The AN/FPS-4 Radar was a Height-Finder Radar used by the United States Air Force Air Defense Command.

AN/FPS-4
RCA AN/FPS-4 Radar
Country of originUnited States
ManufacturerZenith, RCA
Introduced1948
No. built450
TypeHeight-Finder Radar
FrequencyX-band (9–9.160 GHz)
Range60 mi (97 km)
Altitude60,000 ft (18,000 m)
Power250 KW
Other NamesAN/TPS-10, AN/MPS-8 (Mobile)

MIT's Radiation Laboratory developed and produced the first version of this radar near the end of World War II. Zenith produced the A-model sets in the post-war period. The vertically mounted antenna was three feet wide and ten feet long. Two operators were needed to run the set. The initial model operated at a frequency of 9500 to 9160 MHz and had a maximum reliable range for bombers of 60 miles at 10,000 feet.

In accordance with the Joint Electronics Type Designation System, the radar's "AN/FPS-4" designation represents the 4th design of an Army-Navy fixed radar(pulsed) electronic device for searching.[1][2]

An updated version designated the AN/FPS-4 was produced by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) beginning in 1948. Some 450 copies of this and the trailer-mounted AN/MPS-8 version were built between 1948 and 1955.

Technical Specs: (Radio Research catalog) X BAND HEIGHT FINDER Radar type: AN/TPS-10D. Freq band: 9230 to 9404 mc. Pwr output and range: 250KW, 60/120 mi. Indicator: RHI. Magnetron type: 6002/QK221. Rep rate: .5 & 2 microsec 539 pps. Pwr input: 115 V 400 cy AC. Mfr: RCA.

RHI 12" CRT Range 0-60,000 ft. 200 miles. Input: 115 V 400 cy AC. Mfr: RCA type AN/TPS-10D Radar

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References

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  This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

  1. ^ Winkler, David F. (1997). "Radar Systems Classification Methods". Searching the Skies: The Legacy of the United States Cold War Defense Radar Program (PDF). Langley AFB, Virginia: United States Air Force Headquarters Air Combat Command. p. 73. LCCN 97020912.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ Avionics Department (2013). "Missile and Electronic Equipment Designations". Electronic Warfare and Radar Systems Engineering Handbook (PDF) (4 ed.). Point Mugu, California: Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. pp. 2–8.1.