Mk 23 Target Acquisition System (TAS)

The beacon mode generates a separate beacon frequency and an independent pulse with a PRI having a range of 40,000 yds. The AN/SPQ-9B radar has 360-degree scan coverage for beacon targets. The received beacon video is sent to the console for display and distribution, while beacon track data is sent to the computer for processing. The AN/SPQ-9B beacon mode operates at the same time as the air and surface modes. The ASMD Sector function allows the air mode to provide quick response detection of low-flying high-threat targets. Through this function, the radar automatically detects, tracks, and reports any targets entering the ASMD sector that require a reaction time of less than 30 seconds. The operator can select an ASMD azimuth sector width between five and 360 degrees and a range of up to 20 NMI. The ASMD sector function operates together with the air, surface, and beacon modes. The Surface-MTI Submode allows the surface mode to cancel non-moving targets. The Surface-MTI azimuth sector width is operator selectable between a bearing width of five and 360 degrees, with the AN/SPQ-9B automatically displaying any targets with a relative speed exceeding 10 knots. The AN/SPQ-9B R a d a r S u r f a c e - M T I s u b m o d e w i l l o p e r a t e concurrently with the air, surface, and beacon modes. The AN/SPQ-9B is installed on ships and aircraft carriers in the following classes: � CG-47 TICONDEROGA class cruisers (figure 2-5) � LHD-1 amphibious ships (figure 2-2) � LPD-17 SAN ANTONIO class amphibious ships � DD-963 SPRUANCE class destroyers (figure 2-10) � DDG-51 destroyers (figure 2-4) The AN/SPQ-9 series radar also works with the SPY-1 series radar. SPQ-9 radar helps to control a number of weapons which include: SM-1/SM-2 missiles and the Mk 45 5”/54 gun. Mk 23 Target Acquisition System (TAS) The Mk 23 Target Acquisition System (TAS) is a detection, tracking, identification, threat evaluation, and weapon assignment system. It is used against high-speed, small cross-section targets that approach the ship from over the horizon at very low altitudes or from very high altitudes at near vertical angles. The TAS integrates a medium-range, two-dimensional, air-search radar subsystem, an IFF subsystem, a display subsystem, and a computer subsystem. This allows TAS to provide automatic or manual target detection and tracking, target identification, threat evaluation, and weapon assignment capabilities for engagement of air tracks. The Mk 23 TAS automatic detection and tracking radar is also an element of the Mk 91 Missile Fire Control system and is used on SPRUANCE class destroyers, carriers, LHDs, LHAs, and the LPD-17 class amphibious assault ships. The Mk 91 MFCS and TAS control the SEASPARROW missile as their primary weapon. Figure 2-9 shows a Mk 29 box launcher for SEASPARROW missiles. 2-8 Figure 2-9.—Mk 29 box launcher for SEASPARROW missiles.