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AN/SPS-43

Description of the radar set, tactical-technical characteristics

Figure 1: AN/SPS-43

Figure 1: AN/SPS-43

Specifications
frequency: 200 MHz
(VHF-band)
pulse repetition time (PRT):
pulse repetition frequency (PRF):
pulsewidth (τ):
receiving time:
dead time:
peak power: 180 kW
average power:
instrumented range: 300 NM (≙ 555 km)
range resolution:
accuracy:
beamwidth:
hits per scan:
antenna rotation:
MTBCF:
MTTR:

AN/SPS-43

AN/SPS-43 (aka “Bedspring Radar” or “Giant Bedspring”) was a ship-based, 2-dimensional, air-search radar operating in VHF- and used for guided-missile cruisers and aircraft carriers. It uses a co-linear broadside antenna with 20 dipoles that looked like a bedspring.

It is a direct successor to AN/SPS-37 entered service in mid-1961. It used an antenna nearly identical to the earlier radar. The main difference is a greatly improved ECCM performance, the AN/SPS-43 jumps between 20 different frequencies to frustrate jamming attempts. A total of 49 of these radars were delivered during the 1960s. After several years of service with the US Navy, it was replaced by AN/SPS-49.