OVERVIEW:  The AN/FPQ-16 Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS or EPARCS) is a fixed, single-faced, multi-function, phased-array radar designed for missile warning and space surveillance and operating in the "UHF" Band.

DETAILS: The AN/FPQ-16 is phased array radar is primarily used to detect and track sea-launched (SLBM) and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with a secondary mission of detecting and tracking earth orbiting satellites.  The system differs from a mechanical radar, which must be physically aimed at an object in space to detect and/or track it. and can spot an object the size of a basketball at 2,000 miles. It analyzes more than 20,000 tracks per day, from giant satellites to space debris.  
 
PARCS is less sensitive than the FPS-85.  Its sensitivity is “similar” to that of the FPS-85 but its operational range is restricted to about 3,000 km. It can detect a basketball-sized (24 cm) object at a range of 2,000 miles. During tests in the 1970s it detected objects with radar cross sections below 9 cm.

Specifications:

Frequency: 		442 MHz (center frequency) (B Band)
Power output: 		715 kW (average);  14.3 MW (peak)
PRF:			unknown Hz	
Range Resolution:	unknown (range), unknown degrees azimuth 					
On/Off time:		unknown
Deploy/Stow Time	N/A

Detection Range:	unknown


NOTES: IOC 1970. Located at Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D.  With the signing of the ABM Treaty in 1972, the U.S. was limited to a single ABM base protecting missile fields, and a second partially completed PAR in Montana was abandoned in-place. After being closed in July 1976, the radar was transferred to the USAF to support the Missile Warning and Space Surveillance missions. 


 
SOURCES: 
"Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System." Air Force Space Command. Last modified March 22, 2017. https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1126406/perimeter-acquisition-radar-attack-characterization-system/ ; Pike, John. "AN/FPQ-16 Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS)." GlobalSecurity.org. Last modified 7, 2011. https://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/par.htm ; "Space Surveillance Sensors: The PARCS (Cavalier) Radar (April 12, 2012)." Mostlymissiledefense. Last modified May 5, 2012. https://mostlymissiledefense.com/2012/04/12/parcs-cavalier-radar-april-12-2012/.