AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR

The Sniper XR is a targeting pod that can be carried by a number of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. It allows aircraft to drop precision ordinance from standoff range and high altitude, keeping them out of danger while attacking their target.

Design
The Sniper XR is a low-drag, single, lightweight pod that can do the work of all of its predecessors, primarily LANTRIN, which used two pods. It offers increased performance over its predecessors and a more technologically advanced alternative. Because it is less expensive than the AN/AAQ-40 AMAS, some aircraft mount this pod externally to reduce production costs. The Sniper XR is 94.00 in. (238.76 cm) in length, 11.90 in. (30.23 cm) in diameter, and weighs just 397.00 lb. (180.08 kg).

Capabilities
The Sniper XR offers 300 - 500% more detection range than its predecessors. It combines a mid-wave, third generation FLIR, a dual mode, eye-safe laser, CCD-TV, and laser spot tracker and market in its single unit. It allows aircraft to designate targets through laser at altitudes up to 50,000.00 ft. (15,240.00 m). It can also generate GPS coordinates based on the target position allowing this data to be fed into JDAM-type weapons.

The FLIR on the Sniper XR is usable for both air-to-air and air-to-ground threats. It offers continuous roll tracking and a pitch field of view of +35° to -155° with a FLIR field of view of 4° by 4° (WFOV) or 1° by 1° (NFOV).

It costs just $1,600,000.00 per unit.

AN/AAQ-40 Advanced Multi-sensor Airborne System (AMAS)

The AN/AAQ-40 Advanced Multi-sensor Airborne System (AMAS) is designed to complement the AN/APG-90 AMAR radar. The AN/AAQ-40 AMAS is a system comprised of three elements. The first is a powerful electro-optical sensor (EO) that is used to visually identify targets both in the air and on the ground at extreme ranges. The second is a powerful forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensor and the third is a laser designator. The system is a development of the AN/AAQ-37 EOTS used in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Design & Capabilities
The EO sensor allows the AMAS to visually identify both aerial and ground targets as far away as 35 miles (56 km) in optimal conditions. It features both night vision and low-light capabilities, allowing the sensor to work at all hours of the day. The powerful, digital sensor can also be used to take reconnaissance photographs and transmit that data in real-time via satellite uplinks. The system allows a single aircraft to provide its own battle damage assessment (BDA) in a single sortie, while scouting for potential future targets.

The FLIR sensor is a fourth-generation system. It allows for both aerial and ground detection. In this way, it functions as both a FLIR and an infrared search and track system (IRST). A completely passive system, the FLIR gives off no emissions and is completely undetectable. When in use, the FLIR provides complete and total stealth while providing a powerful image of a target. The FLIR system scans across wavelengths from 3 to 11 µm in two bands. This allows the FLIR to not only detect the hot exhaust of an aircraft but also the heat caused by air friction. Because of this, as an IRST, the FLIR can detect aircraft around 75 miles (121 km) with an upper limit being hinted as 100 miles (161 km). Against ground targets, the FLIR has a range of approximately 30 miles (48 km) against smaller targets and over 50 miles (80 km) against larger targets. As an IRST, the FLIR can simultaneously track up to 200 targets in a multitude of different modes: multi-target track, single target track, single target track with identification, sector acquisition, or slaved acquisition, amongst others. Many of these modes are found on the highly capable PIRATE IRST used in the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The laser designator of the AMAS is a very capable system in and of itself. It allows for laser designation above 40,000 feet (12,192 m) and at long-range. This allows the AMAS to designate targets for laser-guided munitions. In addition, the laser designator is also a powerful rangefinder and can be used in aerial combat as well. Used in aerial combat, the laser designator can provide targeting data for a semi-slewable cannon.

The AMAS can feed data into any system inside of a cockpit, whether it is a multi-functional display (MFD) or a helmet mounted sight (HMS). It provides a slewable option as well and can target downward as well as frontward and to the sides. In some modules, it has a full 360° field of view in terms of azimuth and up to 210° in terms of downward elevation. The AMAS can be fitted into several different pods, each with different fields of view.

