Field Artillery Battalion AN/TPQ-53 3 1600 mils 60 km Longer range, low angle, higher velocity weapons such as long- range artillery and rockets (2) (2) (1) When fully fielded, will replace both the AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37 radars 6400 mils 20 km Shorter range, high- angle, lower velocity weapons such as mortars and shorter- range artillery Note 1: Information on the AN/TPQ-36 and -37 is found in ATP 3-09.12. Note 2: The AN/TPQ-50 Lightweight Counterfire Radar allows the detection, location and classification of threat indirect fire such as mortars, cannon field artillery, and rockets. The capabilities of the AN/TPQ-50 and the AN/TPQ-53 are similar in the sense that they both can detect in 360 degrees the same types of indirect fire although the AN/TPQ-50 has a much shorter range, Because of the AN/TPQ-50’s smaller size, however, they can be positioned in a location where a detection capability is required much more quickly than the larger radars. Note 3: The AN/TPQ-53 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar is a mobile radar set that automatically locates single or multiple threat mortar, artillery, and rocket launched weapons. The AN/TPQ-53 can provide a net-ready system with increased range and accuracy throughout a 1600 mils search sector as well as 6400 mils coverage for locating mortar, artillery, and rocket firing positions. The AN/TPQ-53, currently in fielding, will replace the AN/TPQ-36 and -37 radars. Note: Because the AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37 radars cannot radiate in friendly fire mode (used only for indirect fire registration missions) and hostile fire mode at the same time, the commander must issue specific guidance as to when the friendly fire mode should be used. However, the AN/TPQ-50 and AN/TPQ-53 radars can radiate while performing both missions. The Q-53 must be in the 1600 mils mode to perform concurrent friendly and hostile missions. ABCT – armored brigade combat team AN/TPQ – Army/Navy (Marine) transportable radar special purpose (multipurpose) IBCT – infantry brigade combat team km – kilometers SBCT – Stryker brigade combat team 1-35. To increase counterfire responsiveness, radars can be linked digitally and via voice directly to dedicated firing units or given quick-fire channels. Additionally, radars in friendly fire mode can assist in registering friendly indirect fires by providing accurate actual burst, datum-plane, or predicted-impact location data; enabling friendly firing elements to determine registration corrections for nonstandard conditions. This secondary task is performed only when the commander deems it absolutely necessary since it takes the radar away from its primary mission and exposes its location—any time the radar is radiating it is vulnerable to hostile acquisition. This secondary task determination is made based on mission variables of METT-TC, availability of observers, and the ability of the supported unit to meet the requirements for accurate fire. 1-36. The target acquisition platoon deploys in whole or part within tailored force packages. Once in theater, the cannon field artillery battalion controls the employment of the platoon and any additional counterfire radars augmenting the BCT. Counterfire radars require external security assets provided by the supported unit. For greater detail on field artillery weapon locating radar organization, capabilities, and employment see ATP 3-09.12.