The MK-74 Tartar Fire Control System has been continually upgraded to meet current threats, and Mod 14/15 systems are deployed CGN-36,-37,-40,-41, and DDG-993 class ships. The MK-74 target tracking illuminating system supports Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) guidance to the maximum range of SM-2. The integrated X-Band Continuous Wave Illumination (CWI) function supports terminal illumination, rear reference, and uplink requirements of SM-2. The Mk74 is deployed on a number of ship types and in various configurations around the world. The Mod 15 adds X-Band Continuous Wave Acquisition and Track (CWAT) capability through a new 5-channel receiver, receiver antenna, and advanced signal processor.
The GMFCS consists of three major equipment groups and associated auxiliary components: the radar transmitter group, continuous-wave illuminator group, director group, and auxiliary equipment. The radar transmitter group includes a receiver-transmitter unit which generates, amplifies and transmits RF energy for target acquisition and tracking. The receiver-transmitter accepts all signal returns and is frequency agile. The antenna assembly forms monopulse beams for tracking, a pencil beam for missile homing on reflected illumination, and a shaped, wide angle beam for missile rear reference and uplink communication. An ECM horn is mounted on the antenna to provide electronic countermeasures information. The radar set console provides displays and controls for operator supervision of tactical operation and test functions. The radar data processor portion of the transmitter group is the central control processor. Additionally, the processor accepts designation and engagement control orders, positions the director, and performs data extraction. The GMFCS has an operational software program resident in the radar data processor that controls most of the operation of the fire control system. The continuous-wave illuminator group transmits RF to illuminate the target for STANDARD missiles. To support the transmission of coded uplink messages to in-flight STANDARD missiles, the CWI transmitter provides frequency shift modulation of the signal. The director group positions the radar antenna in reponse to radar data processor orders. Director train is unlimited with elevation limited between -30 degrees and +83 degrees in the vertical. The auxiliary group provides a computer display terminal that includes a CRT display and a data entry keyboard for operator communication with the radar data processor. Information such as analog, logical, and digital data, equipment status, radar performance and test results can be displayed on the CRT. A hardcopy unit provides a printed copy of the CRT display. The auxiliary group also includes a CWI test set for determining signal validity.