AN/PPS-5A/B
Description of the radar set, tactical-technical characteristics

Figure 1: AN/PPS-5A
Specifications | |
---|---|
frequency: | 16 … 16.5 GHz
(J-Band) |
pulse repetition time (PRT): | |
pulse repetition frequency (PRF): | 4 kHz |
pulsewidth (τ): | 0.25 µs |
receiving time: | |
dead time: | |
peak power: | |
average power: | |
instrumented range: | 10 km |
range resolution: | |
accuracy: | ± 20 m; |
beamwidth: | 1.1° |
hits per scan: | |
antenna rotation: | |
MTBCF: | |
MTTR: |
AN/PPS-5A/B
AN/PPS-5A was operating in J-Band lightweight, man-portable, battery-powered, ground surveillance radar for use by military units such as infantry and tank battalions. AN/PPS-5A is a pulse Doppler radar using a magnetron tube as RF-generator. The operating principle is based on the use of Doppler frequency shift for detection of moving targets and the technology of so-called external coherence. The sets detected the difference in frequency between the echoes reflected from stationary objects and the echoes reflected from moving objects, and presented this information aurally as a target indication to the radar operator. The system allows the detection of moving targets, the evaluation of their distance and azimuth angle.
The radar was delivered in 1975 and was in use until 2005. It was intended to replace the outdated close range reconnaissance radar AN/PPS-4 in the troops.
The AN/PPS-5B is an improved version of AN/PPS-5 with its maximum range extended to 20 km. It featured a solid-state transmitter, and targets can be displayed both aurally and visually. The radar got an A-scope that could operate up to 15 m away from the radar antenna.
The AN/PPS-5B radars were equipped with modern signal-processing capabilities implemented by Lincoln Laboratory, and were renamed AN/TPS-5X radars.