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2018
03/20/2018 22:35:31
Name: Tom Page
Email: historian AT radomes.org
Steve Weatherly: As we understand, the non-white radomes (dark blue, light blue, light green) are for aesthetics. These radomes were originally white, and then were painted.
The protruding metal rods indeed are for lightning protection.
All FAA tube-model long-range radars (i.e., ARSR-1, ARSR-2, ARSR-3, and AN/FPS-20 variants {a.k.a. ARSR-60}) were upgraded to become Common Air-Route Surveillance Radar (CARSR) types.
03/17/2018 03:35:10
Name: Steve Weatherly
Email: lweatherly4 AT comcast.net
Radomes.org/museum has photos of some FAA sites that now use Common Air Route Surveillance Radar w/7172 antenna. Does anyone have answers to the following questions.
See Francis Peak, UT: Shows a dark painted rigid radome and also a white painted one for the CARSR. I wonder if the dark color is associated with a new radome and before it is painted white. This was true for most rubber inflatable AF radomes. In addition, dark colored radomes are heated by the sun and have been known to adversely impact the drive system lubrication of radar antennas. What is the radome nomenclature for these new FAA radomes now? There are also unusual devices appearing on the radome at about halfway between the radome equator and top. They look like long rods (with anchor cables) jutting out of the radomes in 4 locations around the outside surface. Are they for lightning protection or what purpose?
Note for Francis Peak: The smaller radar tower has an older rigid radome. It is apparently used by the UT ANG for communications equipment and not radar. Does this mean there is no equipment under the dome? If yes, this radome may be available to give to the NADRM. Why should the guard pay to maintain a radome if it is not needed.
Lincolnton, GA: What is the 7172 antenna (also at Francis Peak)? Perhaps it is used as part of frequency hopping anti-jam feature desired by the AF, or to enhance 3D and/or look-down capabilities.. Before 2009, the Radome in use for the ARSR=3 appears to be a rigid radome with panels attached together that are very obvious Later with the CARSR there is a rigid radome painted white and probably made using solid foam panels that result in a smooth surface much like we had when inflatable radomes were in wide spread use.
General: What was the FAA/AF Replacement Program for older ARSR -1, 2, 1/2 and 3s? It apparently was also associated with replacing older AF FPS 60 series (67) radars. I assume this replacement program is associated with the CARSR (Westinghouse and/or Northrup Grumman).
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