FPS-6

Height Finder

Detail:

The AN/FPS-6 radar was introduced into service in the late 1950s and served as the principal height finder radar for a few decades thereafter. Built by General Electric, the S-band radar radiated at a frequency of 2,700 to 2,900 MHz. Between 1953 and 1960, 450 units of the AN/FPS-6 and the mobile AN/MPS-14 version were produced.

Technical Specifications: The AN/FPS-6 radar is capable of height determination of targets flying between elevation angles of –2 and +32 degrees for any azimuth through-out 360 degrees. The transmitter develops a peak power of 5 Megawatts at a frequency range of 2.7 to 2.9 GHz. The pulse width is 2 usec at a RFP of 400 PPS. Maximum indication range is 200 nautical miles with a height measurement capability to 75,000 feet. Both ranges are readily expandable. Data is displayed on two 12 RHI indicators and mechanical counter assemblies. The antenna type is a truncated semi-parabolic reflector with associated waveguide feed sections. Input power requirements are 208V, 30, 60 Hz. This radar is also suited for very high power search functions.
Frequency 2700 to 2900 MHz
Power Output 5 MW, peak
Magnetron Type QK-338A
Range 300 nautical miles
Vertical Coverage Minus 2 to plus 32 degrees angular
Vertical Scanning Rate 20 or 30 cpm
Azimuth Resolution 3.2 degrees
Elevation Accuracy 1000 feet
Horizontal Beam Width 3.2 degrees

Locations:
Alsask, SK 44 Radar Squadron FPS-6B; FPS-6X 1978-
Armstrong, ON 914/38 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1961-1974
Baldy Hughes, BC 918/54 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B; FPS-6X 1960-
Barrington, NS 627/23 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B; FPS-6X  
Beausejour, MB 916/48 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1961-
Beaverlodge, AB 919/57 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1960-
Cartwright, Labrador 922 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1961-1964
Chibougamau, QC 10 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B  
Dana, SK 45 Radar Squadron FPS-6B; FPS-6X  
Edgar, ON 31 AC&W Squadron FPS-6  
Falconbridge, ON 33 AC&W Squadron FPS-6 1956-
Foymount, ON 32 AC&W Squadron FPS-6; FPS-6A 1959-
Gander, NF 226 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1961-
Goose Bay, Labrador 641 AC&W Squadron FPS-6A; 6B; 6X 1961-1964
Gypsumville, MB 47 Radar Squadron FPS-6B  
Holberg, BC 53 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B; FPS-6X  
Hopedale, Labrador 923 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1962-1963
Kamloops, BC 825/56 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1960-1964
Lac St. Denis, QC 11 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1960-1960
Lowther, ON 639/36 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1963-
Moisie, QC 211 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B; FPS-6X 1962-
Moosonee, ON 15 Radar Squadron FPS-6B  
Pagwa, ON 913/37 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1961-
Parent, QC 14 AC&W Squadron FPS-6 1956-
Penhold, AB 43 Radar Squadron FPS-6B; FPS-6X  
Puntzi Mountain, BC 917/55 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1960-
Ramore, ON 912/35 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1961-
Senneterre, QC 34 AC&W Squadron FPS-6 1956-1960
Sioux Lookout, ON 915/39 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1961-
St. Anthony, NF 921 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1965-1968
St. Margarets, NB 21 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1957-
Stephenville, NF 640 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B 1961-1963
Sydney, NS 221 AC&W Squadron FPS-6B; FPS-6X 1966-
Yorkton, SK 46 Radar Squadron FPS-6B; FPS-6X  

Photos:


Click on the description text to view the photograph.
  1. Memorial AN/FPS-6B height finder radar antenna in Gypsumville, MB - 1990.
    Courtesy of Frank LaFrance.

  2. Memorial AN/FPS-6 height finder radar antenna in Sioux Lookout, ON - 1988.
    Courtesy of Paul Ozorak.

  3. AN/FPS-6 height finder radar antenna in Sydney, NS - 1986.
    Courtesy of Doug Boyd.

  4. AN/FPS-6 height finder radar antenna in Edgar, ON - 1958.
    Courtesy of DND.

  5. AN/FPS-6 height finder radar antenna in Senneterre, QC - 1958.
    Courtesy of Bob Agar.

  6. AN/FPS-6 height finder radar antenna.
    Courtesy of Gene McManus.

  7. AN/FPS-6 height finder radar antenna.
    Courtesy of Gene McManus.

Updated: February 23, 2004