View source for ARTHUR

{{short description|Counter-battery radar system}}
{{redirect|MAMBA|the museum|Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art}}
{{infobox weapon
| name               = ARTHUR
| image              = Italian Army - 8th Field Artillery Regiment "Pasubio" ARTHUR radar during an exercise in Capo Teulada 2022.jpg
| image_size         = 
| alt                = 
| caption            = An Italian ARTHUR used on exercise
| origin             = Sweden / Norway
| type               = Passive electronically scanned array
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1994–present
| used_by            = ''See [[#Operators|Operators]]''
| wars               = War in Afghanistan, [[Iraq War]] [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = 
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[Saab AB]]
| unit_cost          = {{Currency|27|SEK2}}{{nbsp}}million  (1996)<ref>{{cite web|title=ARTHUR - Artillery Hunting Radar on BV206 | date = 2008-06-02 |url=http://www.one35th.com/attc/arthur_main.htm |website= one35th.com|access-date = 2022-03-26 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110517010748/http://www.one35th.com/attc/arthur_main.htm |archive-date=17 May 2011|url-status=live | df = dmy-all}}</ref>
| production_date    = 
| number             = 80 (by 2020)<ref name=tu2020>{{cite magazine |last1=Dalløkken |first1=Per Erlien |title=17 år etter Irak: Britene ruster opp sine norsk-svenske artillerijegere |url=https://www.tu.no/artikler/17-ar-etter-irak-britene-ruster-opp-sine-norsk-svenske-artillerijegere/487095 |magazine =[[Teknisk Ukeblad]] |language=no |date=11 March 2020 | access-date = 2022-03-26 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312103916/https://www.tu.no/artikler/17-ar-etter-irak-britene-ruster-opp-sine-norsk-svenske-artillerijegere/487095 |archive-date=2020-03-12 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
| variants           = Mod A, Mod B, Mod C, Mod D
<!-- General specifications -->| spec_label         = 
| weight             = <!--{{convert|123|kg|lb|abbr=on}}-->
| length             = <!--{{convert|123|cm|in|abbr=on}}-->
| part_length        = <!--{{convert|123|cm|in|abbr=on}}-->
| width              = 
| height             = 
| diameter           = 
| crew               = 4
| passengers         = 
}}
{{Infobox radar
| name        = Azimuth and elevation electrically scanned
| image       = Italian Army - 132nd Field Artillery Regiment "Ariete" ARTHUR radar during exercise NASR 2021 in Al Qalail (Qatar).jpg
| caption     = The radar on the ARTHUR
| country     =[[Sweden]]/[[Norway]] 
| introdate   = <!--{{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}}-->
| number      = 
| type        = [[Passive phased array]]
| frequency   = C (G/H)-band
| PRF         = <!--pulse repetition frequency-->
| beamwidth   = <!--X° (horizontal), X° (vertical)-->
| pulsewidth  = <!--pulse width-->
| RPM         = <!--revolutions per minute-->
| range       = {{convert|60|km|mi}} Mod C

{{convert|100|km|mi}} Mod D
| altitude    = <!--{{convert|X|m|ft|abbr=on}}-->
| diameter    = <!--{{convert|X|m|ft|abbr=on}}-->
| azimuth     = <!--X-Yº-->
| elevation   = <!--X-Yº-->
| precision   = {{convert|60|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| power       = 
| other names = MAMBA<br>
TAIPAN
}}

'''ARTHUR''' (an acronym for "artillery hunting radar") is a [[counter-battery radar]] system originally developed jointly for and in close co-operation with the [[Norwegian Armed Forces|Norwegian]] and [[Swedish Armed Forces|Swedish]] armed forces by [[Ericsson Microwave Systems]] in both Sweden and Norway. It is also used by the [[British Army]], under the designation '''TAIPAN'''''.''

It is a mobile, [[passive electronically scanned array]] [[C band (IEEE)|C-band]] [[radar]] for the purpose of enemy [[field artillery]] acquisition and was developed for the primary role as the core element of a [[brigade]] or [[Division (military)|division]] level [[counter battery]] sensor system. The vehicle carrying the radar was originally a [[Bandvagn 206]] developed and produced by [[Hägglund & Söner]], but is now more often delivered on trucks with [[Intermodal container|ISO fasteners]].

The radar is now developed by [[Saab AB]] [[Saab Surveillance|Electronic Defense Systems]] (after EMW was sold to Saab in June 2006) and Saab Technologies Norway AS.

==Role==
The ARTHUR detects [[hostile]] artillery by tracking projectiles in flight. The original ARTHUR Mod A can locate [[howitzer|guns]] at 15–20&nbsp;km and 120&nbsp;mm [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]]s at 30–35&nbsp;km with a [[circular error probable]] of 0.45% of range. This is accurate enough for effective counter-battery fire by friendly [[Artillery battery|artillery batteries]]. ARTHUR can operate as a stand-alone, medium-range weapons locating radar or a long-range weapon locating system, consisting of two to four radars working in coordination. This flexibility enables the system to maintain a constant [[surveillance]] of an area of interest.