Variants
The AN/AAQ-40 comes in two primary variants. The first variant the (V)-1 is the main variant with all of the aforementioned capabilities. It is designed for use on all types of fixed-wing aircraft as it is compact and relatively lightweight in comparison to other systems. The (V)-2 is a variant that is structurally redesigned to be adapted for helicopters. It provides the same functions as the (V)-1 at a reduced capability because of the smaller size of the unit and its subsequent power source. The (V)-3 was specially designed for use on gunships and is the most powerful variant made. The (V)-4 was specifically designed for use on the B-1C Lancer to replace the externally mounted Sniper XR pod. It has all of the capabilities of the (V)-1 and (V)-3. The (V)-5 was designed to fit into the P-8 Poseidon and S-4 and be utilized in long-range detection of shipping. The (V)-6 was design for use on early warning aircraft. The (V)-7 is a specialized variant of the (V)-6 for use on reconnaissance aircraft.

AN/ALQ-216 Advanced Tactical Airborne Jamming System (ATAJS)

The AN/ALQ-216 Advanced Tactical Airborne Jamming System (ATAJS) began life as the "Next Generation Jammer," seeking to replace the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS). The AN/ALQ-216 ATAJS is a stealthy pod, designed to fully replace both the high and low band pods of the AN/ALQ-99 TJS with a single pod.

Design & Capabilities
The ATAJS is constructed entirely of composites which function to reduce the radar cross section and the weight of the pod. Because it is bigger than the AN/ALQ-99 TJS, weight was a major concern. The pod is a total of 202 inches (5.13 m) long, 26 inches (0.66 m) wide, and 28 inches (0.71 m) high. It weighs 1,890 lb. (857 kg).

The ATAJS is designed to be carried externally and three are not required to maintain optimal efficiency; however, when used in pairs, the pods are extremely effective. The ATAJS operates on a multitude of bandwidths ranging from low to high, just like the TJS. However, the main difference of the ATAJS is its processing and jamming speeds, which allow for much more efficient and accurate jamming. Like the TJS, the ATAJS has a long, stand-off range that exceeds 65.00 miles (104.61 km). This is possible as the ATAJS, like the TJS before it, uses a generator to create its own power. However, unlike the TJS, the generator and its turbine is located entirely within the pod for stealth purposes. In the older, TJS, the maximum output was only 10.8 kW for the older variants and 6.8 kW for the newer variants. The basic capabilities of the ATAJS have a power output of some 15.7 kW thanks to a more efficient turbine and generator system.

A secondary option for the ATAJS is to allow it to supplement its power by using the power of the aircraft. In doing this, the effectiveness of the jammer can be significantly increased. However, care must be taken not to do this on an aircraft with limited power. At most, the ATAJS can draw only an additional 9.3 kW of power from an aircraft for a total power output of 25.0 kW.

Variants
The AN/ALQ-216(V)-1 is the primary model. It is used on the F-46 Enforcer primarily but can be carried by a wide variety of aircraft. The (V)-1 utilizes all of the basic capabilities of the ATAJS.

AN/APG-86 Next-Generation Millimetric Wave Radar (NGMMWR)

The AN/APG-86 Next-Generation Millimetric Wave Radar (NGMMWR) is a radar specifically designed for helicopters. It is based on the AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar, a millimetric wave system first employed on the AH-64D Apache Longbow. It uses millimetric waves to search, detect, locate, classify, and prioritize both moving and static targets in all weather conditions in day or night on the battlefield.

