AN/APS-153(V) Multi-Mode Radar for Maritime Helicopters

-

 

Photo Credit: TELEPHONICS

Overview

  • Designed and developed by Telephonics
  • Built to meet the demanding maritime performance requirements of the U.S. Navy MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter
  • Provides persistent littoral and maritime domain awareness

Key Design Features

  • Rugged and lightweight
  • Low-prime power consumption
  • Extremely small target detection capability
  • High-resolution imaging
  • Long-range surface search
Photo Credit: TELEPHONICS

Mission Support Capabilities

  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
  • Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
  • C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance)
  • Surface surveillance
  • Maritime interdiction
  • Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) / Search and Rescue (SAR)
  • Medical evacuation (MedEvac)
  • Logistical support
  • Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
  • Battle damage assessment
  • Naval surface fire support

Imaging Capabilities

  • Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) mode
    • Enables classification of moving ship targets under night or restricted visibility
    • Allows operation outside visual and lethal range of potential enemies
    • Provides identification when combined with other intelligence sources

Modes of Operation

  • Long-range and short-range search
  • ISAR imaging
  • Small target and periscope detection
  • Short-range Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
  • Navigation support

Mission System Integration

  • Fully integrated into the MH-60R Common Cockpit™ avionics suite by Lockheed Martin
  • Controlled through the aircraft’s mission computer
  • Radar returns displayed on 8 x 10 in. color multi-function displays
  • Provides independent radar views for crew members

IFF Interrogator

  • Integrated internally into the Weapons Replacement Assembly (WRA)
  • Saves weight and space
  • Supports Mark XII IFF modes 1, 2, 3A, and 4
  • Enhances situational awareness by identifying friendly platforms

Shipboard Operations

  • Operates from small combatants to large aircraft carriers
  • C-band data link provides shipboard personnel with the same radar picture as the flight crew
  • Built to withstand harsh maritime conditions and helicopter vibration environments

Upgrades Underway

  • Low Probability of Intercept (POI)
  • ISAR automatic classification aids
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
  • Mode 5 / Mode S IFF
  • Weather detection and monitoring


Popular News

L3Harris Advances MK-48 Torpedo Tech with New Fiber-Optic Cable for U.S. Navy

-
Image
L3Harris Technologies has successfully passed a critical milestone in the development of its advanced fiber-optic torpedo cable system, known as the Improved Post-Launch Communications System (IPLCS). This achievement, marked by the completion of the Proof of Design (POD) phase, signals a significant leap forward in undersea warfare capabilities for allied naval forces. The IPLCS is now poised to enter full-scale production, ready to be deployed by both the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. Photo: l3harris.com The IPLCS represents a transformative upgrade over legacy copper wire systems traditionally used to guide torpedoes. By replacing outdated copper cables with ultra-thin fiber-optic lines—comparable in thickness to a 20-pound fishing line—L3Harris has introduced a solution that is exponentially more capable. Despite its slender profile, the fiber-optic cable offers thousands of times more bandwidth, vastly improved reliability, and extended communication range. Th...
Read more »

BOXER Skyranger30

-
Image
  Photo Credit: RHEINMETALL Overview Highly mobile air defence system designed to counter drones and aerial threats. Integrates active search and passive tracking sensors. Equipped with both gun and missiles for autonomous engagement. Special focus on small uncrewed aerial targets. Capable of defeating agile single or swarming threats performing loiter, pop-up, or dive attacks. Provides a lethal, mobile, and protected wheeled air defence platform. Main Features Highly mobile air defence system adopted by NATO countries. Latest development focusing on small aerial targets. High protection combined with superior mobility. Firepower: 30mm Oerlikon Revolver Cannon KCE-ABM and VSHORAD missiles (MISTRAL/Stinger). Simple handling and maintenance. Dimensions Length: up to 8,000 mm Width: <3,000 mm Height: <3,950 mm Combat weight: <39.5 t Performance Top speed (paved roads): >65 km/h Gradeability: 60% Side slope: 30% Trench crossing: 2,000 mm Verti...
Read more »

