# AN/MPN

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**AN/MPN** is the [US Military](/source/US_Military) prefix designation for a group of mobile [ground-controlled approach](/source/Ground-controlled_approach) (GCA) radars first introduced during [World War II](/source/World_War_II). "*MPN*" is the [Joint Electronics Type Designation System](/source/Joint_Electronics_Type_Designation_System) (JETDS) nomenclature for mobile (M, ground mobile systems), radar (P), [navigational aid](/source/Navigational_aid) (N). The AN/MPN designation is then followed by a hyphen and a number to denote the sequence in which that particular system was developed and manufactured.

## Variants

- Developed first by [Gilfillan](/source/ITT-Gilfillan) in the early 1940s,[1] and later by [Bendix Aviation](/source/Bendix_Aviation),[2] the system (called a "*radio set*")[3] operated as a [ground-controlled approach](/source/Ground-controlled_approach) (GCA) system with a combined mobile military [precision approach radar](/source/Precision_approach_radar) (PAR) and [airport surveillance radar](/source/Airport_surveillance_radar) (ASR). It assisted in directing aircraft over a predetermined [glide path](/source/Glide_path) for safe approach to an [aerodrome](/source/Aerodrome) runway under conditions approaching zero visibility. The system was introduced during [World War II](/source/World_War_II).[2] The radars (PAR/ASR) provided [range](/source/Range_(aeronautics)), [azimuth](/source/Azimuth) and [elevation](/source/Elevation) information of aircraft within a radius of 10 miles (8.7 nmi; 16 km) for PAR and 30 mi (26 nmi; 48 km) for ASR.[4]

- The 15 [kW](/source/KW) PAR operated in the [X-band](/source/X-band) frequency range while the 80 kW ASR operated in the [S-band](/source/S-band) range.[4] The azimuth antenna had a 1° [beam width](/source/Beam_width) and a 2° height in elevation while the elevation antenna had a 3.6° width and 0.6° height with both antennas having a 30 [RPM](/source/RPM) scanning rate.[4] With a 20° horizontal azimuth beam width and a 7° elevation beam, the system had a 4,000-foot (1,200-metre) operational ceiling.[1]

- A [Diamond T 4-ton 6×6 truck](/source/Diamond_T_4-ton_6%C3%976_truck) (G-509) was the original [prime mover](/source/Tractor_unit) hauling a 4-wheeled trailer which contained the bulk of the operational equipment.[3] Also included on the Diamond T truck were two PE-127-A gasoline-driven power generators,[1] providing 117-[volt](/source/Volt), 60-[hertz](/source/Hertz) electrical power, an air conditioner, and a spare parts box.[3] [High frequency](/source/High_frequency) (HF) and [very high frequency](/source/Very_high_frequency) (VHF) communications were provided by an [SCR-274](/source/SCR-274) transmitter, and [BC-342](/source/BC-342) receivers. [Ultra high frequency](/source/Ultra_high_frequency) (UHF) communications were added later via tactical radios normally jeep mounted for use by forward air controllers.[1]

- Originally developed by Meissner Manufacturing for the [US Navy](/source/US_Navy), the MPN-2 was a mobile [radio](/source/Radio_beacon)/[radar beacon](/source/Radar_beacon) [transponder](/source/Transponder_(aeronautics)) for navigational aid and homing facilities for aircraft. Its major components, [AN/CPN-6](/source/List_of_military_electronics_of_the_United_States:_A%E2%80%93G#AN/CPN-6) and [AN/CPN-8](/source/List_of_military_electronics_of_the_United_States:_A%E2%80%93G#AN/CPN-8), were mounted in a trailer van. The MPN-2 operated in the X-band, transmitting with 40 kW of power at 9.31 GHz while receiving signals between 9.32 and 9.43 GHz cm, and S-band, transmitting with 1.1 kW of power at 3.256 GHz and receiving between 3.267 and 3.333 GHz cm.[4]

