J/FPS-5 AESA
J/FPS-5
Country of origin Japan
ManufacturerMitsubishi Heavy Industries
DesignerAcquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Introducedproject initiated in 1999; prototype produced in 2004; production starts 2008
TypeActive electronically scanned array
FrequencyS-band and L-band

J/FPS-5 is a 3D AESA developed for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force for Ballistic Missile Defense Early-warning role. It was made by Mitsubishi Electric.

History

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In 1999, Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (at that time TRDI) started a new program on long-range early warning device called "FPS-XX Program". In 2004, evaluation was done to the radar's performance. But later, in 2005, it was decided to be torn down, which was eventually halted for further evaluation purposes.

In 2006, it was intended to track a North Korean armed forces Ballistic missile, though the missile later self-exploded in mid-air.

The radar first demonstrated its capability during 2009, when another North Korean armed forces missile was tested.

Description

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Featuring an approximately 34m-high hexagonal building, the radar itself is domed in elliptical surfaces with the nickname of Gamera due to its unique appearance. The radar faces are installed on the bigger three sides of the building, with one featuring an approximately 18m -diameter surface and the other two each with a 12m-diameter surface. The bigger one is intended to provide searching and warning for both fighters and ballistic missiles with high threat profiles, while the other two are mainly for watch over against directions of low threat profile.

During operation, the rotation-capable base will rotate to allow the biggest face to look at the direction of highest threat profile to allow the maximum performance being focused on the one of most crucial needs.