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{{Short description|Closed United States Air Force General Surveillance Radar station}} |
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{{Use American English|date=January 2024}} |
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{{Infobox military structure |
{{Infobox military structure |
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|name=Aiken Air Force Station |
| name=Aiken Air Force Station |
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|ensign=[[File: |
| ensign=[[File:Air Defense Command.svg|50px]] |
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|native_name = {{noitalic|'''Aiken Army Air Field'''}} |
| native_name = {{noitalic|'''Aiken Army Air Field'''}} |
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|partof=[[Air Defense Command]] (ADC) |
| partof=[[Air Defense Command]] (ADC) |
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|location= |
| location= |
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|coordinates={{Coord|33|38|46|N|081|40|36|W |
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| image_size = 300px |
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|caption = 1964 USAF Photo |
| caption = 1964 USAF Photo |
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|latd = 33|latm = 38|lats = 58|latNS = N |
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|longd = 081|longm = 41|longs = 06|longEW = W |
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⚫ | | coordinates={{Coord|33|38|46|N|081|40|36|W|name=Aiken AFS SM-159|display=inline,title}} |
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|used=1955-1975 |
| used=1955-1975 |
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[[File:861st Radar Squadron - Emblem.png|thumb|200px|Emblem of the 861st Radar Squadron]] |
[[File:861st Radar Squadron - Emblem.png|thumb|200px|Emblem of the 861st Radar Squadron]] |
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'''Aiken Air Force Station''' is a closed [[United States Air Force]] General Surveillance Radar station. It is located {{convert|6.4|mi|km}} north-northeast of [[Aiken, South Carolina]]. It was closed in 1975. |
'''Aiken Air Force Station''' is a closed [[United States Air Force]] General Surveillance Radar station. It is located {{convert|6.4|mi|km}} north-northeast of [[Aiken, South Carolina]]. It was closed in 1975. |
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During World War II, the site was originally constructed by the [[United States Army Air Forces]] as '''Aiken Army Air Field'''. |
During World War II, the site was originally constructed by the [[United States Army Air Forces]] as '''Aiken Army Air Field'''. |
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===Aiken Army Air Field=== |
===Aiken Army Air Field=== |
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The facility was originally constructed during [[World War II]] by the [[United States Army Air Forces]] and named '''Aiken Army Air Field'''. The airfield was constructed with three 5'000 foot bituminous runways in an "A" pattern. No known auxiliary airfields were constructed. The airfield and station opened on 24 December 1942<ref>[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/169/020.xml AFHRA Document 00169020]</ref> as a satellite airfield of [[Morris Army Airfield]], [[North Carolina]]. |
The facility was originally constructed during [[World War II]] by the [[United States Army Air Forces]] and named '''Aiken Army Air Field'''. The airfield was constructed with three 5'000 foot bituminous runways in an "A" pattern. No known auxiliary airfields were constructed. The airfield and station opened on 24 December 1942<ref>[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/169/020.xml AFHRA Document 00169020]</ref> as a satellite airfield of [[Morris Army Airfield]], [[North Carolina]].{{fact|date=January 2024}} |
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On 23 June 1943 the airfield was formally activated<ref>[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/169/021.xml AFHRA Document 00169021] |
On 23 June 1943 the airfield was formally activated and the [[66th Tactical Reconnaissance Group]] arrived.<ref>[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/169/021.xml AFHRA Document 00169021], and Maurer, Maurer (ed.), ‘’Air Force Combat Units of World War II’’, Office of Air Force History, Washington, DC, 1961 (reprint 1983)</ref> Two subordinate units, the [[97th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron]] and [[19th Liaison Squadron]] arrived the previous day.<ref>Maurer, Maurer. (ed.), ''Combat Squadrons of the Air Force'', Office of Air Force History, Washington, DC, 1969 (reprint 1982), pp. 103, 324</ref> The [[118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron]] replaced the 97th on 29 August 1943.<ref>''Ibid.'' pp. 324, 346</ref> The [[Warner Robins Air Service Command]] (WRASC) established a service group training center at the field in the fall of 1943. The training was conducted under the auspices of the 387th Air Service Group, [[Daniel Field]], Georgia.<ref name="Osbourne">Osbourne, Richard E (1997), World War II Sites in the United States: A Tour Guide & Directory, {{ISBN|0962832413}}</ref> |
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In May 1944 the 359th Army Air Force Base Unit was assigned host unit. It was assigned to [[Third Air Force]], [[III Tactical Air Command]] 13 September 1944 as a group training airfield for reconnaissance units.<ref>[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/169/022.xml AFHRA Document 00169022]</ref> The airfield became a replacement training airfield for single-engine fighter pilots, training on [[P-40 Warhawk]] and [[P-51 Mustang]] aircraft, beginning on 19 October 1944. Active flying at the airfield ended on 28 February 1945, and jurisdiction of the base was transferred from Third Air Force to [[Air Technical Service Command]] for disposition on 31 March 1945.<ref>[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/188/116.xml AFHRA Document 00188116]</ref> |