The upgraded ARTHUR Mod B met the [[British Army]]'s MAMBA requirement for locating guns, mortars or rockets. It can locate guns at 20–25&nbsp;km and 120&nbsp;mm mortars at 35–40&nbsp;km with a circular probable error of 0.35% of range. MAMBA was successfully used by the British Army in Iraq and Afghanistan, with an [[availability]] of 90%.<ref name=tu2020/>

ARTHUR Mod C has a larger antenna and can detect guns at 31&nbsp;km, mortars at 55&nbsp;km and rockets at 50–60&nbsp;km depending on their size, and locate targets at a rate of 100 per minute with CEP 0.2% of range for guns and rockets and 0.1% for mortars.<ref name=tu2020/>

ARTHUR WLR Mod D has several improvements, including an instrumented range of up to 100&nbsp;km, an accuracy of 0.15% of range, and the ability to cover an arc of 120°. The detection range is between 0.8 and 100&nbsp;km and could possibly increase to 200&nbsp;km. More than 100 targets can be tracked at the same time. It was delivered to the British Army in 2024, under the designation '''TAIPAN'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saab delivers British Army’s next generation artillery hunting radars |url=https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2024/saab-delivers-british-armys-next-generation-artillery-hunting-radars |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=Start |language=en}}</ref>

It can be carried by a [[C-130]] or slung under a heavy lift helicopter such as a [[CH-47 Chinook|Chinook]]. Its air mobility allows it for use by light and rapid reaction forces such as airborne and [[Marine (military)|marine]] units.

===Nordic Battle Group===
The use of the ARTHUR in [[Nordic Battle Group]]s will primarily concentrate on preventing the use of artillery [[barrage (artillery)|barrage]]s in civilian areas, since the radar can identify an artillery unit guilty of targeting civilians. It will also be used to warn friendly mission troops of incoming [[indirect fire]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.artreg.mil.se/article.php?id=14821 |title=ISTAR och artillerilokaliseringsradarn ARTHUR |accessdate=17 January 2007 |publisher=[[Swedish Armed Forces]] |language=Swedish |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927225933/http://www.artreg.mil.se/article.php?id=14821 |archivedate=27 September 2007}}</ref>

==Operational modes==
[[File:Mobile Artillery Monitoring Battlefield Radar (MAMBA) MOD 45148327.jpg|thumb|Mobile artillery monitoring battlefield radar in Al Amarah, [[Iraq]], being used by K Battery [[5th Regiment Royal Artillery]] (RA). Shown placed in a [[Bandvagn 206|Bv 206]] tracked vehicle.]]

ARTHUR can be operated in two main modes: weapon locating and fire direction. Weapon locating is used to determine the location of the guns, mortars or rocket launchers that fired and their target area. Fire direction is used to adjust the fire of own artillery onto target coordinates.

===Weapon locating===
When locating enemy artillery, the radar tracks the up-going trajectory of shells, calculates their points of origin and impact and, with other information, displays it to the radar operator(s). Depending on national tactics, techniques, procedures, the commander's orders and the situation, this information may be used to alert any troops in the impact area and engage the hostile batteries with counter-battery fire. If the users have digital communications networks these messages may be sent automatically. 
 
The ARTHUR can determine whether the artillery piece is of [[Field artillery|artillery]]-type, [[rocket artillery|rocket]]-type or [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]]-type based upon the curve of the trajectory, the munition's speed, and its range.

===Fire direction===
When in fire direction mode the radar calculates the expected impact location of the friendly fire. From this corrections are calculated and reported to hit the target coordinates.

Sweden also uses the radar for 'fall of shot' calibration.

==Threats==
Radars are easy to detect and locate if the enemy has the necessary [[ELINT]]/[[Electronic Support Measures|ESM]] capability. The consequences of this detection are likely to be attack by artillery fire or aircraft (including [[anti-radiation missiles]]) or [[Electronic countermeasure|ECM]]. In other circumstances ground attack with direct fire or short range indirect fire are the main threat. The usual measures against the first are using a [[radar horizon]] to screen from ground-based detection, minimising transmission time, deploying radars singly and moving frequently. Swedish ARTHUR units usually operate in groups of three that guard the immediate surroundings.

==Operators==
[[File:ARTHUR operators.png|thumb|400px|Map with ARTHUR radar operators in blue]]

