No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit (114 MCRU) operate the Tactical Air Defence Radar System, AN/TPS-77, to provide tactical aerospace battle management and air traffic surveillance in support of Exercise Pitch Black 2018.
"The deployed air defence radar is used for safety of flight and directing aircraft on target as the exercise continues," SQNLDR Mark Wilson said, 114 MCRU Senior Engineering Officer.
"Positioned at Poll Hill, 300km South of Darwin in the Northern Territory, the radar has 15 technicians supporting it during the exercise.
"Conditions are harsh but morale is very high, and the capability is proving that this is an asset to the Defence Force."
Corporal Martin Larocque, a technician with the Royal Canadian Air Force, visited the remote site to learn about the deployable radar and speak with the personnel about their experiences.
"We have a similar radar but it’s a bit older. It has been great to see how the Aussies do their job with the radar and how they set up a remote camp," CPL Larocque said.
"I’m really enjoying my time at Exercise Pitch Black. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and I think it’s good for everyone to work together and make friends with other countries."
The deployable air surveillance and air battle management unit have been in location for three weeks with another six weeks to go.
Located at RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory, 114 MCRU also deployed to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to provide air surveillance and air battle management in the local area.
