AR-15
Description of the radar set, tactical-technical characteristics
Figure 1: AR-15 at Bournemouth Airport
(50°46'59.2" N 1°50'35.1" W)
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| frequency: | S band |
| pulse repetition time (PRT): | |
| pulse repetition frequency (PRF): | |
| pulsewidth (τ): | |
| receiving time: | |
| dead time: | |
| peak power: | 2 × 600 kW |
| average power: | |
| instrumented range: | 80 NM (≙ 150 km) |
| range resolution: | |
| accuracy: | |
| beamwidth: | 1.4° |
| hits per scan: | |
| antenna rotation: | 15 rpm |
| MTBCF: | |
| MTTR: | |
AR-15
The AR-15 was an air traffic control radar operating in S band with frequency diversity. The transmitter used MG5237A electromotive tunable magnetrons.
Modernization to the type AR-15-2 included a second receive channel for the reception at high altitudes with a passive horn and an adapter for a coaxial cable. The antenna pattern of this channel was about 5° above the previous horn and reduced the influence of fixed targets. At the receiver’s input there was a low-noise parametric RF preamplifier with a noise figure of less than 2.5 dB. This modernization increased the range from 60 to 80 nautical miles.
The radar entered service in the early 1970s. About 55 radars of this type were produced, and some remained in service until the mid-1990s. The last one in existence is still in operation at Cambridge Airport[1] (52°12'03.1" N 0°10'39.5" E). It is being replaced imminently by a Thales Star NG .[1]
Picture gallery of AR-15
Figure 2: Previev of a video on Youtube
Source:
- Bob Mcnair (Air traffic Engineer)