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AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radar

AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radar

Manufacturer: Raytheon Technologies
Category: Radar Systems
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Detection Range Up to 75 km (46 miles)
Frequency Band X-band
Antenna Type / Technology Phased-array, electronically steered
Target Tracking Capacity 60+ simultaneous targets

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel
Manufacturer	Raytheon Technologies
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Short-Range Air Defense Radar
Operational Domain	Ground-Based
Status	In Service (Upgraded A4 Variant)

2. Technical Specifications

Frequency Band	X-band
Antenna Type	Phased-array (Active Electronically Scanned)
Antenna Aperture / Size	Approx. 1.8 m diameter
Power Output	~120 kW peak
Detection Range	75 km
Tracking Range	60 km
Target Tracking Capacity	60+ targets
Elevation Coverage	-10° to +55°
Azimuth Coverage	360°
Beam Steering	Electronic (Phased-array)
Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)	Adaptive
Resolution	1–2 meters
Update Rate	<2 seconds
Clutter Rejection / ECCM	Adaptive Doppler filtering, digital beamforming

3. Functional Capabilities

Primary Functions	Air surveillance, target acquisition, tracking
Target Types	Aircraft, UAVs, cruise missiles
Integration / Networking	IBCS, NASAMS, SHORAD systems
IFF Capability	Mode 5/S IFF
Data Link / Networking	Link 16 / Ethernet
Weather & Terrain Resistance	All-weather capable
Mobility / Mounting	Trailer or vehicle-mounted

4. Physical & Operational Characteristics

Dimensions	1.8m × 1.8m antenna
Weight	~2,300 kg (system)
Power Requirement	115/200 VAC, 400 Hz
Cooling System	Forced air cooling
Operating Temperature Range	-40°C to +55°C
Deployment Platform	Trailer, tactical vehicle
Crew Requirement	2 operators

5. Software & Processing

Signal Processor Type	Digital solid-state processor
Processing Speed	Real-time 3D tracking
AI / Automation Features	Automated classification (A4 version)
Data Output / Interface	Digital Ethernet / Tactical Link
Software Upgradeability	Modular and field-upgradable

6. Operational History

Year Introduced	1995
Users / Operators	USA, Norway, Netherlands, Finland, Taiwan
Notable Deployments	Iraq, Afghanistan, Eastern Europe
Successor / Predecessor	A4 variant (successor)

7. Export / Compliance Data

Export Availability	Available to U.S. allies
ITAR / MTCR Status	ITAR Controlled
Cost Estimate	$5–7 million per unit

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.8

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

PROS

High target detection accuracy
360° coverage with 3D tracking
Mobile and easy to deploy
Proven combat reliability
Compatible with multiple defense systems

CONS

Limited range compared to long-range systems
Requires stable power supply
Vulnerable to advanced jamming (older versions)
Costly maintenance in field conditions
High radar signature when active

AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel – Advanced Short-Range Air Defense Radar

The AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel is a three-dimensional, phased-array radar system developed by Raytheon Technologies for the U.S. Army. Designed to provide short-range air defense (SHORAD) coverage, the Sentinel radar is a crucial component in protecting ground forces from low-flying aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Deployed worldwide, it forms the radar backbone for systems like Avenger, NASAMS, and Maneuver SHORAD (M-SHORAD).

Design and Capabilities

Operating in the X-band frequency, the AN/MPQ-64 offers 360-degree azimuth coverage and 3D target acquisition with automatic tracking of over 60 aerial targets simultaneously. Its electronically steered antenna allows fast beam agility and high precision, capable of detecting threats at distances up to 75 kilometers. The system uses solid-state transmitter technology, advanced signal processing, and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to perform effectively in contested environments.

Mounted on a high-mobility trailer or vehicle, the Sentinel radar provides rapid deployment and high survivability. It is integrated with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) for networked operations and real-time data sharing across the battlefield.

Operational Use

Since entering service in the 1990s, the Sentinel has supported numerous missions across Europe and the Middle East. It remains in continuous upgrade cycles, including the A3/A4 variants, which introduce improved range, AI-assisted classification, and digital beamforming.

AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel Radar Price in United States

The estimated unit cost of the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar is approximately $5–7 million, depending on configuration and integration packages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the range of the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar?

It can detect aerial threats up to 75 km (46 miles) depending on target type and conditions.

Who manufactures the Sentinel radar?

Raytheon Technologies, a leading U.S. defense contractor.

What systems use the AN/MPQ-64 radar?

It supports NASAMS, Avenger, and the U.S. Army’s M-SHORAD platforms.

Is the Sentinel radar mobile?

Yes. It’s mounted on trailers or tactical vehicles for quick deployment.

What upgrades does the latest version include?

The A4 variant features AI-based threat classification, digital beamforming, and enhanced ECCM.

Reviews

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