Summary
The AN/SPS-52 is a United States Navy long-range air search 3D radar that is capable of providing contact bearing, range and altitude. It was used on Baleares and Brooke-class frigates, Charles F. Adams and Hatakaze-class destroyers, Tarawa and Wasp-class amphibious assault ships, Galveston, and Providence-class cruisers and other ships. It was replaced by the AN/SPS-48 on newer ships and ships that received upgrades. The antenna is mechanically rotated for azimuth but electronically scanned for elevation.
 AN/SPS-52 on USS Ramsey (FFG-2) | |
| Country of origin | United States |
|---|---|
| No. built | Many |
| Type | 3D Air-search |
| Frequency | 2900-3100 MHz |
| Range |
|
| Azimuth | 0-360° |
| Power | 1000 kW |
| Related | AN/SPS-39 |
Description edit
The AN/SPS-52 was a development of the AN/SPS-39, incorporating a new planar antenna, a parametric amplifier, and a wide-pulse feature for longer range. It is externally indistinguishable from SPS-39 with the Series III field change.[1]
The AN/SPA-72B antenna used by the AN/SPS-52 is a planar array, tilted back 25 degrees to allow for high-elevation coverage. The array is a collection of rows of slotted waveguides, fed from a feed system running the length of one side of the total wave assembly. Scanning in the vertical plane is achieved by feeding the antenna different frequencies.
As of the AN/SPS-52C revision, this radar has four modes of operation: high angle, long range, high data rate, and Moving Target Indicator (MTI). The primary mode is high angle, which provides coverage to approximately 180 miles and elevation up to 45°. In the long range mode, the radar has a range of approximately 300 miles and an elevation of approximately 13°. The high data rate mode has a range of approximately 110 miles with an elevation of approximately 45° and is used to acquire pop-up and close-in targets quickly. The MTI mode provides coverage up to 70 miles and up to 38 degrees and is intended for high-clutter environments.[1][2]
Gallery edit
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Late AN/SPS-39 installation on USS Richard E. Byrd (DDG-23) using same AN/SPA-72 antenna as AN/SPS-52
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Mellen, Charles F. C. (October 2000). Fire Controlman, Volume 2–Fire-Control Radar Fundamentals (PDF). pp. 2-1–2-2.
External links edit
- GlobalSecurity AN/SPS-52
- Firecontrolman - SPS-52 section - via Tpub