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NEWS | June 29, 2022

AN/TPQ-53 Radar System: Right Grease Protects Leveling Legs

AN/TPQ-53 radar system
Courtesy photo
 
Dear Editor,           
                 
All grease is not the same!

As an AMC Sensor LAR, I have seen some issues in the field with the AN/TPQ-53 radar system. The huge leveling legs used to stabilize the radar system have common Zerk grease fittings, but sometimes the wrong grease is used to lubricate these legs. If the incorrect grease is used, the leveling legs may bind or lock up and burn out the electric motors that extend and retract the leveling legs.


Use correct grease for AN/TPQ-53 radar system
Use correct grease for AN/TPQ-53 radar system
 
The correct grease is NSN 9150-01-197-7689 (GAA Grease, General Automotive and Artillery Grease). I strongly encourage units to make stickers with this specific lubricant information and place them near the Zerk grease fittings and make a note in each radar’s log book to make sure that the correct lubricant is used at every service interval.

Gregory Janeczek
Ft Stewart, GA 
Editor’s note: Thanks for pointing the way to keep radar PMCS on track.
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