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

(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).)

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)  The termination date for the PARCS radar corresponds with the operation of the Long Range Dual Band Transportable Radar.

(U) Organizations and Funding:
	(U) USSPACECOM: Funding Source.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) NCMC-TW/AA

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Collateral Sensors, Ground-Based Warning

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) National Security Space Road Map, SPACE CONTROL: S.S. NETWORK, SURVEILLANCE AND WARNING.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
17 September 1998

(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).)