Syracuse, NY – Major national and international events have become a target for terrorist organizations. The military is now being called upon to provide low level air surveillance at these events. While conventional military systems can provide the bulk of the required air defense capabilities, the scale of these systems often prevents them from being employed optimally.

SRC worked with the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) to employ the AN/TPQ-49 radar system with LSTAR air surveillance software for air defense at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The system proved very effective and was employed again by the UK MoD to provide defense of the G8 summit in the remote Fermanagh Lakelands of Northern Ireland. Once again, SRC’s AN/TPQ-49 radar system with LSTAR air surveillance software provided excellent security, providing “reassurance to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and enhanced situational awareness to the recognised air picture,” according to General Sir David Richards, Chief of the Defense Staff.

LSTAR radar at the G8 summit in the remote Fermanagh Lakelands of Northern Ireland

SRC's AN/TPQ-49 radar system with LSTAR air surveillance software at the G8 summit in the remote Fermanagh Lakelands of Northern  Ireland
Photographer: Warrant Officer Micheal Hannam


SRC is a U.S.-based not-for-profit research and development company. For more than 55 years, we have been providing unique, creative solutions to nationally significant challenges in the areas of defense, environment and intelligence. SRC enjoys a long-standing reputation for providing customers with the highest quality services and products.

SRC’s AN/TPQ-49 radar system with LSTAR air surveillance software is an air surveillance radar designed to protect vital infrastructure and other high-value assets. Its unique 3-D and 360 degree electronic scanning capability enables reliable detection and tracking of a variety of airborne targets. In addition, the system’s small size and low power consumption allows for easy transportation and rapid emplacement, making it ideal for low-profile operation. It can perform as a primary stand-alone sensor or as an adjunct to existing sensors.