What is the detection range of the THAAD radar for FBM?

What is the detection range of the THAAD radar for FBM?

• A. 600-800 km
• B. 1500-2000+ km
• C. 100-200 km
• D. 50-100 km

Answer: (B)

Detecting FBM requires sensing the ballistic missile far enough away to cue interceptors as it flies its long boost and midcourse path. The THAAD system uses the AN/TPY-2 radar, which in forward-based mode provides very long-range, high-sensitivity detection and tracking over a wide area. For FBMs, this radar can pick up and begin tracking at roughly 1,500 to 2,000+ kilometers, with range extending beyond 2,000 kilometers depending on target size, altitude, and geometry. The other ranges are simply not consistent with the radar’s long-range sensing role in FBM scenarios, where the goal is to detect early and cue subsequent defense assets. This long-range capability is what makes the 1,500–2,000+ kilometer range the best fit.

Detecting FBM requires sensing the ballistic missile far enough away to cue interceptors as it flies its long boost and midcourse path. The THAAD system uses the AN/TPY-2 radar, which in forward-based mode provides very long-range, high-sensitivity detection and tracking over a wide area. For FBMs, this radar can pick up and begin tracking at roughly 1,500 to 2,000+ kilometers, with range extending beyond 2,000 kilometers depending on target size, altitude, and geometry.

The other ranges are simply not consistent with the radar’s long-range sensing role in FBM scenarios, where the goal is to detect early and cue subsequent defense assets. This long-range capability is what makes the 1,500–2,000+ kilometer range the best fit.