Design
The design of the NGMMWR is very similar to the AN/APG-78. It consists of a millimetric wave, 360° radar shielded in a protective casing, mounted above the main rotor of the helicopter. Built from carbon fiber and polymers, the radar casing acts as an absorbent for radar emissions making it stealthy in design. It is lightweight and is integrated right into the helicopter's system. Subsequent variants allow for a less circular field of view for mounting in UCAVs and UAVs with many of the same capabilities. The NGMMWR is an low probability of intercept (LPI) system and includes a Radio Frequency Interferometer (RFI) for rapid identification and accurate azimuth to enemy air defense units.

Capabilities
The NGMMWR can scan a full field of view of 360° in just four seconds and detect and process as many as 150 targets, prioritizing the top sixteen to twenty-four, depending on the preferences of the pilot. The radar can detect and track both static and moving targets on the ground or in the air. It allows a pilot to engage any target that might stand in his way on a battlefield and with the effectiveness required in the 21st century to ensure a victory. Aside from being able to target air and ground targets, the radar can also function as a terrain following system to allow a pilot to fly a nap-of-the-Earth mission profile as low as allowable by the helicopter itself.

The NGMMWR has an effective range of 20 miles (32 km) against ground threats and equally as much against air threats. It includes a surveillance system to allow a pilot to perform reconnaissance and also datalinking so that a pilot could target for a buddy aircraft, ensuring a higher probability of kill.

Variants
The AN/APG-86 is available in two variants. The (V)-1 is a mast mounted, standard system for helicopters. The (V)-2 is for use in aircraft, particularly UAVs and UCAVs and does not feature a full 360° field of view.

AN/APG-90 Advanced Multimode Airborne Radar (AMAR)

The AN/APG-90 Advanced Multimode Airborne Radar (AMAR) is a next-generation radar for aircraft. The AN/APG-90 is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. It is a further development of the AN/APG-77, AN/APG-80, and AN/APG-81, amongst others. The AMAR, like other AESA radars, has an exceptionally agile beam, which can provide nearly instantaneous track updates, multi-target tracking capability, a very wide field of view, synthetic aperture applications, and much more. The AMAR, like the AN/APG-77 before it, is a low probability of intercept system, giving an impressive edge in combat. Like its predecessors, the AMAR also has a wide array of features that allow the pilot unprecedented capabilities with little workload.

Design
The design of the AMAR is very similar to other AESA radars. Its surface consists of transmit/receive (TR) modules, the quantity depending on the variant. Each one of these modules is an independent radar. These modules can operate entirely independent of one another, in groups, or all together, depending on the scenario. Because there are so many of them, the AMAR can, within a few nanoseconds, change the direction of its beam or instantly scan its entire field of view. The maximum field of view that can be achieved on any AESA radar is limited to 120° and, as the AN/APG-77 reached that maximum, so does the AMAR. Its field of view is a full 120° in elevation and azimuth, providing an exceptionally large field of view. Due to advances in both miniaturization and computer software algorithms, the AMAR can process faster than its predecessors, which could scan the entire field of view in a matter of nanoseconds. The AMAR is also classified as a low-probability of intercept (LPI) system, like its predecessors. The AMAR is also equipped with many air to air and air to ground modes.

What makes the AMAR an LPI system is simply the way it operates. Unlike conventional radars which emit high energy pulses in a narrow frequency band, the AMAR emits low energy pulses over a wide frequency band using a technique called spread spectrum transmission. When multiple echoes are returned, the radar's signal processor combines the signals. The amount of energy reflected back to the target is about the same as a conventional radar, but because each LPI pulse has considerably less amount of energy and may not fit normal modulation patterns, the target will have a difficult time detecting the emissions of the AMAR. In addition to this simple concept, the AMAR can employ both Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) processing. Both of these processing systems work around "Doppler shifts." In SAR processing, the aircraft provides the Doppler shift, whereas with ISAR processing, the target provides the Doppler shift. The AMAR uses these Doppler shifts to create a 3D map of the target, which is processed into a radar image. These images can be compared with images in the AMAR's database, providing instantaneous target identification and recognition, perhaps the difference between friend or foe.

