AN/FPS-117

The AN/FPS-117 is a phased array, 3-dimensional air search radar. It is produced by Lockheed Martin.

The system is a low power, long range (200-250 nautical miles), L-band pencil beam, solid-state transmitter and beacon interrogator search radar. System design includes a redundant architecture with computer software remote controlled and monitored operations to minimize manning requirements.

The AN/FPS-117 is in use as part of the American-Canadian North Warning System of radars stretching across North America from Alaska, USA to Labrador, Canada. This North Warning System is designed to provide long-range detection and coverage for drug interdiction support and tactical command and control.

Implementation of the North Warning System has resulted in a reduction in Operations and Maintenance (O&M) spending by up to 50% compared to previous systems. Due to extreme northern locations of these radars, the physics of radiowave propagation in the 1215-1400 MHz frequency range is even more critical for target detection requirements. The Air Force and the FAA also operate a limited number of AN/FPS-117 radars within the continental United States. The AN/FPS-117 radar is capable of randomly hopping among 18 channels in the 1215-1400 MHz band.

In 2011, Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to upgrade the radars to extend their operational lives through 2025.

It is in operation in several other countries including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Pakistan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

The RRP-117 version is a model which is being supplied to Germany with an offset input from Siemens in fixed-site applications. (more: Radar Basics)

The transportable version is called AN/TPS-77.

It is similar to the AN/TPS-59.