F-4E Radar and possible MTI-like ground clutter rejection system

[DSplayer]

I've read somewhere where the F-4E's APQ-120 radar in later models had a feature where it could automatically determine what a target was against ground clutter and allow for easier target acquisition. Will our F-4E get this MTI-like radar function?

 

Edit 01/04/22: This function is called Computer Automatic Acquisition (CAA).

Edited April 1, 2022 by DSplayer

[HEXO]

On 3/29/2022 at 10:57 AM, DSplayer said:

I've read somewhere where the F-4E's APQ-120 radar in later models had a feature where it could automatically determine what a target was against ground clutter and allow for easier target acquisition. Will our F-4E get this MTI-like radar function?

can you give a source to it? we are getting a classic vietnam era version and a DMAS early 80s version, if it is in our version's timeline then probably yes. 

[DSplayer]

2 hours ago, HEXO said:

can you give a source to it? we are getting a classic vietnam era version and a DMAS early 80s version, if it is in our version's timeline then probably yes. 

Idk what document this specifically comes from but I think it comes from an F-4E flight manual:

Spoiler

 

Spoiler

And here’s a forum post from another forum about the F-4E’s systems:

https://www.f4phantom.com/drupal/content/various-questions-f-4e-ordnance-radar-avionics-tiseo

[HEXO]

15 hours ago, DSplayer said:

Idk what document this specifically comes from but I think it comes from an F-4E flight manual:

  Hide contents

 

is the manual the 1F-4E-1 or the 1F-4E-34-1-1?

[DSplayer]

1 hour ago, HEXO said:

is the manual the 1F-4E-1 or the 1F-4E-34-1-1?

It appears that 1F-4E-34-1-1 references the CAA mode (page 53 or 1-37).

Edited April 2, 2022 by DSplayer

[HEXO]

3 hours ago, DSplayer said:

It appears that 1F-4E-34-1-1 references the CAA mode (page 53 or 1-37).

 

then it is within our timeline! we will most likely get it!

[Kirk66]

On 3/29/2022 at 2:57 AM, DSplayer said:

I've read somewhere where the F-4E's APQ-120 radar in later models had a feature where it could automatically determine what a target was against ground clutter and allow for easier target acquisition. Will our F-4E get this MTI-like radar function?

 

Edit 01/04/22: This function is called Computer Automatic Acquisition (CAA).

 

CAA was an automatic acquisition mode, similar to vertical scan modes common in F-15/16/18s. I think you are reading too much into the "dynamic range limiting" feature; that really just reduces the lock on range in look down situations to reduce chance of locking the ground clutter. Max auto lock on range look up was 30k ft, dropping down to 9k ft when the radar was scanning below the horizon. This from TO 1F-4E-34-1-1, figure 1-12A.

CAA worked pretty good, actually, as long as the pilot could position the target at the right place (no HUD, remember).

Interesting feature is that the CAA scan center (post OFP P005) could be moved left, center, or right via the RADAR/HEAT/GUNS throttle switch. So pilot had to remember to put the weapon mode switch back to the weapon he wanted after a lock.

Or the pilot could just call out "30 high, 10 left" and the WSO could lock on manually - pretty much just as fast as the radar on it's own...

Vulture 

Edited April 11, 2022 by Kirk66