- Another GCA system manufactured by Bendix with an ASR operating in the S-band and PAR in the X-band. Specifically, the ASR operated from 2.7 to 2.9 GHz cm and the PAR from 9.08 to 9.17 GHz cm. The system, transmitting with a peak power of 45 kW, had a range of 30 mi (26 nmi; 48 km).[1][5] The ASR had a 4,000-foot (1,200-metre) operating ceiling.[4] The system overall was similar to the MPN-1 with the exception of a single, rather than redundant dual radar sets for each channel. This improved mobility by decreasing weight also reducing the number of personnel required to operate the system. The MPN-3 also used the Diamond T 4-ton truck as a prime mover and a 4-wheeled equipment trailer, just as the MPN-1[5][4]

- Also produced by Bendix,[4] this [S-](/source/S_band) and [X-band](/source/X-band) GCA system used two distinct radar sets; the search radar equipment (SRE) and [precision approach radar](/source/Precision_approach_radar) (PAR). The 350 kW (400 [W](/source/Watt) average) SRE operated in the S-band from 2.74 to 2.9 GHz cm and had a range of about 58 miles (50 nmi; 93 km). Its [pulse-repetition frequency](/source/Pulse-repetition_frequency) (PRF) was 1.2 [kHz](/source/KHz) with a [pulsewidth](/source/Pulsewidth) of 0.8 [μs](/source/Microsecond). The X-band PAR operated from 9 to 9.18 GHz cm at a much lower power of just 35 kW resulting in a much shorter, expected, range of 12 mi (10 nmi; 19 km). The PAR had a higher PRF of 2.4 kHz and a wider pulsewidth of 0.25 μs.[6]

- Identical to the AN/MPN-2 with the modified addition of an "H" facility, transmitting a 400-[watt](/source/Watt) signal between 300 and 600 kHz.[4]

- Manufactured by [Gilfillan Brothers](/source/Gilfillan_Brothers) for the [US Air Force](/source/US_Air_Force),[4] the MPN-11 Landing Control Set was also a combined ASR/PAR S/X-band GCA system, the trailer-mounted ASR was a version of the [AN/CPN-4](/source/List_of_military_electronics_of_the_United_States:_A%E2%80%93G#AN/CPN-4) radar.[7] This system incorporated a new [moving target indication](/source/Moving_target_indication) (MTI) mode to help remove echos from stationary targets.[4] The MPN-11 and CPN-4 components were completely interchangeable with the only differences being that one had bolted trailer panels while the other had riveted panels.

- The MPN-11 had 4 variants, MPN-11A, -11B, -11C and -11D. The MPN-11A used [HF](/source/High_frequency), [AN/ARC-3](/source/List_of_military_electronics_of_the_United_States:_A%E2%80%93G#AN/ARC-3) [VHF](/source/VHF) and [AN/ARC-27](/source/List_of_military_electronics_of_the_United_States:_A%E2%80%93G#AN/ARC-27) [UHF](/source/UHF) radios for communicaitons and had a self-contained power source. The -11B also used a self-contained power source, as well as the same VHF and UHF radios, but used [AN/ART-13](/source/AN/ART-13) and [AN/ARR-15](/source/List_of_military_electronics_of_the_United_States:_A%E2%80%93G#AN/ARR-15) for HF. The -11C used an external power generator, a 7.5 t (7.4 long tons; 8.3 short tons) air conditioner, and a power distribution panel. The -11D model was similar to the -11C with [automatic frequency control](/source/Automatic_frequency_control) (AFC) and was fully interchangeable with the -11C.[4]

- The 600 kW peak power ASR transmitter operated between 2.78 and 2.82 GHz cm with a range of 20 to 30 mi nmi km based on type of aircraft tracked. The PAR transmitted a 45 kW peak signal between 9 and 9.16 GHz cm with a range of 10 mi (8.7 nmi; 16 km).

