Detecting Hostility

Need to detect and track incoming hostile rockets, artillery and mortars (RAM), and determine where they were launched from and where they would likely land?

Our solution is the TPQ-53 weapon locating radar (WLR).

Photo: MINDEF

Meant to replace the Singapore Army’s ageing TPQ-36 and TPQ-37 WLRs, the new WLR provides improved acquisition and target identification of hostile RAM threats. It also has an increased radar coverage at a range of up to 60km, improved locating accuracy to deliver counter-attacks, and requires 30 per cent less manpower to operate. In addition, the TPQ-53 WLR is capable of operating in a rotating mode, which means that it can be deployed for operations that require all-round force protection.

As the overall programme manager, our technologists ensured that the new system would not just meet the Army’s operational requirements, but also enable better operational and maintenance efficiency while remaining safe for operations.

Senior Engineer (Advanced Systems) Benjamin Yong explained: “We worked very closely with the operators and maintenance crew right from the start of the programme to identify and fine-tune their requirements. This helped us deliver systems that would be truly useful for them.”

The team is especially proud of the operational efficiency of the TPQ-53 WLR, which was made possible by its high level of automation. For example, levelling of the system and elevating of the antenna panel can be done by simply flicking a switch, leaving the operators with more time for other tasks.

The team’s accumulated experience of supporting other WLRs in the SAF over the years also came into play.

“To ensure that the systems would operate optimally, we drew on our past experiences and reviewed the maintenance tasking and intervals to ensure the TPQ-53 WLR was aligned with the Army’s maintenance support concept and utilisation profile,” said Programme Manager (Advanced Systems) Yap Rongkeng.

Photo: MINDEF

The TPQ-53 WLR has participated in Exercise Forging Sabre 2021 in Idaho, US, where it enhanced the SAF’s sensing capabilities.