AN/TPS-70 Radar

Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
Category: Radar and Jamming Systems
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Detection Range 240 nmi (445 km)
Frequency Band S-band
Antenna Type / Technology Phased-array
Target Tracking Capacity 500+ targets

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	AN/TPS-70
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	3D Tactical Air Surveillance Radar
Operational Domain	Ground-based, Air Defense
Status	Active Service

2. Technical Specifications

Frequency Band	S-band
Antenna Type	Phased-array planar antenna
Antenna Aperture / Size	5.5 m diameter
Power Output	Approx. 2.5 MW peak
Detection Range	240 nmi (445 km)
Tracking Range	200 nmi (370 km)
Target Tracking Capacity	500+
Elevation Coverage	0°–20°
Azimuth Coverage	360° continuous
Beam Steering	Electronic and mechanical
Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)	Variable, 250–800 Hz
Resolution	≤150 m
Update Rate	5–12 seconds
Clutter Rejection / ECCM	Advanced digital signal processing, frequency agility

3. Functional Capabilities

Primary Functions	Airspace surveillance, target detection, and tracking
Target Types	Aircraft, missiles, UAVs
Integration / Networking	NATO-compatible air defense networks
IFF Capability	Integrated Mode 4/5
Data Link / Networking	Link-11/16 compatible
Weather & Terrain Resistance	All-weather, ruggedized
Mobility / Mounting	Truck-mounted, mobile shelter system

4. Physical & Operational Characteristics

Dimensions	Approx. 9.5m (deployed configuration)
Weight	~14,000 kg
Power Requirement	400 Hz, 60 kW generator
Cooling System	Forced air and liquid cooling
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to +55°C
Deployment Platform	Truck or semi-trailer
Crew Requirement	4–6 operators

5. Software & Processing

Signal Processor Type	Digital signal processor (DSP)
Processing Speed	Real-time target tracking
AI / Automation Features	Semi-automated detection/tracking
Data Output / Interface	Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553
Software Upgradeability	Modular, field-upgradable firmware

6. Operational History

Year Introduced	Early 1980s
Users / Operators	USA, Chile, Turkey, South Korea, Brazil
Notable Deployments	NATO air defense operations, border surveillance
Successor / Predecessor	Successor to AN/TPS-43; replaced by AN/TPS-78 in some roles

7. Export / Compliance Data

Export Availability	Select authorized nations
ITAR / MTCR Status	ITAR-controlled
Cost Estimate	$8–12 million (unit dependent)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.3

Range & Endurance 9 / 10
Stealth Capability 7 / 10
Technology 9 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10

PROS

Long-range 3D air surveillance capability
High target tracking capacity (500+ targets)
Excellent ECCM and clutter rejection
Mobile and rapidly deployable platform
Proven reliability in global operations

CONS

High acquisition and maintenance cost
Requires trained technical crew
Older analog subsystems in legacy models
Limited coverage against low-RCS stealth targets
Large physical footprint compared to newer AESA radars

AN/TPS-70 Tactical Air Surveillance Radar

The AN/TPS-70 is a highly mobile, three-dimensional (3D) air surveillance radar developed by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Air Force and allied nations. Designed as an all-weather, long-range system, it plays a vital role in tactical air defense, providing precise detection and tracking of aircraft, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Originating in the United States, the AN/TPS-70 is part of the TPS radar family, succeeding the earlier AN/TPS-43 model. It operates in the S-band frequency range, offering robust performance with advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and high-resolution 3D target data.

Equipped with a phased-array antenna, the radar provides a detection range of up to 240 nautical miles (approximately 445 km) and can track over 500 targets simultaneously. Its digital signal processing capabilities enhance detection accuracy and reduce false alarms, even in cluttered or jamming-prone environments.

Mounted on a mobile tactical vehicle, the AN/TPS-70 can be deployed rapidly in field conditions and integrated seamlessly into NATO air defense networks. The radar also supports Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, contributing to situational awareness and joint-force interoperability.

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Its proven reliability and adaptability have led to widespread deployment across multiple nations, including the United States, Chile, South Korea, and Turkey, among others.

AN/TPS-70 Radar Price in United States

The price of the AN/TPS-70 radar system varies based on configuration and integration requirements but is generally estimated between $8 million and $12 million per unit for export or modernization contracts within the United States and allied markets.

FAQs

What is the range of the AN/TPS-70 radar?

It offers a detection range of approximately 240 nautical miles (445 km).

Who manufactures the AN/TPS-70 radar?

It is produced by Northrop Grumman, a leading U.S. defense technology company.

What type of radar is the AN/TPS-70?

It’s a mobile, 3D tactical air surveillance radar operating in the S-band.

Does the AN/TPS-70 have IFF capability?

Yes, it includes integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) functionality.

Is the AN/TPS-70 radar still in service?

Yes, it remains operational with several U.S. allies worldwide.

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