- Mobile PAR developed by [ITT-Gilfillan](/source/ITT-Gilfillan) operating between 2.7 and 2.9 GHz cm 2 at 45 [kW](/source/KW) and between 9 and 9.16 GHz cm at 500 [kW](/source/KW) with a range of just 10 mi (16 km)[1]

- Mobile ground approach system which could be configured as a complete [Radar Approach Control](/source/Radar_Approach_Control) (RAPCON) or GCA facility used by air traffic controllers to identify, sequence, and separate participating aircraft, provide final approach guidance through air defense corridors and zones, and coordinate ID and intent with local air defense units at assigned airports and air bases. These services can be provided in all types of weather. It identifies aircraft using [secondary radar](/source/Secondary_surveillance_radar) to a 230 mi (200 nmi; 370 km) radius and primary radar coverage to 69 mi (60 nmi; 111 km). The PAR provides both azimuth and elevation information from 17 mi (15 nmi; 27 km) to touchdown. Both the PAR and ASR can be used as final approach aids. The MPN-14 has three ASR display indicators and one PAR indicator located in the operations shelter, and one each ASR and PAR indicator located in the maintenance shelter. Complete operations are conducted from the operations trailer. The system is limited to a single runway but has the capability of providing opposite direction runway operations with the aid of a transportable turntable.

- Another [ITT-Gilfillan](/source/ITT-Gilfillan) manufactured mobile landing control radar operating between 2.7 and 2.82 GHz cm and between 3 and 10 GHz cm[1]

- Manufactured by [Raytheon](/source/Raytheon),[8] the MPN-23 is a trailer-mounted version of an X-band [solid-state](/source/Solid-state_electronics) [Naval/Marine Corps Air Station](/source/Naval_Air_Station) (NAS/MCAS) PAR known as the AN/FPN-63. With an 8° elevation and 20° azimuth, the 80 kW peak power transmitter has a range of 10 to 20 mi nmi km. The system uses a fixed PRF of 2.75 kHz or staggered PRF centered on 3.3 kHz and a pulsewidth of 0.2 μs.[8]

- Based on the [ITT Inc.](/source/ITT_Inc.) commercial product called GCA-2000,[9] the MPN-25 is an all-weather [phased array](/source/Phased_array) GCA system that scans the PAR and 360 degree ASR areas using the same antenna and includes a [height finding](/source/Height_finder) capability. As opposed to earlier AN/MPN systems, the MPN-25 also includes a [secondary surveillance radar](/source/Secondary_surveillance_radar) utilizing an independently rotating antenna.[10] The phased array antennas of the ASR/PAR consist of [gallium](/source/Gallium) [arsenide](/source/Arsenide) ([GaAs](/source/Gallium_arsenide)) transmit/receive modules (TRM) calibrated for phase and power to allow formation of the [RF](/source/Radio_frequency) beam in space. It also incorporates [fiber-optic links](/source/Fiber-optic_communication) for faster real-time control.

- The system then processes the raw target data to form a data word sending it to a computer display operating on Solaris. It has a 35 mi (30 nmi; 56 km) ASR range and 23 mi (20 nmi; 37 km) for PAR coverage. The system can operate in three different modes to include ASR, PAR and combined mode. In ASR mode, the azimuth antenna spins at 60 [RPMs](/source/RPM) and the system is only used to process targets typical to any ASR, also utilizing an AN/TPX-56 [identification friend or foe](/source/Identification_friend_or_foe) (IFF) system to identify targets. Both raw returns and IFF are processed in the tracker. In PAR mode the azimuth antenna does not spin and is fixed normally on the reciprocal runway heading in azimuth and elevation planes to process typical PAR targets. In combined mode the azimuth antenna spins at 60 RPMs to provide the 1 second [ICAO](/source/ICAO) update rate to the PAR display. The display software has two modes of operation ASR/PAR. The PAR display utilizes [ITT](/source/ITT_Inc.) software and the ASR software is a derivative of BDM software used at several ranges.

