AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel
The AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel is a 3D radar used to alert and cue Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) weapons to the locations of hostile targets approaching their front line forces. The Sentinel radar is deployed with forward area air defense units of the U.S. Army. First built in 2003, it is an X-band range-gated, pulse-Doppler radar system. The antenna uses phase-frequency electronic scanning technology, forming sharp 3D pencil beams covering large surveillance and track volume. The radar automatically acquires, tracks, classifies, identifies and reports targets, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and both  rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. It uses a high scan rate (30 RPM) and operates at an effective range of . The radar is designed with high resistance to electronic countermeasures (ECM). Mounted on a towed platform, it can be positioned remotely from the rest of the unit, operated autonomously and communicate with the Fire Direction Center (FDC) via wideband fiber-optic link. It can also distribute its data over a SINCGARS radio network. Upgraded version : AN/MPQ-64F1 Improved Sentinel.. 1. Under an ongoing product modernization program, Sentinel is equipped with new, modern COTS-based electronics which ensures greater performance while  implementing a low risk technology insertion. This Improved Sentinel Radar provides a significant range extension improvement. 2. The Army has designated the Sentinel radar as an objective force system (to remain in the field until 2030) and has developed a modernization plan to meet those requirements. 3. Multi Mode Sentinel: New operational mode developed for acquisition and tracking of Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (RAM) Fire. Manufacturer. Before its acquisition by Raytheon, the Hughes Aircraft Co. developed the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar at its plant in Fullerton, California, and manufactures it at its facility in Forest, Mississippi. AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel The