The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).

(U) Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS)

-Description
-Initiatives
-Links
-Impacts
-Requirements
-Lead
-Programmatics
-Categories
-POC
-Images
-Road Map
-Text Version

Overview (U):

(U) The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) is a one of a kind phased array radar, which is part of the sea launched ballistic missile (SLBM) radar warning system. The primary mission of PARCS is to provide the Cheyenne Mountain Complex with creditable tactical warning assessment data on all SLBMs and ICBMs penetrating its coverage area. In addition, PARCS supports the Space Surveillance Network (SSN), providing space vehicle surveillance, tracking and identification as required by the Space Surveillance Center and Joint Space Intelligence Center.

Description (U):

(U) PARCS is located at Cavalier Air Force Station (AFS), in Cavalier, North Dakota, near the Canadian border. It is a north-facing phased array radar used for ballistic missile tracking and detection, providing warning information on any missiles launched over the polar region directed at the CONUS. In conjunction with its missile warning function, PARCS performs a corollary duty of space warning for the SSN. The radar can detect targets within a volume of 140 degrees azimuth and an elevation scan of approximately 93 degrees. Also known as the AN/FPQ-16, PARCS operates in the 420-450 MHz region of the UHF band at a maximum power of 14.3 megawatts. Average output power is 715 kilowatts. If a ground based radar (GBR) is not constructed, PARCS could be used as a UHF Radar site to provide the same support as the Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWRs). PARCS reached IOC on 1 Oct 1975.

User Impact (U):

(U) Loss of this capability would have a significant impact on the Space Surveillance Network (SNN).

Programmatics (U):

(U) Operational.

(U) Termination: 10/2010 (1QFY2011).

(U) Organizations and Funding:

(U) USSPACECOM: Funding Source.

Images (U):

Name Title

PARCS PARCS

This Table Is Unclassified.

This Table Is Unclassified.
Name	Title
PARCS	PARCS

Related Initiatives (U):

Name Title

NCMC-TW/AA NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex (NCMC) Threat Warning/Attack Assessment

This Table Is Unclassified.

This Table Is Unclassified.
Name	Title
NCMC-TW/AA	NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex (NCMC) Threat Warning/Attack Assessment

Related Requirements (U): None.

Related Categories (U):

Name Title

Collateral Sensors Collateral Sensors

Ground-Based Warning Ground-Based Warning Sensors

This Table Is Unclassified.

This Table Is Unclassified.
Name	Title
Collateral Sensors	Collateral Sensors
Ground-Based Warning	Ground-Based Warning Sensors

Road Map Placements (U):

Name Title

National Security Space Road Map Integrated System Road Map

SPACE CONTROL: S.S. NETWORK SPACE CONTROL: SPACE SURVEILLANCE NETWORK

SURVEILLANCE AND WARNING SPACE FORCE ENHANCEMENT: SURVEILLANCE AND WARNING

This Table Is Unclassified.

This Table Is Unclassified.
Name	Title
National Security Space Road Map	Integrated System Road Map
SPACE CONTROL: S.S. NETWORK	SPACE CONTROL: SPACE SURVEILLANCE NETWORK
SURVEILLANCE AND WARNING	SPACE FORCE ENHANCEMENT: SURVEILLANCE AND WARNING

Requirements, Funding and Additional Hotlinks (U):

(U) None.

Lead Office (U):

Air Force.

(U) AFMC SSSG/NDW Strategic and Nuclear Defense C2 SPO

Point of Contact (U):

(U) Pamela Connor, Open Phone: (719) 556-8002, DSN 834-8002.

Date Of Information (U):

(U) 17 September 1998

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(U) For comments/suggestions contact: Office of the National Security Space Architect (NSSA), 571-432-1300.

(U) Road Map Production Date: 23 June 2001