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JSTARS

Description of the radar set, tactical-technical characteristics

Figure 1: Northrop Grumman E-8 JSTARS

Figure 1: Northrop Grumman E-8 JSTARS

Specifications
frequency: X-Band
pulse repetition time (PRT):
pulse repetition frequency (PRF):
pulsewidth (τ):
receiving time:
dead time:
peak power:
average power:
instrumented range: 124 NM (≙ 230 km)
range resolution:
accuracy:
beamwidth:
hits per scan:
antenna rotation:
MTBCF:
MTTR:

JSTARS

The AN/APY-3(V) JSTARS Radar (Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar) is a high performance, operating in X-Band side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) designed to detect, locate, and classify ground targets.

The passive phased array antenna is located in a 26-foot radome mounted under the forward fuselage of the aircraft. It is divided into three 8-foot sections. The antenna can be tilted for a 120 degree to either side of the plane.

The radar is a developement of the 1970s. It got an enhanced update in 2005. The improved APY-3 was renamend to AN/APY-7 and it is a solid state version that adopts active electronically scanned array technology. No further development took place because the use of unmanned surveillance drones with smaller, lighter radars was more effective.