SUMMARY
In chapter 1, you reviewed the basics of the theory
of radar operation. In this chapter, you learned some
basics about specific equipment used in the fleet.
You now know which missions, on what types of
ships, are supported by surface search and navigation
radars, such as the AN/SPS-67(V), the AN/SPS-64(V)9,
and the AN/SPS-55. You are aware of some of the
special operating, maintenance, and safety features of
these radars. You can identify, during troubleshooting,
which systems they interface with.
You learned the same types of things about the 2D
air search radars used by the Navy, such as the
AN/SPS-49(V), the AN/SPS-40B/C/D/E, and the
AN/SPS-65(V) aboard ships and the AN/GPN-27
(ASR) at shore installations. These are air search radars
that you will maintain.
Although the FCs will usually maintain the 3D
radars aboard your ship, you must understand how they
operate in the scheme of the overall radar mission.
Knowledge of carrier controlled approach and
ground controlled approach radar systems such as the
AN/SPN-46(V) and the AN/FPN-63 is essential in the
high-tech warfare we use today. Successful air strikes
and air cover are the key to any military victory.
Multipurpose consoles are replacing many of the
radar repeaters on Naval Tactical Data Systems (NTDS)
equipped ships.
But, radar repeaters still serve as a
back-up to the consoles used on NTDS ships and are
irreplaceable on non-NTDS ships. So, it is still
necessary that you know radar information is provided
by displays such as radar indicators. The A scope
(range-only indicator) is used primarily by the
maintenance personnel to evaluate the operation of the
radar. The PPI scope (range-azimuth indicator) is the
most commom usually consisting of a Radar Display
and Distribution System, including the AN/SPA-25G
Indicator, the CV-3989/SP Signal Data Converter, and
the SB-4229/SP switchboard.
The RHI scope
(range-height indicator) is used with height-finding
radars to obtain and display altitude information.
The Handbook for Shipboard Surveillance Radars,
NAVSEA SE 200-AA-HBK-010, provides information
on radar fundamentals and “rules of thumb” to the level
that will allow you to interpret technical specifications
and performance statements with respect to radar
performance requirements. This is a good publication
to review if you want to make a suggestion for
improvement or modification to a radar system. This
handbook provides technical support and back-up data
for shipboard radar systems engineers. However, it also
provides fundamental and descriptive information for
Navy radar users, including radar principles and
shipboard surveillance radar characteristics.
In chapter 3, we will discuss some of the systems
that use radar information. We’ll discuss the equipment
involved with IFF and DAIR, and also look at some of
the unique maintenance concepts of the Navy Tactical
Data System (NTDS).
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