David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Thanks for your nice comments. No, I never saw a FPS-35, but I was in charge of a FPS-24 for a while. The FPS-20 was actually a mod (a rebuild, really) of the FPS-3, and had dozens of modifications, including several only to Canadian versions. There was a project before I left radar to rename all the different numbered versions to be just FPS-20x, where the "x" was a letter. I attempted to map the changes but was only partially successful.

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

FPS-35 could (and did I witnessed it) detect aircraft over 1500 miles distant! Antenna too big to fit under any domes. Five large Diesel engines needed to push that huge antenna.
We used to place dark fabric pieces n the triangle-shaped parts that made up the radome. Patterns included jack o' lanterns, evil faces and others. Did not effect the performance of the radar but when letup at night the effects were wondrous! I have photos somewhere...

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I think you might have confused the OTH-B and FPS-35 radars. Although I never saw one, I am familiar with the specifications of the FPS-35 and it was a 200-mile radar, not 1500 miles. It had a PRF of 333/sec, which limited its range to about 240 miles. Its antenna was no bigger than that of the FPS-24, and 2 of those did have radomes built to cover them (with a separate support structure); none of the FPS-35s were located in places deemed to need radome protection from high winds. I don't know the drive mechanics for the FPS-35 antenna, but the FPS-24 used 4 large electric motors. The diesels you mentioned were probably driving the generators to power the radar and those motors. There is only 1 surviving example of a FPS-35 antenna--it is located on the tower at Montauk Point, New York. None of the FPS-24 antennae have survived, but some of the towers are still extant.

I'm assuming the black triangle trick was used on the FPS-20 radome. I thought of it in Labrador, but never did it. It would have been quite effective, though. (My Commander did not have much of a sense of humor. . . .)

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

Different times and locations. The FPS -35 had a mode for long range missile detection. Antenna did not rotate it scanned from side to side covering just a few azimuths. Not used other than some tests. Fortuna AFS, ND June 1972. Part of a never implemented Gap Filler system. More of a mobile radar guy. An old FPS-20 was installed at Calumet AFS, MI 1984. And an FPS-6! I managed to convince the installation approving authority to include an AN/62C ppi. Ran some ad hoc air to air practice with the Minnesota National Guard F-4s. Made boring duty tolerable.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I was not aware of that. Thanks.

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

We had a few other interesting events that summer.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I see.

Dave H2

Excellent. I flew the seaward extension of that dew line in 1960-62 out of Argentia Newfoundland. Fun times for a young Naval Aviator.
Thanks for your service up there.
Dave

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Thank you. And thanks for your service, too.

JimRPhoto Loc: Raleigh NC

David, thank you for the links to the two interesting sites about the Cold War radar installations. Very informative. Not something I would have thought to seek out. I was sent the other direction to the hot and humid South Pacific area. Best. JimR

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Jim, you're welcome. I'm pleased you enjoyed them and my other photos. Both those sites have been essentially returned to nature, although a few concrete foundations still existed in Labrador in 2005. Life on those radar stations was not particularly dangerous, except from the climate and/or wild animals, but they were not resort vacations, either (with a very few exceptions). Many of them were at locations both remote and inhospitable, but the Air Force did attempt to make them habitable.