Lockheed Martin wins U.S. Army contract to deliver AN/TPQ-53 Firefinder radar, formerly EQ-36
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., 2 March 2012. Lockheed Martin won from the U.S. Army Product Manager for Radars (PM RADAR) an $881 million firm-fixed-price contract to deliver its AN/TPQ-53 Firefinder radar, formerly called the EQ-36 radar and designed to provide soldiers with enhanced 360-degree protection from rocket, mortar, and artillery attacks.
The contract includes one base year, which will produce 12 systems valued at $166 million, and two option years, which could yield up to 51 systems total, says a representative.
“The Q-53 is in production and has been battlefield-proven by the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan. The radar detects, classifies, and tracks enemy indirect fire, as well as locates its source, in either 360- or 90-degree modes,” says a spokesperson. “The truck-mounted system also provides soldiers with greater mobility, automated leveling, and remote operation capabilities.”
The AN/TPQ-53 delivers improved operational and physical functionality over existing AN/TPQ 36 radar systems, detecting in-flight projectiles at greater ranges and communicating firing point locations with a higher degree of accuracy. Its low false-alarm rate and improved coverage pattern enable more effective detection and counter-battery actions.
“The AN/TPQ-53 will bolster the level of protection for Soldiers in the field, by expanding basic counterfire radar capabilities in both 90- and 360-degree modes,” explains Lt. Col. Robert Thomas, PdM Radars. “This is a great example of the Army and Industry coming together to ultimately deliver a system that will greatly enhance situational awareness by providing the precise location of hostile indirect fire weapons.”
Product Manager Radars (PM Radars) manages battlefield radars that can detect, classify, and locate enemy mortar, artillery, rocket, and missile systems within seconds of their firing, allowing immediate and overwhelming counter-attack/response.
The contract includes training and testing support, including a Limited User Test and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.
Courtney Howard | Executive Editor
Courtney, as executive editor, enjoys writing about all things electronics and avionics in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Military & Aerospace Electronics, Avionics Intelligence, the Avionics Europe conference, and much more. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
