| | | | | | | | | Description | | The AN/MSQ-104 Engagement Control Station is the command and control unit of the entire Patriot system. The ECS consists of a shelter mounted on the chassis of an M927 5-Ton Cargo Truck or on the chassis of a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) cargo truck. The MSQ-104 has a crew of 3. The MSQ-104 control station is connected with the launching stations through VHF data links, the MPQ-53 radar set, with other Patriot batteries and with the command headquarters. | | | | Variants :
No variants. | | | | | | | | | Back to top | | Description | | A command post ECS shelter is mounted on the chassis of an M927 5-Ton Cargo truck. In combat position a small rectangular antenna is mounted at the rear side of the truck, another big antenna is mounted at the left side of the truck.
| | Operation | | AN/MSQ-104 Engagement Control Station (ECS) is the only manned station in the Patriot battery and requires three operators. Inside are two operator console positions, one communications station, the digital weapons control computer, the VHF datalink terminal, three radio relay terminals and the battery status panel with a hardcopy unit beneath. The main sub-components of the ECS are the Weapons Control Computer (WCC), the Data Link Terminal (DLT), the UHF communications array, the Routing Logic Radio Interface Unit (RLRIU), and the two manstations that serve as the system's man-to-machine interface. The ECS is air conditioned, pressurized (to resist chemical/biological attack), and shielded against electromagnetic pulse (EMP) or other such electromagnetic interference. The ECS also contains several SINCGARS radios to facilitate voice communications. | | Truck | | The M927 5-Ton truck XLWB is the long wheelbase 6x6 cargo version is part of the M-939 Series of 5 ton 6x6 trucks. The M927 is powered by a Diesel engine Cummins 6CTA8.3 8.3 litre 6 cylinder in-line turbocharged and aftercooled water developing 240 hp at 2,100 rpm. The engine is coupled to an Allison gearbox MT654CR-5 with 5 automatic speed. | | Combat use | | The WCC is the main computer within the Patriot system. It is a 24-bit parallel militarized computer with fixed and floating point capability. It is organized in a multiprocessor configuration that operates at a maximum clock rate of 6 megahertz. This computer controls the operator interface, calculates missile intercept algorithms, and provides limited fault diagnostics. Compared to modern personal computers, it has somewhat limited processing power, although it has been upgraded several times during Patriot's service life.
The DLT connects the ECS to Patriot's Launching Stations. It uses either a SINCGARS radio or fiber optic cables to transmit encrypted data between the ECS and the launchers. Through the DLT, the system operators can remotely emplace, slew or stow launchers, perform diagnostics on launchers or missiles, and fire missiles.
The UHF communications array consists of three UHF radio "stacks" and their associated patching and encrypting equipment. These radios are connected to the antennas of the OE-349 Antenna Mast Group, which are used to create UHF "shots" between sister Patriot batteries and their associated ICC. This creates a secure, real-time data network (known as PADIL, Patriot Data Information Link) that allows the ICC to centralize control of its subordinate firing batteries.
The RLRIU functions as the primary router for all data coming into the ECS. The RLRIU gives a firing battery an address on the battalion data network, and sends/receives data from across the battalion. It also "translates" data coming from the WCC to the DLT, facilitating communication with the launchers. | | | | Specifications | | | | Type | | Command and control system | | Missile system | | Patriot MIM-104 | | Country users | | Poland, Greece, Spain, United States, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Japan
| | Accessories | | Compurter, radio and data transmission systems | | Crew | | 3 | | | Truck | | M927 5-Ton cargo truck | | Truck range | | 325 km | | Truck speed | | 65 km/h
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a | | Truck Weight | | 17,028 kg | | Dimensions | | Lenght, 10,36 m; Width, 2,65 m; Height, 3,43 m | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |