OVERVIEW:  The Sapfir-23ML aka HIGH LARK 2 aka "N003" radar is an airborne air-to-air fire-control radar operating in the NATO I band.

DETAILS: 
 The Sapfir-23ML aka HIGH LARK 2 is a lightened and improved Sapfir-23D-III. It features coherent pulse-Doppler detection, using a two-reflector Cassegrain antenna.  It is capable of all-aspect engagement of targets above 5,000 feet, but is was likely limited to rear aspect only in LD/SD mode.  The N003E version of the radar is capable of searching for targets 20,000 feet above the radar.


Specifications:

	Frequency:	9 GHz (approx) (I-band (NATO))
	PRF:		1Khz
	Pulse width:	4 µsec(search), pulse width ~1 µsec(track)
	Power: 		 40 KW (peak) 
	Scan Limits:	56 degrees azimuth, +56,-42 degrees elevation.
	Range:		38/29nm search (bomber/fighter aircraft above radar)
			28/19 nm tracking (bomber/fighter aircraft above radar)
			13/10nm search (bomber/fighter aircraft below radar)
			13/9 nm tracking (bomber/fighter aircraft below radar)


NOTES:  Used in the MiG-23ML.  Associated with the R-23T,R-3S,R-13M,R-60 missiles, and gunnery.  Is capable of providing range information for bombing.

SOURCES: Mladenov, Alexander. Soviet Cold War Fighters. Fonthill Media, 2017, location 3497 (Kindel ed.) ; Jane's Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems, "Sapfir Series Radars," 19 October 2000; 
"MiG Alley." Chicago Web Design Company, Accessed December 12, 2021. https://toad-design.com/migalley/index.php/jet-aircraft/mig23/. ;"Modes - Soviet Aircraft Tech." Google Sites. Accessed December 12, 2021. https://sites.google.com/site/sovietaircrafttech/mig-23/n003e/modes. ;"RP-23 Sapfir." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Last modified April 24, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RP-23_Sapfir.
