SPG-62

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The AN/SPG-62 is a continuous wave terminal guidance illumination radar for the Standard SM-2 missile. These missiles use semi-active radar homing for their final guidance, so the Mark 99 fire control subsystem of AEGIS time-shares the illumination radars. Other functions of the Mark 99 system include loading, arming and launching the Standard missiles.

Only as the missile is making final approach to its target does there need to be AN/SPG-62 energy on the target, so the AEGIS battle management system can have more missiles flying against more targets than it has illuminators.

Three AN/SPG-62 antennas are visible, at far left and second from right

Burke-class destroyers have three and Ticonderoga-class cruisers have four AN/SPG-62's.

These radars, made by Raytheon, operate in the I/J bands with a peak power of approximately 10 kilowatts. Obviously, the specific operating frequencies change frequently and are classified, for reasons of protecting the missile guidance system from the target's electronic countermeasures (i.e., its self-protection electronic attack capabilty