TPS-1

Search Radar


Detail:

Bell Telephone Laboratories developed this radar that was subsequently produced by the Western Electric Company. A crew of two could operate the radar. The 1B model could detect bombers at 10,000 feet at a distance of 120 nautical miles. The height detection and range on the 1C and 1D models exceeded those of the 1B. The transmitter sent its pulse at an L-band frequency between 1220 to 1280 megahertz (MHz). This long-range search radar was used in the temporary Lashup system in the USA beginning in 1948.

The TPS-1D search radar was used at a number of Pinetree Line radar stations for initial radar coverage while these units were being constructed and subsequently equipped with the more modern AN/FPS-3 search radar equipment. The TPS-1D was a 500 KW, L-band Mobile Surveillance Radar System with the following Technical Specifications:

Search band:

L Band Search

Radar Type:

AN/TPS-1D, ground radar

Frequency band:

1220 to 1350 MHz

Power output and range:

500 KW, 20/40/80/160 miles

Indicator:

PPI and A scopes

Magnetron type:

5J26

Model type:

5C22 thyr.

Rep rate:

2 microsecond 360 to 400 pps

Power input:

115V 400 cycles

AC Antenna

4 degrees H, 12 degrees V

Locations:

Armstrong, ON

914 AC&W Squadron

TPS-1D

1952-

Baldy Hughes, BC

918 AC&W Squadron

TPS-1D

1952-

Beausejour, MB

916 AC&W Squadron

TPS-1D

1952-

Beaverlodge, AB

919 AC&W Squadron

TPS-1D

1952-

Pagwa, ON

913 AC&W Squadron

TPS-1D

1952-

Ramore, ON

912 AC&W Squadron

TPS-1D

1952-

Senneterre, QC

34 AC&W Squadron

TPS-1D

1953-1955

Sioux Lookout, ON

915 AC&W Squadron

TPS-1D

1952-

Photos:

Click on the description text to view the item.
  1. AN/TPS-1B search radar antenna.
    Courtesy of Gene McManus.

  2. AN/TPS-1B search radar antenna.
    Courtesy of Gene McManus.

  3. AN/TPS-1D mobile search radar system.
    Courtesy of Gene McManus.