AN/FPS-6
Description of the radar set, tactical-technical characteristics
Figure 1: AN/FPS-6, located above San Jose, CA on Mount Umunhum.
| Specifications | ||
|---|---|---|
| AN/FPS-6 | AN/FPS-6A | |
| frequency: | 2 700 - 2 900 MHz | |
| pulse repetition time (PRT): | ||
| pulse repetition frequency (PRF): | 300 - 405 Hz | |
| pulsewidth (τ): | 2 µs | |
| receiving time: | ||
| dead time: | ||
| peak power: | 3.5 or 4.5 MW | 5 MW |
| average power: | 3.6 kW | |
| instrumented range: | 200 NM (≙ 370 km) |
300 NM (≙ 555 km) |
| range resolution: | 1000 ft | |
| accuracy: | ||
| beamwidth: | β: 3.2°, ε: 0.85° | |
| hits per scan: | ||
| antenna rotation: | ||
| MTBCF: | ||
| MTTR: | ||
AN/FPS-6
AN/FPS-6 was a high-power S-Band nodding height-finding radar. For many years the AN/FPS-6 radar has been the principal height-finder used by US armed forces and many allied nations. At least 450 of these systems have been delivered, including the mobile version, the AN/MPS-14.
The AN/FPS-6 was noted for extreme accuracy at long-range, and three available versions (FPS-6, FPS-6A, FPS-6B) gave it wide versatility under a variety of environmental conditions. The bracket of the feed horn differs in some versions. Towards the end of the useful life (about 1980) there were also mixed versions, in which the electronics of the AN/MPN-14 were used in connection with an AN/FPS-6 antenna (see Figure 1).
Further modifications were named AN/FPS-89 and AN/FPS-90 including network capability. Circa 1977 the AN/FPS-90 was modified to an AN/FPS-116.
Picture gallery of AN/MPS-14
Source:
- Technical Manual AN/FPS-6, AN/FPS-6A, AN/FPS-6B, AN/FPS-90 and AN/MPS-14 T.O. 31P3-2FPS6-2