Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) (U)
Overview (U):
(U) The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) is a one of a kind phased array radar, which is part of the sea launched ballistic missile (SLBM) radar warning system. The primary mission of PARCS is to provide the Cheyenne Mountain Complex with creditable tactical warning assessment data on all SLBMs and ICBMs penetrating its coverage area. In addition, PARCS supports the Space Surveillance Network (SSN), providing space vehicle surveillance, tracking and identification as required by the Space Surveillance Center and Joint Space Intelligence Center.
Details (U):
Description User Impact Programmatics Images Related Initiatives Related Requirements Related Categories Road Map Placements Additional Hotlinks Lead Office POC
Description (U):
(U) PARCS is located at Cavalier Air Force Station (AFS), in Cavalier, North Dakota, near the Canadian border. It is a north-facing phased array radar used for ballistic missile tracking and detection, providing warning information on any missiles launched over the polar region directed at the CONUS. In conjunction with its missile warning function, PARCS performs a corollary duty of space warning for the SSN. The radar can detect targets within a volume of 140 degrees azimuth and an elevation scan of approximately 93 degrees. Also known as the AN/FPQ-16, PARCS operates in the 420-450 MHz region of the UHF band at a maximum power of 14.3 megawatts. Average output power is 715 kilowatts. If a ground based radar (GBR) is not constructed, PARCS could be used as a UHF Radar site to provide the same support as the Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWRs). PARCS reached IOC on 1 Oct 1975.
User Impact (U):
(U) Loss of this capability would have a significant impact on the Space Surveillance Network (SNN).
Programmatics (U):
(U) Operational.
(U) Organizations and Funding:
- (U) USSPACECOM: Funding Source.
Images (U):
Name Title PARCS PARCS This Table Is Unclassified. Related Initiatives (U):
Name Title NCMC-TW/AA NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex (NCMC) Threat Warning/Attack Assessment This Table Is Unclassified. Related Requirements (U):None.
Related Categories (U):
Name Title Collateral Sensors Collateral Sensors Ground-Based Warning Ground-Based Warning Sensors This Table Is Unclassified. Road Map Placements (U):
Name Title National Security Space Road Map Integrated System Road Map SPACE CONTROL: S.S. NETWORK SPACE CONTROL: SPACE SURVEILLANCE NETWORK SURVEILLANCE AND WARNING SPACE FORCE ENHANCEMENT: SURVEILLANCE AND WARNING This Table Is Unclassified. Requirements, Funding and Additional Hotlinks (U):
Name 1998 Strategic Master Plan This Table Is Unclassified. Lead Office (U):
(U) Air Force.
(U) AFMC SSSG/NDW Strategic and Nuclear Defense C2 SPO
Point of Contact (U):
(U) Pamela Connor, Open Phone: (719) 556-8002, DSN 834-8002.
Date Of Information (U):
(U) 17 September 1998
(U) Road Map Production Date: 12 July 1999
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