Weapons
AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder
- Details
- Created: 12 October 2006
- Written by Weapon Locating System
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The Indian Army signed an agreement with the Raytheon Company in 2002, under the Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS), to purchase eight AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder Weapon Locating Systems for US $140 million. An additional four systems were ordered and the total deal went up to US $200 million. All twelve systems were delivered as early 2007 by Raytheon. The training of Indian Army personnel to operate these radars has also been successfully completed. The US Army loaned two older radars for initial training, but were sent back once the Indian Army received its own systems. The new radars are configured for the Indian climate and requirements. Although the Indian Army required a number of WLRs, there was no transfer of technology (ToT) involved in the deal with Raytheon. The remaining requirement for WLRs are being met by an indigenously developed phased array system, built by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Carrier vehicles for the Firefinder radars and support systems are being supplied by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). As for the Firefinder system itself, the highly advanced radar can track 'first-round' hostile fire within seconds - from a range of three to 50 km - and then launch precise counter attacks. Significantly, this radar can also be configured to detect missiles by adding a 60º sector mode antenna to extend its range. A radar's computerised signal processors detects, verifies and tracks up to 10 artillery, mortar or rocket projectiles, and then estimates their firing position as well as the impact point. The system helps in correcting friendly fire in neutralising enemy positions. Manned by a crew of 12, the radar is capable of separating any clutter generated by birds, helicopters and aircraft.
