OVERVIEW: The KNIFE REST A aka  P-8 aka Dolfin is an 2-D early warning and acquisition air search radar operating in the NATO "A" band. 


DETAILS: The KNIFE REST A uses a four or nine-element Yagi array mounted on a lattice mast. The oldest radar in the Soviet inventory with the strict purpose of early warning, the P-8 had limited accuracy and detection capabilities, but was inexpensive and easily maintained. While not directly capable of measuring a target's altitude, a rough altitude determination was possible using a goniometer for the phase comparison between both antenna planes. 

When deployed on a 30 meter mast (called “Unzha”),  which pressed the multilobe radar radiation pattern to the ground, increasing the detection range of aircraft at medium altitudes (10–16 km) became possible at distances of up to 135 nm. 

When deployed, the P-8 system included the “Kremnij 1” secondary radar and two electric generator trailers.

Specifications:

Frequency: 		 70-80 MHz (A Band (NATO), VHF Band (IEEE))
Power output: 		 75 kW (peak)
PRF:			90-110 pps (est., based on P-10)
Pulsewidth: 		 4-12  µs (est)	
Range Accuracy:		??
Range: 			81nm (max); 40 nm (effective)	
			                      					
On/Off time:		??		

NOTES: IOC  1952.  

SOURCES:   NATO, "Current Soviet Block Equipment: Landbased" (12 February 1968) at page 1-A-19 ; Pike, John. "KNIFE REST." GlobalSecurity.org. Last modified 8, 2019. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/knife-rest.htm. ;"SOV - P-10 (." Armedconflicts.com. Accessed August 29, 2024. https://www.armedconflicts.com/SOV-P-10-Knife-Rest-B-C-prehladovy-RL-t37633. ;"Type 517M - Radartutorial." Grundlagen Der Radartechnik. Accessed August 29, 2024. https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/07.naval2/karte036.en.html.