In addition, because these processes can be done at long-range, they are very helpful in identifying ground targets, allowing for maximum advantages of long-range detection and identification. This advantage can allow cruise missiles and standoff weapons to be employed at their optimal ranges with providing safety to the pilot and aircraft.

Additionally, the AMAR also features networking capabilities. The AMAR is entirely a forward and side viewing system but, with the presence of a rear-facing radar, the AMAR can be networked.

Capabilities
The AMAR is a very capable radar system that can be used highly effectively against both aerial and surface targets. Its air-to-air modes allow the AMAR to simultaneously track multiple targets while searching for others. Its air-to-ground modes allow the AMAR to simultaneously track both stationary and static ground targets, while searching for more. In extreme circumstances, the AMAR can actually target both air-to-air and air-to-ground targets at the same time, although at reduced capabilities for both environments.

In air-to-air mode, the AMAR can detect bomber-sized targets at ranges of over 300 miles (483 km) and fighter-sized targets at ranges of over 160 miles (257 km). Against low-RCS targets, the AMAR can provide limited beyond visual range (BVR) detection in combat situations. Simultaneously, the AMAR can track up to 60 individual targets, while engaging as many as 12 of them at once, while searching for more. It is equipped with datalinking capabilities, which allow other AMAR equipped aircraft to link together and provide AWACS type information. Datalinking also allows the AMAR to communicate with long-range air-to-air missiles during midcourse flight as well as independently target them accordingly. Datalinking also allows two AMAR or AESA equipped aircraft to target for one another while maintaining only one "switched on" radar, further lowering the probability of being detected. The AMAR can also uplink itself to air defense networks, airborne radar planes, and satellite tracking networks, maximizing its abilities. The more powerful and larger AWACS variant of the AMAR can detect targets at more than double the range as the standard unit.

In air-to-ground mode, the AMAR is more than capable. It can detect seaborne threats as small as a destroyer as far away as 180 miles (289 km), vehicles as far away as 25 miles (40 km), or larger structures as far away as 80 miles (128 km). Using SAR/ISAR processing, the AMAR can immediately determine the nature and identification of a target, providing the aircraft with excellent standoff capabilities. In air-to-ground mode, the AMAR can track and engage, simultaneously, up to six seaborne threats. It can also track both stationary and moving ground targets simultaneously, up to four in total. By being able to uplink to airborne radar planes and satellite tracking networks, the AMAR can precisely pinpoint a target's location and, using a GPS processor, determine its coordinates using these uplinks. The more powerful and larger J/STARS variant of the AMAR can detect targets at more than double the range as the standard unit.

The AMAR is also highly resistant to electronic jamming. Because it has so many TR modules, it can operate even in environments with significant electronic jamming. The AMAR can also turn the tables around and actually emit enough microwave radar to provide limited jamming capabilities against radars. It does this through the aide of a radar warning receiver (RWR), which analyzes the radar lock on the aircraft and then sends out a burst of electronic jamming, breaking the lock. The system can provide a large number of jamming pulses in a very short time frame, giving it the ability to jam even active radar missiles. However, without an actual ECM system fitted, the jamming capabilities of the AMAR are limited.

Networking capabilities allow the AMAR to link up to a rear-facing radar. While significantly more limited than the main system, a rear-facing, smaller AESA system can provide excellent range and coverage capabilities and full, 360° detection.

In addition, the AMAR features a passive detection system, much like that of the AN/ASQ-213 HARM Targeting Sensor (HTS). The passive detection module is linked directly to the radar. Threats detected by the module are immediately targeted by the AMAR and their range determined. SAR/ISAR processing is done to determine the nature of the threat and this information can be fed into anti-radiation weapons employed with the aircraft. This allows missiles such as the AGM-88 AARGM to be used more effectively than ever, at maximum range, and in high threat and high jamming environments.

