Message posted by Skeet (Member since 06/29/2022) on July 19, 2022 at 6:37:44 PST:
I have found another trailer. It's parked here at the Tolicha Peak Electronic Combat Range: 37°18'35.89"N 116°46'43.89"W You can see the trailer on two photos from the the May 2020 flyover: The area where it's parked has what looks like junction boxes and/or air-con units. Perhaps a data center or command + control for the radar's being tested? Any ideas? We have found these trailers at Tonopah ECR and Tolicha Peak ECR so I'm very confident that the Cockeyed Ridge pads are used for radar testing. One part of TPECR appears to be a S-300PS battery according to this article: http://geimint.blogspot.com/2007/08/us-restricted-and-classified-test-sites.html?m=1 One of the pads (37°18'49.34"N 116°47'41.08"W) in the 2006 image has a large Russian collapsible mast, the 40V6. "The 40V6 is used to mount either the 5N63S (FLAP LID) engagement radar or the 76N6 (CLAM SHELL) low altitude detection radar on a 23.8 meter mast to provide better performance in areas with varied terrain or vegetation." The 40V6M model mast is 23.8m/78ft tall but there is another taller model, the 40V6MD, which is 38.8m/127ft tall. This would raise the mounted radars above the saddle to allow them to effectively see the airspace. Some more details on the CLAM SHELL: "The 76N6 is a low-altitude FMCW search and acquisition radar designed to detect and track approaching and receding low radar cross-section targets, particularly cruise missiles. The system will detect targets at extremely low altitudes in ground clutter under intense ECM conditions." In-depth article about the masts and the radars that are typically fitted: http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-40V6M-Mast-System.html These masts can also mount newer radar systems: "The 40V6M and 40V6MD masts remain a cited option for the S-400 system's 92N2E Grave Stone and 96L6 Cheese Board radars". It's highly likely these pads were built to test these systems, in my opinion. The purpose of the pads likely had these purposes: Any final thoughts?
https://www.dreamlandresort.com/info/tpecr_aerial_05.jpg
https://www.dreamlandresort.com/info/tpecr_aerial_06.jpg
1. To test the detection and engagement capabilities of 40V6 mounted radar, particularly at low levels with high ground clutter, against aircraft flying out of Groom Lake.
2. To test high-energy EM counter-measures/jamming equipment against them. EM leakage is prevented by the saddle which would not be possible at TECR/TPECR.
3. Provide a unique testing environment to develop new tactics for stealth pilots to avoid detection by these radar. The first F117 was shot down in 1999 and these pads were built in 2000. A coincidence, perhaps?
In Reply to: Re: Pads near Cockeyed Ridge South East of Groom posted by Joerg (Webmaster) on July 07, 2022 at 10:36:51 PST:
Replies: