Ground Based Radars of the IAF

[Jagan]

Some more radar pictures but of poor quality (those who came to AeroIndia will recognise the source)

1. OSA AK launcher and radar
2. ST-68 Radar and Trailer
3. PSM-33 Radar
4. Unidentified Radar on top of tower (Looks like ST-68 type)
5. Indra (?) Radar on top of a Tatra truck
6. The P-?? type tracking radar of a Pechora unit
7. P-19 Radar
8. Acquisition Radar of the Pechora Unit
9. Finally an IAF-THD Radar Picture
10. Unidentified Dish radar (maybe a vintage p-35?)
11. Indra II (?) on a Tatra Truck?

[Sanjay]

Jagan,
Terrific.

Pic 4 is a version of the ST-68 with a mast to facilitate even better low-level detection.

Always wondered if it was in Indian service but never had a clear answer before now.

Thanks a heap.

[Cybaru]

Cool nice pics jagan. I concur wih SBM's observation. Nice to see it our colors. The St-68U on a tower. This extension is known as 40V6M. 40V6M is nothing but an extension tower which raises the radar to an increased height to around 20-25 meters. That adds another two vehicles for support.

[Ashutosh]

Jagan, nice pics. Minor correction - pic 5 is an Indra on top of an Ashok Leyland Cheetah, not a Tatra.

[Kersi D]

Originally posted by Kersi Dotiwalla:

Originally posted by Jagan:
Some more radar pictures but of poor quality (those who came to AeroIndia will recognise the source)

1. OSA AK launcher and radar
2. ST-68 Radar and Trailer
3. PSM-33 Radar
4. Unidentified Radar on top of tower (Looks like ST-68 type)

This looks like P15M(2)which has NATO codename SQUAT EYE. Refer http://fas.org/nuke/guide/russia/airdef/s-125.htm for details

Regards
Kersi
5. Indra (?) Radar on top of a Tatra truck
6. The P-?? type tracking radar of a Pechora unit

This is known by the NATO codename LOW BLOW

7. P-19 Radar
8. Acquisition Radar of the Pechora Unit
9. Finally an IAF-THD Radar Picture
10. Unidentified Dish radar (maybe a vintage p-35?)

SORRY

This radar is called by its NATO codename "LONG TRACK". It is associated with SA 6 and SA 8. We may be using it with SA 3 too.

Refer for details
<a href="http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/sa-6.htm" target="_blank">http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/sa-6.htm[/URL]</a>

11. Indra II (?) on a Tatra Truck?

Regards
Kersi

[Arun_S]

Originally posted by Jagan:
Kapils picture of the HHNN radar - HHNN derives from 'Haan Haan - Nah Nah' from the movement of the two dishes on the radar unit.

No idea as to the model and type - I am only guessing that it is used by the ATC to judge the approach patern of the incoming aircraft (correct range - altitude during approach).

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/Temp/HHNN.jpg

The radar under question is "Precision Control Approach" radar used for talking down a pilot to land in non VFR flight regiem. It can bring down a pilot to correct approach and landing in zero visbility. Unlike ILS (Instrument Landing System) or ALS that require a specialized instrument in the cockpit, this does not require anything more than a R/T.

Almost all IAF bases have this. Most combat planes depend on it. ALS is not yet on any Indian airport and the ILS can only bring down the plane to 30' decision altitude. PCAR provide similar or slightly better decision thereshold.

The Yes-Yes/No-No is due to the classical beam scanning pattern required for accurate angular position sensing in Elevation and Azimutal plane.

[Arun_S]

Originally posted by Rudra Singha:
suffice it to say I know of other locations around
mumbai and so do many readers. the place is bristling with SAMs and radars which isnt a huge
surprise - #1 navy port, #1 atomic center, #1 trade center, #major railway hub, #1 commercial port.

its also well known Mig21s have been tested from
Sahar and pilots flew around familiarizing
themselves with landscape of city.

Pune is 20 mins away without afterburner.

From my years living at Poona-Lohagaon, distance to Bombay is just 100 Km in straight crow flight. Non-afterburner speed is typically 0.95 Mach (~1100Km/Hr) at that rate the flight time is less then 6 minutes, unless the pilot takes a break for a smoke .