In May 1944 the 359th Army Air Force Base Unit was assigned host unit. It was assigned to [[Third Air Force]], [[III Tactical Air Command]] 13 September 1944 as a group training airfield for reconnaissance units.<ref>[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/169/022.xml AFHRA Document 00169022]</ref> The airfield became a replacement training airfield for single-engine fighter pilots, training on [[P-40 Warhawk]] and [[P-51 Mustang]] aircraft, beginning on 19 October 1944. Active flying at the airfield ended on 28 February 1945, and jurisdiction of the base was transferred from Third Air Force to [[Air Technical Service Command]] for disposition on 31 March 1945.<ref>[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/188/116.xml AFHRA Document 00188116]</ref> |
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It is also known that Aiken AAF held a branch prisoner of war camp holding about 300 POWs who worked in the local forests. The dates of the POW camp are uncertain.<ref name="Osbourne"/> The airfield was turned over to local government authorities afterward and was converted into [[Aiken Municipal Airport]]. |
It is also known that Aiken AAF held a branch prisoner of war camp holding about 300 POWs who worked in the local forests. The dates of the POW camp are uncertain.<ref name="Osbourne"/> The airfield was turned over to local government authorities afterward and was converted into [[Aiken Municipal Airport]].{{fact|date=January 2024}} |
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===Aiken Air Force Station=== |
===Aiken Air Force Station=== |
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In 1955 the United States Air Force exercised a return right to Aiken Municipal Airport and established '''Aiken Air Force Station''' as an [[Air Defense Command]] (ADC) general surveillance [[radar]] station. This site was initially part of Phase II of the Mobile Radar program. Radars in this network were designated |
In 1955 the United States Air Force exercised a return right to Aiken Municipal Airport and established '''Aiken Air Force Station''' as an [[Air Defense Command]] (ADC) general surveillance [[radar]] station. This site was initially part of Phase II of the Mobile Radar program. Radars in this network were designated "SM." |
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Designated as '''SM-159''' Aiken AFS was the first Phase II Mobile Radar system to achieve operational status. During December 1955 the 861st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron began activating [[AN/FPS-3]], [[AN/MPS-14]], and [[AN/TPS-10]]D radars. Initially the station functioned as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) and warning station. As a GCI station, the squadron's role was to guide interceptor aircraft toward unidentified intruders picked up on the unit's radar scopes. |
Designated as '''SM-159''' Aiken AFS was the first Phase II Mobile Radar system to achieve operational status. During December 1955 the 861st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron began activating [[AN/FPS-3]], [[AN/MPS-14]], and [[AN/TPS-10]]D radars. Initially the station functioned as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) and warning station. As a GCI station, the squadron's role was to guide interceptor aircraft toward unidentified intruders picked up on the unit's radar scopes. |
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In 1958 an [[AN/FPS-20]] and an [[AN/MPS-14]] were operational. The site subsequently received an [[AN/FPS-7]]C search radar and an [[AN/FPS-26]] heightfinder radar. During 1961 Aiken AFS joined the [[Semi Automatic Ground Environment]] (SAGE) system, initially feeding data to DC-09 at [[Gunter AFB]], Alabama. After joining, the squadron was redesignated as the [[861st Radar Squadron]] (SAGE) on 1 November 1961. The radar squadron provided information 24/7 the SAGE Direction Center where it was analyzed to determine range, direction altitude speed and whether or not aircraft were friendly or hostile. |
In 1958 an [[AN/FPS-20]] and an [[AN/MPS-14]] were operational. The site subsequently received an [[AN/FPS-7]]C search radar and an [[AN/FPS-26]] heightfinder radar. During 1961 Aiken AFS joined the [[Semi Automatic Ground Environment]] (SAGE) system, initially feeding data to DC-09 at [[Gunter AFB]], Alabama. After joining, the squadron was redesignated as the [[861st Radar Squadron]] (SAGE) on 1 November 1961. The radar squadron provided information 24/7 the SAGE Direction Center where it was analyzed to determine range, direction altitude speed and whether or not aircraft were friendly or hostile. |
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On 31 July 1963, the site was redesignated as NORAD ID '''Z-159'''. In addition, Aiken AFS was incorporated into BUIC I, a manual back-up interceptor control system. BUIC I provided limited command and control capability in the event the SAGE system was disabled. Over the years, the equipment at the station was upgraded or modified to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the information gathered by the radars. The 861st was inactivated in June 1975. |
On 31 July 1963, the site was redesignated as NORAD ID '''Z-159'''. In addition, Aiken AFS was incorporated into BUIC I, a manual back-up interceptor control system. BUIC I provided limited command and control capability in the event the SAGE system was disabled. Over the years, the equipment at the station was upgraded or modified to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the information gathered by the radars. The 861st was inactivated in June 1975. |
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The [[FAA]] continued to operate the AN/FPS-7C search radar for a few years, while the cantonment area was converted into a minimum-security prison. Dissatisfied with the prison setting, the FAA relocated to [[Lincolnton, Georgia]], where today they continue to operate an [[ARSR-3]] search radar. The prison was shut down in the mid / late 1990s, and the entire site has since been dismantled. |
The [[FAA]] continued to operate the AN/FPS-7C search radar for a few years, while the cantonment area was converted into a minimum-security prison. Dissatisfied with the prison setting, the FAA relocated to [[Lincolnton, Georgia]], where today they continue to operate an [[ARSR-3]] search radar. The prison was shut down in the mid / late 1990s, and the entire site has since been dismantled. |
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* [[Third Air Force]], 24 December 1942 |
* [[Third Air Force]], 24 December 1942 |
