ACQUISITION CATEGORY: III
ACQUISITION PHASE: MS IV Operations/Support
PE & LINE #: SSN: BZ7325
DESCRIPTION: The AN/TPQ-37 is a mobile Phased Array Artillery Locating Radar System. The operations shelter is identical to that used with the AN/TPQ-36(V)5 and consists of an Operations Control Group mounted on an M-35 series Truck, and the MEP-115A, 60 kilowatt, 400 hertz Generator Set mounted on a 5-ton Truck. This truck also tows the Antenna Transceiver Group consisting of the Phased Array Antenna, Transmitter, Receiver and associated electronics mounted on the M-1048 Trailer, a 6-ton four wheel flatbed Cargo Trailer. Two AN/TPQ-37s are assigned to the Target Acquisition Battery of each division and employed with the AN/TPQ-36. The AN/TPQ-37 is larger than the AN/TPQ-36 and its target acquisition range is greater. The system uses a combination of radar techniques and computer controlled functions to detect and accurately locate enemy artillery and rocket weapons to permit rapid engagement with counterfire.
TRANSPORTATION CHARACTERISTICS / LIMITATIONS: No transportability issues exist.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
Jun 72 DA approved Materiel Need Statement; contract Research and Development award.
Dec 76 Low Rate contract award.
May 81 Full Scale Production contract award.
Feb 83 Initial Operational Capability (IOC) complete, Europe.
Feb 86 Production complete for Army.
Apr 92 Last U.S. fielding.
REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT: Mission Need Statement, 1 Jun 78.
TYPE CLASSIFICATION: Standard approved 18 Feb 81.
The AN/TPQ-37(V)6 is a long range radar which can locate artillery and rockets within the accuracy of the weapons systems. It was used extensively during Operation Desert Storm. The system is fast and accurate but lacked mobility. It has to be broken down to airlift it in anything smaller than a C-5.
The AN/TPQ-37(V)8 corrects most of the short comings of the (V)6 at a minimum of cost. In this version C-130 roll-on/roll-off is fixed by adding a mobility package. The Antenna can now be rolled off its trailer directly onto the ramp of a C-130. The generator pallet (not shown) also has that capability. No special equipment is required. To fix the problem of the lack of maneuverability encountered during Operation Desert Storm, a Medium Tracked Suspension System (MTSS) was added. The S-250 shelter was moved to a M1097 Heavy HMMWV and self-survey capability was added by installing a Modular Azimuth Positioning System (MAPS). Memory keep alive circuits were added as in the AN/TPQ-36(V)7. Finally, the life cycle of the system was increased by swapping the old cooler and components for a redesigned cooler. Fielding was completed by third quarter 1997.