AN/FPS-18 Radar explained

The AN/FPS-18 was a medium-range search radar used by the United States Air Force Air Defense Command.[1]

This medium-range search radar was designed and built by Bendix as a SAGE system gap-filler radar to provide low-altitude coverage. Operating in the S-band at a frequency between 2700 and 2900 MHz, the AN/FPS-18 could detect at a range of 65 miles.

The system was deployed in the late 1950s and 1960s at unmanned radar facilities (called "Gap Fillers") designed to fill the low-altitude gaps between manned long-range radar stations. Gaps in coverage existed due to the curvature of the Earth, mountains, hills, valleys, rivers, and so forth.

The typical unmanned gap-filler radar annex consisted of a small L-shaped cinder-block building, with the radar equipment and the data-transmission equipment in one section and one or more diesel generators in the other section. These unmanned gap-filler sites generally had a three-legged radar tower about 85 feet tall where the AN/FPS-18 Radar was mounted inside a radome.

Classification of radar systems

Under the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), all U.S. military radar and tracking systems are assigned a unique identifying alphanumeric designation. The letters “AN” (for Army-Navy) are placed ahead of a three-letter code.[2]

Thus, the AN/FPS-18 represents the 18th design of an Army-Navy “Fixed, Radar, Search” electronic device.[2] [3]

See Also

Notes and References

  1. http://www.bendixradiofoundation.com/documents/Bendix%20Radio%20Radar%20History.pdf Bendix radio radar history
  2. Book: Avionics Department. Electronic Warfare and Radar Systems Engineering Handbook. 4. Missile and Electronic Equipment Designations. 2–8.1. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. Point Mugu, California. 2013.
  3. Book: Winkler, David F.. Searching the Skies: The Legacy of the United States Cold War Defense Radar Program. Radar Systems Classification Methods. 73. United States Air Force Headquarters Air Combat Command. Langley AFB, Virginia. 1997. 97020912.