ThalesRaytheonSystems has announced that advanced Firefinder radars have been fielded in theater supporting and protecting U.S. troops and allies. Reliability and maintainability improvements have been added to the AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder Weapon Locating Radar system that support an extended service life with reduced life-cycle costs. Currently fielded in Iraq, upgraded Firefinders are scheduled to be deployed into Afghanistan in the coming months.

ThalesRaytheonSystems, in conjunction with Tobyhanna Army Depot, is delivering modernized radars that include a new modular, air-cooled transmitter; a new Operations Control shelter; and a new, common radar processor applied across the U.S. Army's entire fleet of AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder systems. It is known as the Reliability Maintainability Improvement (RMI) program. Forty percent of deliveries are complete with final delivery scheduled in early 2013.

"These RMI systems can be deployed with confidence for effective operations in challenging environmental conditions," said Kim Kerry, chief executive officer, ThalesRaytheonSystems, U.S. Operations.

"The Firefinder modernization provides the U.S. Army and allies around the world with the capabilities needed for detection and troop protection."

Firefinders are precise detection and location systems designed to find enemy artillery, mortar and rocket firing positions. The radar also predicts impact zones and transmits data to friendly forces, allowing time for effective counter-fire tactics.

Nearly 400 Firefinders are deployed by 18 nations worldwide. Sized for easy transport, they are prized for their accuracy, mobility, reliability and low life-cycle costs.

Along with its Improved Sentinel Battlefield Air Defense Radar (AN/MPQ-64F1) and the AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder Weapon Locating Radar, ThalesRaytheonSystems' radar capabilities are currently unmatched by prototypes and other unproven technologies too costly and cumbersome to meet 21st century battlefield requirements.