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AN/FPS-103

Description of the radar set, tactical-technical characteristics

Figure 1: AN/FPS-103

Specifications
frequency: 9 375 MHz
(X-Band)
pulse repetition time (PRT):
pulse repetition frequency (PRF): 400 Hz
pulsewidth (τ): 2.25 µs
receiving time:
dead time:
peak power: 45 kW
average power:
instrumented range: 150 NM (≙ 280 km)
range resolution:
accuracy:
beamwidth: 2.9° or 3.6°
hits per scan:
antenna rotation:
MTBCF:
MTTR:

AN/FPS-103

AN/FPS-103 is operating in the X-Band tactical weather radar for fixed installation, which was assembled from spare parts of the airborne radar WTR-1 from Bendix.

The AN/FPS-103 was a non-quantitative radar with an echo intensity contouring capability where the contours did not represent known thresholds of the radar reflectivity factor. The display was on a PPI scope with a 12-inch cathode ray tube. It was a small radar that could be readily moved and mounted on primitive towers or the tops of buildings. The radar met wartime needs for flexibility and ease of maintenance. After 1971, FPS-103s were shipped to other locations in the Pacific and the United States or turned over to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force.