964-6-4 (D/AMTS)
MEMORANDUM
May 30, 1962
COR
Gap Filler Radar
P66D - Eaglet River, Ont
All planning incident to the construction and equipment installation of the subject site has been completed. Construction will be carried out by the RCAF Construction Engineering Unit (CEU), Lincoln Park, Alta. In view of the somewhat unusual circumstances associated with the activation of this site, this memorandum is to point out the implications of activating this site.
The Eaglet River site is located on the north shore of Lake Superior about 25 miles from Wawa, Ont. Repeated surveys of the area by construction and consultant staffs have confirmed that it would be uneconomical to construct an access road over the local terrain. At least eight bridges would be required and the road/bridge combination would cost approximately $900,000. It is proposed, therefore, to carry out construction and equipment installation by means of helicopter airlift. The total airlift tonnage will be in excess of 500 tons. Detailed cost estimates for the airlift are not yet available. It is expected that they will be well in excess of $100,000.
A further item for consideration is the operation and maintenance period. Since the gap filler site will be tied to P66, Sault Ste Marie, the USAF will be required to operate and maintain the site by means of helicopter lift: annual transportation of 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel, bi-weekly rotation of radar technicians, periodic visits by telephone company maintenance staffs, etc. Hence the O&M costs will be higher than normal.
Instructions are being issued to proceed with the construction and installation outlined above. Because of the costs involved, additional substantiation may be required for the requirement for this site. It is therefore requested that you confirm that you are prepared to supply any necessary support.
(WW Bean) A/C
D/AMTS
2-7173