How long does a radar magnetron last?

Magnetron life is measured in transmitting hours and varies with utilisation; it is replaced on condition when radar range and target sensitivity noticeably degrade.

Which radars does the MG5436 fit?

The MG5436 (Furuno 000-140-762-13) is a 25 kW X-band magnetron for the FAR-1528, FAR-2127 and FAR-3220 series. Confirm against your radar model before ordering.

Does a new magnetron need tuning?

Yes. A radar should be retuned after a magnetron change, and the work should be done by a qualified technician because of the high voltages involved.

Furuno Marine Radar Magnetrons

A radar magnetron is the vacuum microwave tube that generates the high-power transmit pulse in a Furuno pulse radar, and it is the single most replaced transmitting component on a marine radar over its service life. The tube has a finite emission life measured in operating hours; as it ages its peak output power falls, and the radar progressively loses maximum range and the ability to detect small or distant targets such as buoys, small craft and weak coastlines. For that reason the magnetron is treated as a planned consumable, replaced on condition when picture quality degrades rather than run to destruction. Each Furuno magnetron is matched to a specific radar series by three properties that must all agree: the frequency band (X-band near 9 GHz or S-band near 3 GHz), the peak output power in kilowatts, and the mechanical mount and connection that fix it into the transceiver. A tube cut for one series will not drop correctly into another even where the physical envelope looks similar, which is why these parts are sourced by the Furuno part number and the radar model rather than by a generic description. This series page lists the curated, identifier-anchored Furuno magnetrons, each carrying its OEM part number and the radar models it serves so a purchaser can confirm fitment before raising a request for quote.

When to replace a radar magnetron

Replace on condition when the radar shows reduced maximum range, weaker returns from known targets, or a tuning indicator that no longer peaks. Magnetron life is consumed by transmitting hours, so high-utilisation vessels reach replacement sooner. The tube is a high-voltage component and should be changed and retuned by a qualified radar technician.

Confirming magnetron fitment

Match the frequency band, peak power and Furuno part number to the radar model. The MG5436, for example, is a 25 kW X-band tube for the FAR-1528, FAR-2127 and FAR-3220 series; it is not interchangeable with lower-power or S-band sets.

Maintenance notes

Replace radar magnetrons on condition as transmit performance degrades, and always retune the radar after fitting a new tube. Treat the magnetron as a high-voltage component: isolate and discharge the transceiver before service, and confirm the part number against the radar model before ordering.

Drawing & section references

000-140-762-13 Furuno MG5436 magnetron (25 kW X-band)

Parts & spares

Fitted on

Chemical tanker spares

Multi-part RFQ — no public pricing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a radar magnetron last?: Magnetron life is measured in transmitting hours and varies with utilisation; it is replaced on condition when radar range and target sensitivity noticeably degrade.
Which radars does the MG5436 fit?: The MG5436 (Furuno 000-140-762-13) is a 25 kW X-band magnetron for the FAR-1528, FAR-2127 and FAR-3220 series. Confirm against your radar model before ordering.
Does a new magnetron need tuning?: Yes. A radar should be retuned after a magnetron change, and the work should be done by a qualified technician because of the high voltages involved.