The strategic importance of the Montauk Air Force Station was underscored by the deployment of a giant AN/FPS-35 Frequency Diversity surveillance radar at the base during December 1960. Fewer than a dozen of these extremely powerful radars were produced by the Sperry Corporation. This radar and its big 70 ton antenna enabled the site to detect airborne objects ranging from manned aircraft to supersonic cruise missiles at distances in excess of 200 miles.

The term "frequency diversity" refers to a characteristic of this type of radar which enables its operators to change the frequency range in which it is operated in order to thwart attempts to "jam" the radar. By contrast, a radar operating within a single frequency range would have been more susceptible to enemy electronic countermeasures (ECM).

Deployment of the big "35" radar at Montauk was hardly trouble free. The radar caused very substantial interference with local television and radio reception. During 1961 the radar had to be removed from service while adjustments were made to reduce this tendency.

In addition to the AN/FPS-35, other very large radars produced under the Air Force's Frequency Diversity Radar Program included the AN/FPS-24 and the AN/FPS-27. These powerful radars were deployed in very limited numbers at select sites nationwide.

Today, the AN/FPS-35 radar located at Montauk is the nation's only remaining example of this entire class of innovative and historically significant Cold War radars. It remains an artifact of national significance.

Copyright 2000 by Donald E. Bender. All Rights Reserved.