Lockheed Martin receives order from US Army for seven AN/TPQ-53 counter-battery radar systems 20110153.

The Lockheed Martin AN/TPQ-53 counterfire target acquisition radar is a new generation of counterfire sensor with the flexibility to adapt to uncooperative adversaries and changing missions. In today’s rapidly evolving security landscape of unconventional battlefields and irregular warfare, our soldiers need to quickly locate and neutralize mortar and rocket threats. The AN/TPQ-53 (formerly known as EQ-36) meets this challenge head on.

The solid-state phased array AN/TPQ-53 radar system or, “Q-53”, detects, classifies, tracks and determines the location of enemy indirect fire in either 360- or 90-degree modes. This innovative sensor is replacing the aging AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37 medium-range radars now in the Army’s inventory.

Mounted on its 5-ton FMTV prime mover, the Q-53 can be rapidly deployed and integrated into the tactical battlefield with heavy, medium and light forces. The Q-53 is mobile, maneuverable, fully supportable and easily maintained. The Target Acquisition Subsystem contains the radar on a single prime mover and tows the power generator. This package performs all essential missions of the Q-53 for short durations. A second prime mover carries an operations control shelter, backup power generator, and two additional soldiers to provide a sustained operations capability.

Adapting to mission requirements, soldiers can operate the Q-53 remotely using a laptop computer or from the fully equipped climate-controlled shelter. The radar’s software enables it to interface directly with the Army Battle Command Systems. The Q-53 is also IFPC (Indirect Fire Protection Capability) compatible in countering rocket, artillery, and mortar attacks.