AIM-260 Enters Production: Could This U.S. Missile Outclass China’s PL-15

-
Image
The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is poised to enter production, marking a new chapter in the evolution of air-to-air warfare. After years of secrecy and speculation, the U.S. Department of Defense has publicly requested funding for the procurement of the AIM-260A in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget—a move that signals the missile’s transition from development to operational readiness. A Missile Born of Strategic Necessity The AIM-260 program began in 2017, driven by the need to counter emerging threats, particularly China’s PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile. The PL-15, equipped with a dual-pulse rocket motor and advanced guidance systems, posed a serious challenge to U.S. air dominance. In response, the U.S. Air Force and Navy initiated the JATM program to develop a missile that could not only match but exceed the capabilities of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the current workhorse of American air-to-air engagements. Budget Breakdown and Production Plans For the first time, the U.S...
Read more »

PUMA Infantry Fighting Vehicle

-
Image
  Photo Credit: RHEINMETALL General Concept Combines high mobility with maximum protection and firepower Flexible response at any time, location, and intensity Key Capabilities Optimum protection for crew survivability Armament for escalation and de-escalation Rapid global deployability and tactical mobility Network-centric warfare capability Sustainability under worldwide climatic conditions Built-in test equipment Integrated training system Crew Survivability Protection against symmetric and asymmetric threats Operates in conflicts of all intensity levels Supports escalation and de-escalation options Rapid global deployments under multinational command Global Mission Readiness Designed for long-distance missions under worldwide conditions Endurance for long mission times Operates even with inadequate infrastructure Protection Best combined protection against mines, IEDs, shaped charges, KE ammunition, and NBC weapons Active softkill system against ...
Read more »

Denmark Confirms Permanent Acquisition of NASAMS, IRIS-T, MICA and SAMP/T Air Defence Systems

-
Image
The Danish Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its interim solution for short and medium-range air defence will now be converted into a permanent capability, marking a significant step in strengthening the nation’s integrated air defence architecture. The acquisition includes two NASAMS batteries from Kongsberg, two IRIS-T SLM systems from Diehl, and two VL MICA systems from MBDA, ensuring a layered and versatile shield against aerial threats. In addition, Denmark will procure two long-range SAMP/T systems from MBDA, further enhancing its ability to counter high-end threats and contribute to NATO’s collective defence posture. NASAMS. Photo: kongsberg.com IRIS-T SLM. Photo: hensoldt.net VL MICA. Photo: mbda-systems.com SAMP/T The decision to move from leased or temporary arrangements to permanent acquisitions underscores Copenhagen’s commitment to building a robust and sovereign air defence capability. NASAMS, already widely deployed among NATO allies, will provide Denm...
Read more »

F‑35A Lightning II

-
Image
  Photo Credit: af.mil Airframe & Dimensions Wingspan : 35 feet (10.7 meters) Length : 51 feet (15.7 meters) Height : 14 feet (4.38 meters) Maximum Takeoff Weight : 70,000 pound class Fuel Capacity : Internal: 18,498 pounds Payload : 18,000 pounds (8,160 kilograms) Performance Max Speed:  Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph / ~1,930 km/h) Ceiling:  >15 km (>50,000 ft) Max G-Rating:  9.0 G Range (Internal Fuel):  More than 1,350 miles with internal fuel (1,200+ nautical miles), unlimited with aerial refueling Fuel Consumption: Max Thrust/Afterburner: ~5,600+ liters/hr (~1,500+ gallons/hr) Stealth/Efficient Mode: Optimized for long-range missions Propulsion — Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 Type: Single afterburning turbofan Thrust: ~40,000 lbs (Military Power) / ~43,000 lbs (Full Afterburner) Core Components: 3-stage fan 6-stage compressor Annular combustor 1-stage high-pressure turbine 2-stage low-pressure turbine Adaptability: Configured for F‑35A,...
Read more »