Sign in Subscribe
Soldiers

Thales Raytheon Systems Delivers First of 21 Radar Systems to U.S. Marine Corps

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The U.S. Marine Corps has taken delivery of the first of 21 weapon locating radars, designed to improve enemy fire detection and location. The AN/TPQ-46B radar, a lightweight and highly mobile system, is the Marine Corps' version of the U.S. Army's AN/TPQ-36(V)10 radar. This delivery is part of a contract to support the Marine Corps' recent force size build-up from 175,000 to 202,000 Marines. The radars, equipped with a reliable and powerful (V)10 radar processor, will significantly enhance the Marine Corps' tactical capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Marine Corps has received the first of 21 AN/TPQ-46B weapon locating radars, a lightweight and highly mobile system designed to improve enemy fire detection and location.
  • The AN/TPQ-46B radar is the Marine Corps' version of the U.S. Army's AN/TPQ-36(V)10 radar, which has been used by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and 14 foreign countries worldwide.
  • The radars are part of a contract to support the Marine Corps' recent force size build-up from 175,000 to 202,000 Marines.
  • The contract includes the delivery of ten spare antenna arrays for the U.S. Army.
  • The AN/TPQ-46B radar accurately, rapidly, and automatically locates short- and medium-range enemy mortars, artillery, and rocket launchers.
  • The radar system is expected to enhance the Marine Corps' tactical capabilities, allowing friendly forces to return fire.
  • The AN/TPQ-46B radar is being produced by Thales Raytheon Systems at their Forest, Miss., facility, with work continuing through October 2010.
  • The delivery of the first radar system marks an important milestone in the Marine Corps' efforts to enhance its tactical capabilities.

Statistics:

  • 21 AN/TPQ-46B radar systems will be delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the contract.
  • The U.S. Marine Corps' inventory will increase to almost 50 AN/TPQ-46 systems, supporting the recent force size build-up.
  • More than 250 AN/TPQ-36 radars are currently in use by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and 14 foreign countries worldwide.
  • The AN/TPQ-36(V)10 radar processor is a reliable and powerful system, essential for the radar's accurate and rapid enemy location capabilities.

Sources:

  • "Thales Raytheon Systems Delivers First of 21 Radar Systems to U.S. Marine Corps" (Euclid Infotech, 2009)
  • Contify.com

Read more