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:
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
Range Scale |
Range Resolution |
Range Accuracy |
150 miles |
0.3 miles |
+/- 0.5 mile |
300 miles |
0.6 miles |
+/- 0.5 mile |
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:
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Updated: March 7, 2005