BAR LOCK radar
BAR LOCK is the NATO reporting name for an elderly but still common Soviet-designed early warning and search radar, as the Soviet P-35M and P-37 BAR LOCK radar with [[radar#moving target indicator|moving target indicators these large MTI (Moving Target Indicator - ie low PRF) E/F (2.6-3 GHz) band systems, intended to be at points requiring maximum defense, as part of an integrated air defense system (IADS). [1]
They operate in the frequencies designated E/F-bands by NATO. They 150 to 350 km range. [2]
In Soviet practice, a BAR LOCK system was assigned to each S-200/NATO reporting name SA-5 GAMMON surface-to-air missile battalion. BAR LOCKs were key components of the Iraqi KARI IADS.
Physicially, the system has a pair of rotating antenna systems mounted on trailers, along with the control van. Each antenna is a stack of 6 truncated paraboloids; the stack gives approximate elevation angle. Where low level coverage is required, they are typically supplemented by a SIDE NET radar E-band nodding height finding radar. [1]
The BAR LOCK is significant in Western electronic intelligence, as being the target of the first serious attempt to measure radar power.[3] First power estimates came from photographic interpretation, followed, in 1958, by only partially successful measurements from a purpose-built electronic receiver in C-119 aircraft. These sysems were flown through Berlin aircraft corridors.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Kopp, Carlo, "Desert Storm - The Electronic Battle, Part I", Australian Airpower
- ↑ "P-35/37 / BAR LOCK", Globalsecurity.org
- ↑ Central Intelligence Agency, Power Measurements 1957-1967, Quality ELINT