Fire-control radar

A fire-control radar (FCR) is a

Fire-control radars operate in three different phases:[2]

Designation or vectoring phase

The fire-control radar must be directed to the general location of the target due to the radar's narrow beam width. This phase is also called "lighting up".

lock-on

is acquired.

Acquisition phase

The fire-control radar switches to the acquisition phase of operation once the radar is in the general vicinity of the target. During this phase, the radar system searches in the designated area in a predetermined search pattern until the target is located or redesignated. This phase terminates when a weapon is launched.

Tracking phase

The fire-control radar enters into the track phase when the target is located. The radar system locks onto the target during this phase. This phase ends when the target is destroyed.

Performance

The performance of a fire-control radar is determined primarily by two factors: radar resolution and atmospheric conditions. Radar resolution is the ability of the radar to differentiate between two targets closely located. The first, and most difficult, is range resolution, finding exactly how far is the target. To do this well, in a basic fire-control radar system, it must send very short pulses. Bearing resolution is typically ensured by using a narrow (one or two degree) beam width. Atmospheric conditions, such as moisture lapse,

Countermeasures

Most fire-control radars have unique characteristics, such as radio frequency, pulse duration, pulse frequency and power. These can assist in identifying the radar, and therefore the weapon system it is controlling. This can provide valuable tactical information, like the maximum range of the weapon, or flaws that can be exploited, to combatants that are listening for these signs. During the Cold War Soviet fire control radars were often named and NATO pilots would be able to identify the threats present by the radar signals they received.

Surface based

One of the first successful fire-control radars, the

Examples of fire-control radars currently in use by the United States Navy:

• Mk 95 — Continuous Wave Illuminator (NATO Sea sparrow Surface Missile System)
• Mk 92 — Combined Antenna System (Mk 75 Gun, formerly SM-1 missiles)
• AEGIS
  )
• Mk 45 lightweight gun
  )

Aircraft based

After World War II, airborne fire control radars have evolved from the simpler gun and rocket laying

• Index of aviation articles
• Radar configurations and types
• List of radars
• List of military electronics of the United States
• Ship gun fire-control system

References