Variants
The main variant of the AMAR is the AN/APG-90(V)-1, which features 2,500 TR modules and a maximum power output of 25 kilowatts. It is more powerful than any of the preceeding radars and also larger, being 49.21 inches (125 cm) in diameter. It is primarily intended for use on interceptors. It weighs 1,300 lb. (590 kg).

The (V)-2 variant is a smaller version with just 1,250 TR modules and a maximum power output of 12.5 kilowatts. Unlike the (V)-1, which focuses more on air-to-air, the (V)-2 features all around performance with many of the AMAR's air-to-ground capabilities. It is 29.52 inches in diameter (75 cm).

The (V)-3 variant was specifically designed for use on the F-57 Wraith and features 1,800 TR modules with a maximum power output of 18 kilowatts. It features full air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities and is arguably the most well-rounded radar of the series. It is 41.34 inches (105 cm) in diameter.

The (V)-4 variant is a specific version designed for use on smaller aircraft. It is significantly smaller than all of the other variants and contains 850 TR modules and a maximum power output of 4.25 kilowatts. It has both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities just at reduced abilities than other variants of the AMAR. It is 21.65 inches (55 cm) in diameter. It weighs just 160 lb. (72.57 kg).

The (V)-5 variant is specifically designed for use on bombers. It is the largest of all AMAR variants and features 3,000 TR modules for a maximum power output of 30 kilowatts. It emphasizes air-to-ground capabilities above all others, making it, in regards, the opposite of the (V)-1. It is 70.86 inches (180 cm) in diameter.

The (V)-6 variant is a specifically modified (V)-5 variant for use on aerial gunships. It is significantly smaller with just 750 TR modules and a maximum power output of 7.5 kilowatts. It is 19.09 inches (485 cm) in diameter.

AN/APG-91 Advanced Multimode Surveillance Radar (AMSR)

The AN/APG-91 Advanced Multimode Surveillance Radar (AMSR) is a next-generation surveillance radar for use on early warning aircraft. It is developed from the AN/APG-90 and several other radars and is a large system. Designed for detecting both airborne and surface threats at maximum possible range, the AMSR is a very powerful system that is optimized for operation in conditions with heavy electronic jamming and significant amounts of hostiles.

Design
The AMSR is a passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar that is housed throughout the aircraft both internally and externally. It has four main components, which link to its central processing system. Because of this, the AMSR can operate under multiple modes at the same time giving full situational awareness on a battlefield.

The main component of the AMSR is it's primary detection system, the heart of its radar. The primary detection system is the multimode radar system that can operate on multiple bands operating from 1.5GHz to 12GHz comprising L, S, C, and X bands. This system is mainly used for detecting aircraft at ranges up to the horizon at all altitudes ranging from low to high. This system pulls the most amount of power from the AMSR system and can switch between frequencies and bands quickly to react to a differing situation.

The secondary component of the AMSR is for ground detection. It operates on the C, X, and Ku band between 4GHz and 18GHz, the same band as the AN/APQ-181 radar for the B-2 Spirit and AN/APQ-164 on the B-1 Lancer. The secondary component of the AMSR draws a considerable amount of power itself, especially during bad weather when the extra power is used to counter "rain fade" at frequencies above 10GHz.

Other components of the AMSR include modules for SIGINT and ELINT. Like the MC2A radar, the AMSR functions as much as an intelligence gathering platform as it does a surveillance platform. This module also functions in the role of Electronic Support Measures (ESM) for passive detection. Additionally, the AMSR includes datalinking and uplinking modules that allow it to link into the greater Layartebian Air Defense Network and overall Defense Network. The AMSR can guide both aircraft and missiles towards targets through these datalinking systems and uplink to satellites for overall battlefield control.

