LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

1. Identify and describe search radar systems associated with fire control radar.

2. Identify and describe missile and gun fire control radar systems.

3. Identify and describe other related sensor systems associated with fire control radar.

4. Describe the detect-to-engage scenario.

5. Describe the fire control problem in relationship to the detect to engage scenario.

INTRODUCTION

In the preceding chapter, you read about the basic principles of radar operation. You also read about the basic components of a radar system and their relationship to each other. This chapter deals with specific radar systems and terms associated with those systems. You must understand those terms to get the maximum benefit from the information contained in this chapter. If you don't have a good understanding of radar operation and theory, we suggest that you review the following Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series (NEETS) modules: Microwave Principles, Module 11, NAVEDTRA 172-11-00-87, and Radar Principles, Module 18, NAVEDTRA 172-18-00-84. We also suggest that you refer to the Functional Description section in your own technical manuals for the specific operation of your radar equipment.

The Fire Controlman rating deals with a large number of different radar systems, but you will probably be trained in only one or two of these systems. To help you develop a broad understanding of Fire Control radar, we will first discuss the Fire Control radars and sensors used in the Fleet today. We will do this by category: search radar, missile direction/illumination radar, multi-function radar, and optronics systems. Then we will give you an overview of upcoming developments in radar.

SEARCH RADAR

You may think the function of Fire Control radar is to lock on to and identify a specific hostile target in order to direct a weapon to destroy it. That is the function of most FC radars. However, most FC radars use a narrow beam to perform their function. This makes using FC radar for locating a target impractical, since a narrow beam can easily miss targets. Locating targets requires using a radar with a wide beam. Search radar has such a beam. Search radar provides long-range (200 nautical miles or more), 360-degree coverage. It can determine a target's range, bearing, and elevation, and can then hand over that information to the more accurate narrow-beamed FC radar. Some Fire Control systems have built-in search and track radar; others rely on completely separate search radar. In this section, we will cover the separate search radars you will see in the surface Navy. These are the AN/SPS-52C and the AN/SPS-48 series search radars.