AN/ALQ-153

AN/ALQ-153 analog signal processor (top) and digital signal processor (bottom) at the National Electronics Museum

AN/ALQ-153 is an airborne Pulse-doppler tail warning radar for detecting missiles, protecting B-1B Lancer and B-52H Stratofortress aircraft.[1][2][3] It replaced the AN/ALQ-127, introducing a solid-state transmitter, frequency-agile waveform and digital processing using non-scanning antennas that have low backlobes.[1] The ALQ-153 was originally manufactured by Westinghouse (now Northrop Grumman).[4]

History

Installed on B-52 aircraft at Barksdale Air Force Base, ten test flights were flown in May and June 1981. During these tests, totaling 39 hours, there were four failures with a mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) rate of 9.75 hours.[3]

Technical Description

Features

Although primarily used for missile defense, the ALQ-153 could accurately warn of aircraft threats as well providing continuous range and time-to-intercept indications on the control indicator.[3][5] When a missile is detected, an audible tone is transmitted to the electronic warfare officer (EWO) allowing him/her to respond with the proper countermeasures.[3]

Components

The ALQ-153 consists of six line replaceable units (LRUs), with a total size of 2.36 cubic feet weighing 138 pounds.[4] The LRUs include:[3]

  • Two antennas
  • Radar receiver/transmitter (RT)
  • Analog Data Signal Processor (ADSP)
  • Digital Data Signal Processor (DDSP)
  • Control indicator
  • Signal Data Converter

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "AN/ALQ-153", Military Periscope, retrieved December 26, 2024
  2. ^ Pike, John (January 9, 1999), "AN/ALQ-153 Missile Warning System", FAS Military Analysis Network, retrieved December 26, 2024
  3. ^ a b c d e Jenkins, Capt Vincent M. (November 23, 1981), "AN/ALQ-153 Tail Warning System Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation" (PDF), Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC), Headquarters Strategic Air Command, retrieved December 26, 2024
  4. ^ a b Skorupa, LtCol John A. (September 1989), Self-Protective Measures to Enhance Airlift Operations in Hostile Environments (PDF), Air University Press, retrieved December 26, 2024
  5. ^ Patterson, Maj Göran (September 1993), An illustrated overview of ESM and ECM systems (PDF), Naval Postgraduate School, retrieved December 26, 2024