|
|
|
|
 |
 |
| |
|||||||||
| Getting tipsy
on an old radar Edition 4906, April 19, 2007 |
|||||||||
The Tipsy 43, as the system is affectionately known, has been replaced by the AN/TPS-77. Like its predecessor, it is designed to be transportable. “The Tipsy has been a great operational asset for the ADF,” OC 41WG GPCAPT Chris Westwood said. “I have been continually amazed where our teams have taken it over the past 25 years.” CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd paid tribute to the personnel who kept the radar functioning beyond its expected 20-year life. “The TPS-43 has given the RAAF and the ADF stalwart service over the last 25 years, due in no small way to the dedication and ingenuity of the personnel from 41WG and the associated maintenance organisations providing this capability,” he said. “Through the perseverance and dedication of these personnel this system has exceeded its expected life of type, and has been the backbone of the air defence system up to the introduction of the TPS-77.” Three radar systems were operated and maintained by 41WG, the Air Defence Ground Environment (ADGE) arm of Surveillance and Response Group. Two air defence officers operated each system with data from the radar fed by satellite back to the nearest regional operations centre where air defence controllers could carry out remote Ground Control Intercept operations. In addition to its base operations, the radar regularly deployed in support of operations and exercises throughout Australia. Control and Reporting Post detachments would transport the radar systems. The air defence team would then travel over hundreds of kilometres to provide radar coverage of the operation, often living under canvas for weeks. Tipsy’s replacement, the TPS-77 is a planar phased array that delivers an improved detection range over the Tipsy 43, regardless of the environmental conditions. Its features include, enhanced signal processing with high track density, improved electronic counter-measures and electronic radar decoys. Meanwhile, the introduction into service of the new Tactical Air Defence Radar System (TADRS), with the TPS-77 as its primary sensor, provides the ADGE with a state-of-the-art phased array radar system, sophisticated radio communications suite and Tactical Data Link capability. 41WG is planning a dining-in night to farewell the radar and commemorate the service and commitment of its personnel. Personnel wishing to attend should email contact details to: nigel.nelson@defence.gov.au |
