AN/FPS-30 explained

The Bendix AN/FPS-30 was a long-range search radar deployed at Distant Early Warning Line (DEW Line) sites in Greenland. It was an advancement over the AN/FPS-19 radars deployed in Alaska and Canada, being optimized for use in severe Arctic conditions. It was planned as a replacement, however cost constraints led to it only being installed at the Greenland DYE sites.

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.^[1]

• The first letter of the three-letter code denotes the type of platform hosting the electronic device, where A=Aircraft, F=Fixed (land-based), S=Ship-mounted, and T=Ground transportable.
• The second letter indicates the type of equipment, where P=Radar (pulsed), Q=Sonar, and R=Radio.
• The third letter indicates the function or purpose of the device, where G=Fire control, R=Receiving, S=Search, and T=Transmitting.

Thus, the AN/FPS-30 represents the 30th design of an Army-Navy “Fixed, Radar, Search” electronic device.^{[1] [2]}

References

• USAF Air Defense Radar Equipment

See Also

• List of military electronics of the United States

Notes and References

1. 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.
2. 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.