- A program that was never accepted by the government, cancelled in 2008. Earlier radars included the AN/FPN-36 "Quad Radar", a compact and portable system that could function as either an [airport surveillance radar](/source/Airport_surveillance_radar), GCA radar, non-precision ASR approach radar, or airport surface detection equipment, and the AN/CPN-4, a larger, more modern and precise system that provided those functions.

## See also

- [Air traffic control](/source/Air_traffic_control)
- [Air traffic control radar beacon system](/source/Air_traffic_control_radar_beacon_system)
- [LORAN](/source/LORAN)
- [Rebecca/Eureka transponding radar](/source/Rebecca/Eureka_transponding_radar)

### Lists

- [List of radars](/source/List_of_radars)
- [List of U.S. Signal Corps vehicles](/source/List_of_U.S._Signal_Corps_vehicles)
- [List of military electronics of the United States](/source/List_of_military_electronics_of_the_United_States)
- [List of similar US military air traffic control radars](/source/List_of_military_electronics_of_the_United_States#MPN)

## References

1. ["MPN – Mobile; Radar; Navigation Aid"](http://www.mobileradar.org/radar_descptn_1.html#mpn_1). *MobileRadar.org*. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025.

1. Wolff, Christian. ["AN/MPN-1"](https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/11.ancient2/karte002.en.html). *RadarTutorial.eu*. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025.

1. Marshall, G C & Ulio, Maj Gen J A (Sep 20, 1944). [*TM 11-1543 Radio Set AN/MPN-1 Service Manual*](https://www.radionerds.com/images/9/94/TM_11-1543.pdf) (Technical Manual). [Washington, D.C.](/source/Washington,_D.C.): [US War Department](/source/US_War_Department). Retrieved Dec 27, 2025. (801 pages)

1. [*TM 11-487C-1 Military Standardization Handbook: United States Radar Equipment*](https://www.radartutorial.eu/druck/TM_11-487C-1_DEC._1965.pdf) (Technical Manual). Vol. 1 of 2. [Washington, D.C.](/source/Washington,_D.C.): [Department of the Army](/source/Department_of_the_Army). Dec 15, 1965. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025. (1,531 pages)

1. Wolff, Christian. ["AN/MPN-3"](https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/11.ancient7/karte055.en.html). *RadarTutorial.eu*. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025.

1. Wolff, Christian. ["AN/MPN-5"](https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/11.ancient3/karte065.en.html). *RadarTutorial.eu*. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025.

1. Wolff, Christian. ["AN/MPN-11"](https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/11.ancient3/karte096.en.html). *RadarTutorial.eu*. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025.

1. Wolff, Christian. ["AN/FPN-63"](https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/03.atc/karte030.en.html). *RadarTutorial.eu*. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025.

1. Wolff, Christian. ["GCA-2000"](https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/03.atc/karte051.en.html). *RadarTutorial.eu*. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025.

1. ["Gilfillan Air Traffic Control"](https://www.mobileradar.org/radar_descptn_1.html#mpn_25) (Product Brochure). [Van Nuys, California](/source/Van_Nuys,_California): [ITT Industries](/source/ITT_Industries), Gilfillan Div. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025.

## External links

- Jackson, David (Aug 21, 2002). ["New radar keeps skies safe"](https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/140581/new-radar-keeps-skies-safe/). *[AF.mil](/source/US_Air_Force)*. Retrieved Dec 27, 2025.
- [*Google Books* – Blind Landings: Low-Visibility Operations in American Aviation, 1918–1958](https://books.google.com/books?id=FHi5wRMtQ2QC&dq=AN/MPN-1+RADAR&pg=PA147)
- [*Google Books* – Technical and Military Imperatives: A Radar History of World War 2](https://books.google.com/books?id=wpFMWeLmp4cC&dq=AN/MPN-1+RADAR&pg=PA193)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [AN/MPN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN%2FMPN) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN%2FMPN?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.