AN/FPS-120 Solid State Phased-Array System [SSPARS]
Clear Radar Upgrade

The AN/FPS-120 solid state, phased-array radar, known as SSPAR, represents a significant improvement over the old mechanical "radar fence" that was previously used at Thule AB, Greenland. The radar can detect objects as far out as 2,800 nautical miles and can look over a 240-degree sweep. It can detect, at an extreme range, objects the size of a small automobile. It can detect smaller objects at closer ranges. A set of computers are used to control the radar and process the data it receives. In addition, vital communications are maintained through a number of systems.

Following the deactivation of the Clear Air Station's mechanical BMEWS radar on February 1, 2001, the newly completed SSPAR was activated. Capable of tracking multiple objects at a time, it doubles the coverage of the 13th SWS's missile warning and space surveillance missions. The SSPAR only requires three people to operate it.

Ground was broken on Apr. 16 1998 on the Air Force's largest military construction project for FY 1998, costing $106.5 million. The Clear Radar Upgrade (CRU) program utilized existing radar components from the deactivated phased array PAVE PAWS SLBM warning site at El Dorado, TX. This avoided the acquisition of an entirely new radar system at a cost savings of $140 million.

Several military and contractor organizations worked together on the CRU program. The Air Force Materiel Command, Electronic System Center located at Hansom Air Force Base, Mass., was the overall program manager, and the Raytheon Company was the prime contractor. The Alaska District was the design and construction agent for AF Space Command, and was working with Electronic Systems Center and Raytheon to oversee the MILCON facility construction portion of the contract.

The Clear AS Solid State Phased Array Radar System (SSPARS) radar is housed in a triangular-shaped 11 story building on site. The steel frame building that houses two approximately 90' diameter radar array faces on exterior walls and all related equipment. Together they form a coverage area 240 degrees wide and 3,000 miles deep into space. The coverage extends from the Arctic Ocean all the way to the West Coast of the lower 48 states.

A two story facility equipment building and a one story building for controlled entry are attached. The new facility has approximately 82,700 sq. ft. The radar system was scheduled for initial operating capacity in Jan. 2001.

Contracting Officer Information

Point of Contact Information

Resources

• Clear Radar Upgrade Contracting Documents downloaded from ESC HERBB
• Clear Air Station breaks ground on $106 million radar Released: Apr 21, 1998