Capabilities
The AMSR is a low-probability of intercept (LPI) system that operates in a variety of modes at the same time. Operators can watch both air and ground space for as far as the horizon allows. Generating 3.5 megawatts on its base model, the AMSR is a system that is practically unjammable. Originally designed for the E-10 MC2A, the AMSR was built to use the massive amount of power generated from its LDC-AE-81A engines, each putting out 115,000 lbf. of thrust or approximately 171.5 megawatts of power. On the E-10A MC2A, there are a pair of generators, one per engine, which generate up to 1.75 megawatts of power each under normal circumstances. Upgrades are under development to provide up to 2 megawatts of power per generator.

When searching for aircraft, the E-10A MC2A will normally operate at 42,000 feet where the distance to the horizon is 275 miles. The AMSR can detect aircraft flying at low altitude out to the maximum horizon range. Additionally, the AMSR can detect aircraft flying at medium or high altitude out to 600 miles minimum for average sized targets. Against the F-22 Raptor, the AMSR can detect the aircraft at approximately 60 miles using L-band. Using X-band, the same F-22 wouldn't be detectable until 25 miles. This is the main advantage of having multiple bands for the AMSR. Against a radar target with the same RCS as the Eurofighter Typhoon, the detection range for the AMSR is at maximum range for L-band or over 200 miles at X-band. The sensitivity and extreme power of the AMSR also enables it to detect cruise missiles and other threats at long to medium range.

When in air-to-ground mode, the AMSR utilizes C, X, and Ku bands, the latter for the higher resolution afforded to it. These bands allow the AMSR to operate in both land and sea environments and in all weather scenarios. The resolution afforded to the AMSR literally allows the radar to distinguish a stop sign at over 70 miles, which was no small feat for the B-1 Lancer or B-2 Spirit, both of which were known for their impressive resolution against ground targets at long-range. Because of this, the AMSR can identify and distinguish targets, which allow it to guide friendly aircraft towards hostile targets.

Because of the variety of modules in the AMSR, any radar using it can datalink to any aircraft in the Layartebian inventory and most of its missiles. This allows the aircraft to literally guide missiles and fighters towards targets with complete anonymity for either the missile or launching aircraft. Those features allows any aircraft with the AMSR to be a battlefield control element.

Passive detection capabilities of the AMSR allow it to act in complete quietness on the electromagnetic realm. In doings so, an aircraft with the AMSR becomes a long-range surveillance platform. Because it contains modules that are geared towards the collection of SIGINT and ELINT intelligence, the AMSR becomes a reconnaissance aircraft that can provide the Ministry of Defense with crucial battlefield data in a world where electronic signals mean everything during a war.

Variants
The primary variant of the AMSR is the AN/APG-91(V)-1A. This is the variant used on the MC2A and is the most capable system. The planned AN/APG-91(V)-1B will be slightly more powerful because it will utilize 4 megawatts rather than 3.5 megawatts.

The (V)-2 variant is downgraded variant meant to operate with far less power for use on the E-9A Wedgetail. It is meant to operate on just 1 megawatt. Its ranges are slightly longer than that of the E-3 Sentry due to the identical power ratio but because the system is a PESA system, it is most reliable and much more capable.

The AN/APG-91(V)-3 is used on the ME-15A Scarecrow and is also a downgraded version of the (V)-1 due to less power available. The available power for the (V)-3 is only 800 kilowatts. Against an F-22, the (V)-3 will detect the aircraft at just over 41 miles.

The (V)-4 variant of the system is optimized for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering and it is used in the E-14 and RC-26.

The (V)-5 variant of the system focuses on surface-detection capabilities with an improved intelligence gathering package. It is designed for maritime patrol aircraft.

The (V)-6 is a more compact variant of the (V)-5.

The (V)-7 is a specialized variant designed to be fit into the MQ-22 Fire-X UAV. Its primary role is to provide over-the-horizon targeting. It is a smaller system designed to operate on S-band and provides 360° coverage in two pods providing 180° each. Unlike the rest of the series it is an AESA design versus PESA. It uses 25 kilowatts of power and weighs just 600 lb per pod.