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* [[First Air Force]], 1 May 1944 |
* [[First Air Force]], 1 May 1944 |
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* [[Air Technical Service Command]], 28 February 1945 |
* [[Air Technical Service Command]], 28 February 1945 – 31 March 1945 |
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*[[35th Air Division]], 1 December 1955 |
*[[35th Air Division]], 1 December 1955 |
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*[[32d Air Division]], 15 November 1958 |
*[[32d Air Division]], 15 November 1958 |
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* 32d Air Division, 1 April 1966 |
* 32d Air Division, 1 April 1966 |
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*[[33d Air Division]], 14 November 1969 |
*[[33d Air Division]], 14 November 1969 |
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*[[20th Air Division]], 19 November 1959 |
*[[20th Air Division]], 19 November 1959 – 30 June 1975 |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{Portal|United States Air Force|Military of the United States|World War II}} |
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*[[South Carolina World War II Army Airfields]] |
*[[South Carolina World War II Army Airfields]] |
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*[[List of USAF Aerospace Defense Command General Surveillance Radar Stations]] |
*[[List of USAF Aerospace Defense Command General Surveillance Radar Stations]] |
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{{AFHRA}} |
{{AFHRA}} |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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* Cornett, Lloyd H. and Johnson, Mildred W., ''A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization 1946 - 1980 |
* Cornett, Lloyd H. and Johnson, Mildred W., ''[http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization 1946 - 1980] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213173347/http://www.usafpatches.com/pubs/handbookofadcorg.pdf |date=2016-02-13 }}'', Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center, Peterson AFB, CO (1980). |
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* Maurer, Maurer (ed.), |
* Maurer, Maurer (ed.), "[http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf Air Force Combat Units of World War II]", Office of Air Force History, Washington, DC, 1961 (reprint 1983) {{ISBN|0-912799-02-1}}. |
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* Maurer, Maurer. (ed.), '' |
* Maurer, Maurer. (ed.), ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20090325124757/http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/Publications/fulltext/combat_sq_of_the_af_wwii.pdf Combat Squadrons of the Air Force]'' Office of Air Force History, Washington, DC, 1969 (reprint 1982) {{ISBN|0-405-12194-6}}. |
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* Winkler, David F. & Webster, Julie L., ''Searching the Skies'', The Legacy of the United States Cold War Defense Radar Program, |
* Winkler, David F. & Webster, Julie L., ''[http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bn/GetTRDoc?Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA331231 Searching the Skies]{{dead link|date=June 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}'', The Legacy of the United States Cold War Defense Radar Program, US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories, Champaign, IL (1997). |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.radomes.org/cgi-bin/museum/acwinfo2x.cgi?site=%22Aiken+AFS,+SC%22&key=AikenAFSSC&pic=AikenAFSSC&doc=AikenAFSSC Information for Aiken AFS, SC] |
*[http://www.radomes.org/cgi-bin/museum/acwinfo2x.cgi?site=%22Aiken+AFS,+SC%22&key=AikenAFSSC&pic=AikenAFSSC&doc=AikenAFSSC Information for Aiken AFS, SC] |
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*{{FAA-procedures|AIK}} |
*{{FAA-procedures|AIK}} |
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{{US-airport-ga|AIK}} |
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{{Aerospace Defense Command|state=collapsed}} |
{{Aerospace Defense Command|state=collapsed}} |
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{{USAAF 3d Air Force World War II}} |
{{USAAF 3d Air Force World War II}} |
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⚫ | [[Category:Installations of the United States Air Force in South Carolina]] |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in Aiken County, South Carolina]] |
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Aiken County, South Carolina]] |
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[[Category:Airports in South Carolina]] |
[[Category:Airports in South Carolina]] |
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[[Category:Radar stations of the United States Air Force]] |
[[Category:Radar stations of the United States Air Force]] |
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[[Category:Aerospace Defense Command military installations]] |
[[Category:Aerospace Defense Command military installations]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:1955 establishments in South Carolina]] |
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[[Category:1975 disestablishments in South Carolina]] |
[[Category:1975 disestablishments in South Carolina]] |
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[[Category:Military installations closed in 1975]] |
[[Category:Military installations closed in 1975]] |
Aiken Air Force Station | |
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Aiken Army Air Field
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Part of Air Defense Command (ADC) | |
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1964 USAF Photo
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Coordinates | 33°38′46″N 081°40′36″W / 33.64611°N 81.67667°W / 33.64611; -81.67667 (Aiken AFS SM-159) |
Type | Air Force Station |
Code | ADC ID: SM-159, NORAD ID: Z-159 |
Site information | |
Controlled by | ![]() |
Site history | |
Built | 1955 |
In use | 1955-1975 |
Garrison information | |
Garrison | 861st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron |
Aiken Air Force Station is a closed United States Air Force General Surveillance Radar station. It is located 6.4 miles (10.3 km) north-northeast of Aiken, South Carolina. It was closed in 1975.
