MOTHER was designed to provide over-the-horizon radar that could monitor both air and surface traffic over a huge area. Later it was found that MOTHER would be useful to bolster early warning and missile warning shield networks already in place.
- General
- Coverage: 6 Million sqKm+
60 to 105 Degrees - Power: 24MW
Monopole - Height: 5m
Frequency - Low Band: 5 to 14MHz
- High Band: 10-30MHz
- Wavelength: 10m – 60m
Detection Range - Air: 840km (<100m amsl)
1680km (100-100’000m amsl)
4200km (>100’000m amsl) - Surface: 4000km
Detection-to-Tracking Time - Air: 10s – 18s
- Surface: 500s
Simultaneous Tracking - Air: 8’000 Targets
- Surface: 1’300 Targets
The transmitters have to be placed at least five-hundred kilometres apart if they are facing the same direction, and are each a kilometre long and able to generate a 24MW signal, stronger than most systems currently available. During testing with the LS/MOR 394, an 18MW version, the signal ignited a near-by refuelling depot. All tests since have ensured all re-fuelling station and ammunition depots were shielded with metal ‘faraday’ shields to stop accidental sparks.
The later versions of the MOTHER system were designed to intercept stealth aircraft. Such aircraft are designed with sharp edges and flat bellies in an effort to defeat ground based radars. The latest in use with 387 – the LS/MOR 449 – bounces the signals off the ionosphere where the beam can be reflected to targets thousands of kilometres away. This signal can bounce down onto the top of ‘stealth’ aircraft where the signal will hit the protruding cockpit, engine housings and other equipment. To defeat the radar absorbent paint the LS/MOR 449 has been changed to use HF waves rather than the slower frequency microwave.
Due to the extreme ranges which the LS/MOR 449 can operate – officially 4200km, however some results have indicated that it could reach at over 6000kms – when the signal is retuned it is extremely weak. To pick up such a signal, paired with the transmitter is a long range receiver, created from several 500m stretches of dual line masts, each over thirty meters tall. Depending on the space available and range required a number of 500m receiver units can be combined. It was found that a 5km stretch was and any length over 7.5kms has to been found to be inefficient and dangerous to the system. The XR478 Prototype hopes to fix this issue, however development has not progressed.
MOTHER does not just refer to the Transmitter/Receiver pair but also includes the data analysis Central Control Unit which enables easy incorporation of all data collected by the Receiving units. This allows multiple receiving units to cooperate and create a single radar image from multiple angles allowing a fast and efficient identification of incoming signals with the operator able to manipulate the frequency and waveform to optimise performance. However due to the extreme ranges the MOTHER system is recommended to be
In order for it to be ‘mobile’ the transmitters and receivers are broken down into individual sections to enable ease of transport. An entire six unit network can be set up in under a week by a trained crew, which enables the system to cover any new theatres which require attention.
The LS/MOR 449 ‘MOTHER’ is available for purchase from 387 Communications. Purchase of the MOTHER guarantees the upgrade to the XR478 system once it is stable and operational. At this time the LS/MOR 449 is available in three packages - the 'System' Package includes LS/MOR 449 (A), (B) and (Z) sets - Transmitter, Receiver and Control System for NS$290 Million. The 'Unit' Package includes a single LS/MOR 449 (A) and (B) for NS$210 Million. The 'Theatre' Package includes three LS/MOR 449 (A) and (B) and a single LS/MOR 449 (Z) for NS$680 Million. Upon purchase 387 Communications will provide the personnel to set up and test the equipment to ensure that they are operating within acceptable parameters. Training in the usage of the LS/MOR 449 can be provided at NS$74'240 a year per trainer. Production Rights are not available.
