FPS-3

Search Radar

Detail:

Function

Radar FPS-3 is a search radar providing range and azimuth information. Separate height finding equipment is required when this radar is used in GCI role. Present RCAF planning is to supply two (2) height finder radars with an FPS-3 used in a GCI capacity. Two height finders are necessary in order to provide height data in minimum delays.

Innovations

The development of this equipment was initiated in the US. The Canadian version will differ from US installations in display presentation. Operationally the type FPS-3 differs from earlier radars in the following aspects:

  1. Increase in effective radiated power by:

Use of two transmitters. Increase in antenna size. Improved low noise figure receiver.

Increased scanning rate. Addition of video mapping. Addition of Moving Target Indication (MTI). Improved data presentation. Radome provision for Arctic operations.

Development and Production

Contracts have been let to Northern Electric Company for production of quantity six FPS-3 equipments to US Specification amended only as regards display presentation 1 equipment quantities. First deliveries from contract are expected Feb 1951. Estimated cost $1,323,000 per installation inclusive of installation cost.

Performance

  1. Range - see coverage diagram /mw curve.

Range Scale

Range Resolution

Range Accuracy

150 miles

0.3 miles

+/- 0.5 mile

300 miles

0.6 miles

+/- 0.5 mile

  1. Azimuth Resolution 1.3 degrees; Azimuth Accuracy +/- 1.0 degrees
  2. Search - Azimuth 360 degrees at four different speeds of rotation - 3.3, 5, 6.6 and 10 rpm.

The AN/FPS-3 and 3A was a modified version of the AN-CPS-5 long-range search radar system. It operated on the L band and was developed by Bendix. This radar was never used in SAGE operations. The first units came off the Bendix production line and were ready for installation in late 1950. A number of these L band units were used within the Pinetree Line network. The AN/FPS-3B incorporated an AN/GPA-27, which increased the search altitude to 65,000 feet. Installation of these modifications began in 1957.

Locations:

Armstrong, ON

914 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1954-1963

Baldy Hughes, BC

918 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1954-1959

Barrington, NS

627 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3

1957-

Beausejour, MB

916 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1952-

Beaverlodge, AB

919 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1959

Cartwright, Labrador

922 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1959

Edgar, ON

31 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3

1952-

Falconbridge, ON

33 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3

1952-1960

Foymount, ON

32 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3

1952-1960

Frobisher Bay, NWT

926 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1959

Gander, NF

226 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1959

Holberg, BC

53 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3

1954-

Hopedale, Labrador

923 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1963

Kamloops, BC

825 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3A

1959-1962

Moisie, QC

211 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3

1953-1963

Pagwa, ON

913 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1958

Parent, QC

14 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3

1954-

Puntzi Mountain, BC

917 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1952-

Ramore, ON

912 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-

Resolution Island, NWT

920 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1954-1961

Saglek, Labrador

924 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1959

Senneterre, QC

34 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1960

Sioux Lookout, ON

915 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1959

St. Anthony, NF

921 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-1964

St. Margarets, NB

21 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3C

1953-

Sydney, NS

221 AC&W Squadron

FPS-3

1954-1964

Photos:


Click on the description text to view the photograph.
  1. AN/FPS-3 search radar antenna in Puntzi Mountain, BC - 1963.
    Courtesy of DND.

  2. AN/FPS-3C search radar antenna in Cartwright, Labrador - 1961.
    Courtesy of Tom Kryka.

  3. AN/FPS-3C search radar antenna in Stephenville, Newfoundland - 1961.
    Courtesy of Pat Schuster.

  4. AN/FPS-3C search radar antenna in Saglek, Labrador - 1956.
    Courtesy of Jim Trowbridge.

  5. AN/FPS-3C search radar antenna in Saglek, Labrador - 1956.
    Courtesy of Jim Trowbridge.

  6. AN/FPS-3 search radar antenna.
    Courtesy of Gene McManus.

  7. AN/FPS-3 search radar antenna.
    Courtesy of Gene McManus.

  8. AN/FPS-3 search radar antenna.
    Courtesy of Gene McManus.

  9. AN/FPS-3 search radar antenna.
    Courtesy of Anonymous.

 

Updated: March 7, 2005