US Army integrates Q-53 multi-mission radar into its command and control system

News, US November 3, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

The U.S. Army integrated AN/TPQ-53 (Q-53) Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) into its command and control system. The radar successfully provided tracking data to launch a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) defeat system in Yuma, Arizona.

According to the Lockheed Martin statement, during the demonstration, the Q-53 integrated with the Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system to serve as the primary fire control source for the Coyote Block 2 C-UAS defeat system during testing in Yuma.

Lockheed Martin Army Radars program director David Kenneweg said that “The Q-53 radar has a long history of exceeding Army requirements and adapting to their evolving missions. This recent testing milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to enhance and upgrade the system capability.”

Kenneweg added that “The Army’s Q-53 MMR can enhance air surveillance capabilities and integrate with C2 systems and broader weapon systems, enabling Soldiers to detect threats and make decisions faster.”

The Q-53 radar is developed by American defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin and is best suited for the C-UAS mission as it can be rapidly deployed. The radar has high reliability and can detect, track and identify the location of enemy indirect fire, including mortars, rockets, and artillery, in either 90 or 360-degree modes.

Lockheed Martin describes Q-53 as a radar that can support counter-insurgency missions as well as high-intensity combat operations. Its system is highly mobile on the battlefield; it can be set up in five minutes, taken down in two minutes, and supports two-man operations.

*^{U.S. Army’s AN/TPQ-53 (Q-53) Multi-Mission Radar demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, United States. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

Earlier in 2021, Lockheed Martin’s Army Radars team director Mark Mekker highlighted in his statement that the company is proud to keep Q-53 relevant in the mission and provide unmatched advantages. “Having the reputation as the most modern radar deployed today sets the bar for all others to follow. The platform was built to enhance and upgrade along the way, giving it a shelf life that far exceeds all predecessors,” Mekker added.

In July 2021, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a significant follow-on contract to demonstrate the ability of the Q-53 radars to enhance future capability and maintain superior performance. So far, Lockheed Martin has delivered 195 Q-53 radars to the U.S. Army and international partners.

The United States is continuously working to enhance the radar’s capabilities and performance by upgrading Q-53 to support Long Range Precision Fires and Air and Missile Defense missions.