Man-portable counter mortar radar system
The present invention is a man-portable counter-mortar radar (MCMR) radar system that detects and tracks enemy mortar projectiles in flight and calculates their point of origin (launch point) to enable and direct countermeasures against the mortar and its personnel. In addition, MCMR may also perform air defense surveillance by detecting and tracking aircraft, helicopters, and ground vehicles. MCMR is a man-portable radar system that can be disassembled for transport, then quickly assembled in the field, and provides 360-degree coverage against an enemy mortar attack. MCMR comprises an antenna for radiating the radar pulses and for receiving the reflected target echoes, a transmitter that produces the radar pulses to be radiated from the antenna, a receiver-processor for performing measurements (range, azimuth and elevation) on the target echoes, associating multiple echoes to create target tracks, classifying the tracks as mortar projectiles, and calculating the probable location of the mortar weapon, and a control and display computer that permits the operation of the radar and the display and interpretation of the processed radar data.
1. A portable radar, comprising:
a housing for securely storing antenna electronic components therein, wherein said antenna electronic components comprise a transmit matrix switch assembly;
said transmit matrix switch assembly comprises an azimuth beamformer element adapted to actuate a plurality of azimuth transmit beams;
said plurality of azimuth transmit beams collectively extend radially outward from said housing are in 360 degree circumferential relation to said housing; and
a ground engaging member on which said housing is removably mounted.
2. The portable radar according to claim 1 , wherein said housing is cylindrical in shape.
3. The portable radar of claim 1 , wherein said predetermined radial amount is about 15 degrees.
4. The portable radar of claim 1 , wherein said ground engaging member is a tripod.
5. The portable radar of claim 1 , wherein said portable radar is operable to locate an incoming projectile from up to five kilometers.
6. The portable radar of claim 1 , wherein said portable radar is powered by a power source selected from the group consisting of vehicle auxiliary power, a portable gas generator, and a battery.
7. The portable radar of claim 1 , wherein said portable radar is operated by a laptop computer.
8. The portable radar of claim 1 , further comprising a scope attached to said housing for aligning the radar.
9. The portable radar of claim 1 , further comprising a first ring attached to said housing.
10. The portable radar of claim 9 , further comprising a second ring attached to said housing.
11. The portable radar of claim 10 , wherein said housing has a top end and a bottom end, said first ring is positioned adjacent said top end, and said second ring is positioned adjacent said bottom end.
12. The portable radar of claim 10 , wherein each of said azimuth transmit beams are untapered and overlap other azimuth transmit beams beyond said proximal ends of each of said azimuth transmit beams.