Antilope
Description of the radar set, tactical-technical characteristics
Figure 1: Antilope
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| frequency: | Ku-band |
| pulse repetition time (PRT): | |
| pulse repetition frequency (PRF): | |
| pulsewidth (τ): | |
| receiving time: | |
| dead time: | |
| peak power: | |
| average power: | |
| instrumented range: | 16 NM (≙ 30 km) |
| range resolution: | |
| accuracy: | |
| beamwidth: | |
| hits per scan: | |
| antenna rotation: | |
| MTBCF: | |
| MTTR: | |
Antilope
The Antilope radar was a multi-function radar operating in Ku-band, developed for the French Mirage 2000N. Its primary use was as a terrain-following radar, allowing the Mirage to fly at just subsonic speeds at an altitude of 60 m to undercut air defenses in enemy terrain. The Antilope V version provided additional navigational assistance by comparing radar-sensed ground with digital maps. This mode enabled accurate target ranging within 8 nautical miles (≙ 15 km.
The radar used a traveling wave tube to generate the transmitters' pulse power. Radar information is displayed on a head-up display and on a three colour multimode cathode ray tube head-down display, as well as being sent to the navigation and weapon system. The antenna is a flat array antenna of waveguide slot radiators. It differs from other radar antennas used in the Mirage in having an asymmetric shape. In terrain-following radar mode, it was used similar to a ground-based height finder. A disadvantage was the less maximum range in air-to-air modes and during controlling the French nuclear warhead-equipped ASMP air-to-ground missiles.
Development took place in about 1980, with first deliveries for the French Air Force beginning in 1983 with the Mirage 2000N. The export version, Antilope 50, was delivered in 1992. A total of about 100 of these radars were produced. Production discontinued in 1994.