During World War II, the site was originally constructed by the United States Army Air ForcesasAiken Army Air Field.
The facility was originally constructed during World War II by the United States Army Air Forces and named Aiken Army Air Field. The airfield was constructed with three 5'000 foot bituminous runways in an "A" pattern. No known auxiliary airfields were constructed. The airfield and station opened on 24 December 1942[1] as a satellite airfield of Morris Army Airfield, North Carolina.[citation needed]
On 23 June 1943 the airfield was formally activated and the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Group arrived.[2] Two subordinate units, the 97th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and 19th Liaison Squadron arrived the previous day.[3] The 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron replaced the 97th on 29 August 1943.[4] The Warner Robins Air Service Command (WRASC) established a service group training center at the field in the fall of 1943. The training was conducted under the auspices of the 387th Air Service Group, Daniel Field, Georgia.[5]
In May 1944 the 359th Army Air Force Base Unit was assigned host unit. It was assigned to Third Air Force, III Tactical Air Command 13 September 1944 as a group training airfield for reconnaissance units.[6] The airfield became a replacement training airfield for single-engine fighter pilots, training on P-40 Warhawk and P-51 Mustang aircraft, beginning on 19 October 1944. Active flying at the airfield ended on 28 February 1945, and jurisdiction of the base was transferred from Third Air Force to Air Technical Service Command for disposition on 31 March 1945.[7]
It is also known that Aiken AAF held a branch prisoner of war camp holding about 300 POWs who worked in the local forests. The dates of the POW camp are uncertain.[5] The airfield was turned over to local government authorities afterward and was converted into Aiken Municipal Airport.[citation needed]
In 1955 the United States Air Force exercised a return right to Aiken Municipal Airport and established Aiken Air Force Station as an Air Defense Command (ADC) general surveillance radar station. This site was initially part of Phase II of the Mobile Radar program. Radars in this network were designated "SM."
Designated as SM-159 Aiken AFS was the first Phase II Mobile Radar system to achieve operational status. During December 1955 the 861st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron began activating AN/FPS-3, AN/MPS-14, and AN/TPS-10D radars. Initially the station functioned as a Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) and warning station. As a GCI station, the squadron's role was to guide interceptor aircraft toward unidentified intruders picked up on the unit's radar scopes.
In 1958 an AN/FPS-20 and an AN/MPS-14 were operational. The site subsequently received an AN/FPS-7C search radar and an AN/FPS-26 heightfinder radar. During 1961 Aiken AFS joined the Semi Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, initially feeding data to DC-09 at Gunter AFB, Alabama. After joining, the squadron was redesignated as the 861st Radar Squadron (SAGE) on 1 November 1961. The radar squadron provided information 24/7 the SAGE Direction Center where it was analyzed to determine range, direction altitude speed and whether or not aircraft were friendly or hostile.
On 31 July 1963, the site was redesignated as NORAD ID Z-159. In addition, Aiken AFS was incorporated into BUIC I, a manual back-up interceptor control system. BUIC I provided limited command and control capability in the event the SAGE system was disabled. Over the years, the equipment at the station was upgraded or modified to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the information gathered by the radars. The 861st was inactivated in June 1975.
The FAA continued to operate the AN/FPS-7C search radar for a few years, while the cantonment area was converted into a minimum-security prison. Dissatisfied with the prison setting, the FAA relocated to Lincolnton, Georgia, where today they continue to operate an ARSR-3 search radar. The prison was shut down in the mid / late 1990s, and the entire site has since been dismantled.
Aiken Army Air Field
Aiken Air Force Station
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
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