AN/APR-48B

MODERNIZED RADAR FREQUENCY INTERFEROMETER

DETECT. IDENTIFY. ENGAGE.
Long-range detection and unambiguous identification of radar emissions are essential for complete situational awareness in
battlefield environments. The digital receiver-based AN/APR-48B system provides accurate information under ever-changing
battlefield conditions and intentional electromagnetic interference. Modern target acquisition, threat identification, and Radar
Warning Receiver (RWR) systems must function at longer ranges and rapidly locate and identify targets to preserve both weapons
system lethality and aircraft survivability.

PERFORMANCE OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

The ability of the AN/APR-48B system The AN/APR-48B system performs target
to detect, precisely identify, prioritize acquisition and cueing for the fire control
and locate radars in varying threat radar system in the AH-64E Apache
conditions makes it a significant tool for Guardian attack helicopter. It can also
the modern warfighter. The enhanced deliver warning of radar directed anti-
receiver sensitivity allows the system to aircraft threats and serve as the controller
detect a threat, or a friendly, long before for an integrated aircraft survivability
the host aircraft is vulnerable, allowing equipment (ASE) system. System
aircrews to control engagement. In today’s capabilities of the system significantly
congested and contested electromagnetic reduce exposure time, thereby increasing
spectrum (EMS), the wideband detection both platform survivability and lethality.
with narrow band sensitivity from the The system also enhances suppression of
digital receiver core continues to give the enemy air defenses, armed intelligence,
warfighter the survivability edge required. surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and
attack missions. The system provides high
The AN/APR-48B system provides
accurate information under ever-
changing battlefield conditions.
sensitivity and precision angle of attack to prepare for engagement before the
in a lightweight, modular configuration threat can endanger the aircraft. The
suitable for airborne or ground-based system can serve as the controller for an
platforms, both manned and unmanned. integrated aircraft survivability equipment
These features allow the system to work system, thereby increasing both aircraft
efficiently with radar and electro-optic (EO) survivability and lethality.
sensors to extend useful range, decrease
acquisition time and provide positive target
identification. The system can also operate
SYSTEM INTERFACE
System Specifications
independent of other sensors to provide The AN/APR-48B system primarily operates
enhanced situational awareness. As the on a dual-redundant MILSTD-1553B data Weight.....................................39 lbs
number of platform transmitters increase in bus. Other commercial I/O interfaces
• Antenna............................15.1 lbs
quantity and duty cycle, the system adapts including gigabit ethernet, RS-232 and
and is fully interoperable for successful RS-422 are available for future growth. The • Receiver..............................9.1 lbs
operation. UDM can be rapidly reprogrammed with a • Processor . .......................13.6 lbs
new threat library, allowing system operation • Cables.................................2.1 lbs
changes in response to new missions or
RWR AND SURVIVABILITY threats. Lockheed Martin, under contract
Dimensions
to the U.S. Army, developed an organic • Antenna............21” x 4.9” x 10.4”
Increased sensitivity, high probability of
intercept and positive signal identification toolset for generation and validation of UDM • Receiver...........11.1” x 8.6” x 7.8”
make the system an ideal solution for mission data loads.
• Processor............6.9” x 7.4” x 12”
RWR applications. Advanced warning of
Power Dissipated.............. 250 watts
a radar-guided threat allows the aircrew

MODULAR DESIGN - APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE TYPES OF PLATFORMS

Lockheed Martin’s AN/APR-48B system was designed for the Apache Guardian helicopter, but is also applicable to several
other platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-based air defense systems. The system can be packaged as a
single Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) or can be configured as multiple LRUs depending on the requirements of the host platform.

SIGNAL ACQUISITION/ SIGNAL DETECTION, SIGNAL MEASUREMENT

DIRECTION FINDING MEASUREMENT & SORTING & PROCESSING

Antenna Receiver Processor

• Two four-element interferometer arrays used • Uses Digital Receiver with wideband detection • Performs system control functions while
for precision Direction Finding (DF) with and narrow band sensitivity executing the Operational Flight Program (OFP)
120-deg. field of view
• Provides signal detection, measurement, • Characterizes and identifies emitters and
• Additional antenna group with expanded processing, sorting, and Direction Finding determines threat mode and priority
frequency range for modern threat detection
• Fully channelized receiver allows for accurate • Performs built-in test, fault isolation, calibration and
are incorporated
signal detection even among strong interference system control
• Unique rotor blade processing algorithms
• Firmware-based Digital Signal Processing (DSP) can • Contains Input/Output (I/O) interfaces to host
perform precision DF
be tailored for future threats platform (dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553B ports,
• Has instantaneous 360-deg. field of view, rotor blade position analog inputs, blanking
• Signal descriptors are sent to the Processor LRU for
coarse DF arrays for Initial signal acquisition signals, other configurable discrete I/O and
emitter identification
and RWR alerts test interfaces)
• Provides externally mounted, easily removable User
Data Module (UDM) containing re-programmable
system threat library

The AN/APR-48B Modernized Radar Frequency Interferometer (MRFI) system

passively detects, accurately identifies and precisely locates radar emitters.
Lockheed Martin
Mission Systems and Training
300 M Street, SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
www.lockheedmartin.com/mst
54703

© 2015 Lockheed Martin Corporation

PIRA# OWG201507005