===Current operators===
*{{flag|Canada}} – [[Canadian Army]]: On lease for operations in Afghanistan.<ref name="ArmyTech">{{cite web|title=IDE and Saab team up to support the Hellenic Army's ARTHUR systems|url=http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsids-saab-team-up-to-support-the-hellenic-armys-arthur-systems-4149753 |website=Army Technology|date=19 December 2013 |accessdate=6 July 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160806234938/http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsids-saab-team-up-to-support-the-hellenic-armys-arthur-systems-4149753 |archive-date=6 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=August 2016}}<ref name="DefAero">{{cite web|title=Saab Sells the ARTHUR Radar System to Italy|url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?prod=110934&shop=dae&modele=release |website=Defence Aerospace|accessdate=6 July 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160915134110/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/modele.pl?prod=110934&shop=dae&modele=release |archive-date=15 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Czech Republic}} – [[Czech Armed Forces]]: 3 units<ref>{{cite web|title=Artillery Radar System ARTHUR|url=http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=6667 |website=Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic|accessdate=6 July 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110717071943/http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=6667 |archive-date=17 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ArmyTech"/><ref name="DefAero"/>
*{{flag|Denmark}} – [[Danish Army]]: Being phased out under the last agreement for the [[Danish Defence]]<ref name="DefAero"/>
*{{flag|Greece}} – [[Hellenic Army]]<ref name="ArmyTech"/><ref name="DefAero"/>
*{{flag|Italy}} – [[Italian Army]]: Initially leased for use in Iraq 2003/2004. In 2009 Italy decided to buy the system which has been in use since at least 2013 in 5 units.<ref name="ArmyTech"/><ref name="DefAero"/>
*{{flag|Malaysia}}<ref name="ArmyTech"/>
*{{flag|Norway}},<ref name="ArmyTech"/><ref name="DefAero"/> to be replaced by 8 [[Ground Master 200 Multi Mission|Thales Ground Master 200 MM/C]] in 2024<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dalløkken |first1=Per Erlien |title=Nå skal disse kanonene siktes kjapt inn på fienden ved hjelp av nye radarer |url=https://www.tu.no/artikler/na-skal-disse-kanonene-siktes-kjapt-inn-pa-fienden-ved-hjelp-av-nye-radarer/510395 |website=Tu.no |publisher=[[Teknisk Ukeblad]] |language=no |date=2021-05-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://forsvaretsforum.no/forsvarsmateriell-materiell-nederland/forsvarsmateriell-med-nytt-radarkjop-for-460-millioner-kroner/296182 | title=Forsvarsmateriell med nytt radarkjøp for 460 millioner kroner | date=23 November 2022 }}</ref>
*{{flag|Singapore}}<ref name="ArmyTech"/>
*{{flag|South Korea}} – Reportedly purchased Mod C in 2007, in 2011 Saab received a follow-up order.<ref>[http://www.saabgroup.com/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--News/2011---1/Saab-receives-order-for-weapon-locating-system1/ "Saab receives order for weapon locating system"] {{Webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110715222101/http://www.saabgroup.com/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--News/2011---1/Saab-receives-order-for-weapon-locating-system1/ |date=2011-07-15 }}, accessed February 28, 2011</ref><ref name="DefAero"/> About 20 are positioned near the [[Korean Demilitarized Zone]].<ref name=tu2020/>
*{{flag|Spain}}<ref name="ArmyTech"/><ref name="DefAero"/>
*{{flag|Sweden}}<ref name="ArmyTech"/><ref name="DefAero"/>
*{{flag|United Kingdom}} – [[British Army]]: As of 22nd July 2024, five next generation Arthur Mod D systems, named '''TAIPAN''' by the British Army, have been delivered, accepted, and are now with 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, replacing the previous generation, designated '''MAMBA'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saab delivers British Army’s next generation artillery hunting radars |url=https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2024/saab-delivers-british-armys-next-generation-artillery-hunting-radars |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=Start |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=2024-09-18 |title=British Army receives new artillery hunting radar from Saab |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/british-army-receives-new-artillery-hunting-radar-from-saab/ |access-date=2024-11-23 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

*{{flag|Ukraine}} – [[Armed Forces of Ukraine]]
**Second-hand ARTHUR radars received from the UK<ref>[https://en.defence-ua.com/news/armed_forces_of_ukraine_use_british_arthur_counter_battery_radar-4503.html Armed Forces of Ukraine Use British ARTHUR Counter-battery Radar ]</ref>
**5 ordered by Sweden in March 2025 for the Ukrainian Army<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-17 |title=Sweden signs contract with BAE Systems Bofors to supply Archer howitzers and Arthur radars to Ukraine |url=https://defence-industry.eu/sweden-signs-contract-with-bae-systems-bofors-to-supply-archer-howitzers-and-arthur-radars-to-ukraine/ |access-date=2025-03-17 |language=en}}</ref>
*{{BUL}} - [[Bulgarian Land Forces]]: Bulgaria's 4th Artillery Regiment began operating the ARTHUR Mod C in late 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=МО |first=ИЦ на |date=2024-12-18 |title=Нова техника за разузнаване бе приета в артилерийския полк в Асеновград |url=https://armymedia.bg/2024/12/18/%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%85%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B7%D1%83%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%B1%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0/ |access-date=2024-12-19 |website=Информационен център на Министерство на oтбраната |language=bg-BG}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder radar]]
* [[AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder radar]]
* [[SLC-2 Radar]]
* [[Swathi Weapon Locating Radar]]
* [[Penicillin (counter-artillery system)]]
* [[Red Color]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://saab.com/land/istar/weapon-locating-system/arthur/] at Saab
* [http://www.one35th.com/attc/arthur_main.htm One35th.com Military encyclopedia]
* [http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=6667 Info about ARTHUR from army.cz]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ground radars]]
[[Category:Weapon locating radar]]
[[Category:Military radars of Sweden]]
[[Category:Warning systems]]
[[Category:Military radars of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1990s]]