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
Country of originUnited States
No. builtMany
Type3D Air-search
Frequency2900-3100 MHz
Range
  • 60 nmi (110 km) (short range mode)
  • 245 nmi (454 km) (wide pulse) [1]
Azimuth0-360°
Power1000 kW
RelatedAN/SPS-39

Description

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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]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Friedman, Norman (1981). Naval radar. Annapolis, Md.: Naval Institute Press. p. 166. ISBN 0-87021-967-7. OCLC 8262709.
  2. ^ Mellen, Charles F. C. (October 2000). Fire Controlman, Volume 2–Fire-Control Radar Fundamentals (PDF). pp. 2-1–2-2.
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