AN/TPS-1B, 1C, 1D

Bell Telephone Laboratories developed this radar that subsequently was 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 beginning in 1948.


Photos from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force


AN/TPS-1B radar site in operation - in the British Zone of Germany in 1956. Photos contributed by David Taylor

From MIL HDBK 162B:
Functional Description:

The Radio Set AN/TPS-1B is a transportable, ground-based, search radars (sic) for detecting aircraft and other targets at ranges up to 200 mi. It furnishes range data in nautical miles and azimuth data in degrees. Each of the equipments (sic) is assembled from units which can be carried by men or transported by truck or airplane. The units are house in weatherproof cases, and when assembled, form a tower for support of the antenna. Target indications are displayed on PPI and Class A oscilloscopes, both of which are provided with electronic range markers. Provision is made for connecting IFF equipment BN and Standard Navy remote PPI repeater.

Relation to other equiment:
The AN/TPS-1B is electrically and mechanically interchangeable with Radio Set AN/TPS-1D, -1E, -1F, and -1G except for differenced in beam pattern

Equipment required by not supplied:
(1) Engine-Generator

Technical characteristics:
Freq Range: 1220 to 1350 mc.(sic)
Range: 28, 80 or 200 miles w/10 mile expanded sweep.
Range Accuracy: +/- 1 mi + 3% range.
Scanning: 360 deg cw or ccw by either motor or hand control of antenna.
Presentation: 7 in. PPI scan and 6 in. A scan.
Pulse Width: 4 usec.
Transmitting osc: Magnetron.
Antenna Beam Pattern: 3.7 deg horizontal.
Power Source Required: 115v 400 cps, single ph, 2800 W, 27 vdc, 450 w.