The new AN/FPN-68 Precision Approach Radar’s antenna prepares to be installed Sept. 30, 2019 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. MCAS Futenma is the first Marine Corps Air Station to receive the new radar system. (Courtesy photo by U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Brian Smith)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Brennan Beauton

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, first to receive Precision Approach Radar for the modern era

2 Oct 2019 | Lance Cpl. Brennan Beauton Marine Corps Installations Pacific

MCAS FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan --

The new radar allows air traffic control Marines to give pilots critical and precise information when landing aircrafts during inclement weather.

“Precision is the name of the game for us,” said Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Pelletier, radar chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “It shows down to the foot, how far left or right the course of the aircraft is, and also how above or below the glide path the aircraft is traveling. It lets us know the exact distance to touchdown for the wheels of the aircraft. Accuracy wise, it’s above reproach. It is the latest and greatest system out there.”

The AN/FPN-63 Precision Approach Radar, installed in 1984, was the previous model used by Marines stationed on MCAS Futenma.

“It is going to make a huge difference,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Barnhart, an air traffic control maintenance officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “It is all digital technology. It makes our job a lot easier, and it is going to keep pilots safe.”

The new AN/FPN-68 Precision Approach Radar is scheduled to be fully mission capable on Nov. 14, 2019.