AN/FPS-5 Radar explained

AN/FPS-5
Country:United States
Type:Long range search radar

The AN/FPS-5 was a nodding height-finding radar used by the United States Air Force Air Defense Command. It was unique in that it used a fixed reflector and a moving feed in order to steer the beam. It was produced in the early 1950s by Hazeltine, and deployment was limited. It was normally used with the AN/FPS-3 search radar.

The Japanese radar is a modern 3-dimensional AESA (Active Electronical Scanned Array) radar. Though both have a similar designation, there is no relationship between the systems.

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]

Thus, the AN/FPS-5 represents the 5th design of an Army-Navy “Fixed, Radar, Search” electronic device.[2] [1]

See Also

External links

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.