Space, Missile, Command, and Control

EVALUATION OF GROUND RADAR SYSTEMS

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This instruction implements AFPD 13-1, Theater Air Control Systems. It provides guidance and procedures for the Air Force program for evaluating ground surveillance radar systems (fixed and mobile). Affected systems include Joint Surveillance, North Warning, Tethered Aerostat Radar, and Theater Air Control Systems.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This revision aligns the instruction with AFPD 13-1 and incorporates the requirements, information, and procedures formerly in AFR 55-58. It reorganizes text and changes requirements and procedures. It designates Air Combat Command (ACC) as the Air Force's executive agency for the overall ground radar evaluation program.

1. Major Commands (MAJCOM). MAJCOMs that operate ground surveillance radar systems will:

• Establish command fixed and mobile surveillance radar systems periodic evaluation programs and define their programs in MAJCOM supplements. Tailor programs to command mission requirements, provide an assessment of radar system effectiveness, and record any deterioration of mission capability.
• Request services for baseline, commissioning and special radar systems evaluations according to format at attachment 1.
• Provide flight support for evaluating MAJCOM-owned fixed and mobile radars.
• Program funds for the evaluation of systems under the command's acquisition or operational control. The requesting agency will fund evaluations and related flight support for systems not under the command's acquisition or operational control.

• Maintain the Air Force's radar systems evaluation capability through the 84th Radar Evaluation Squadron (RADES).
• Conduct baseline, commissioning, special, periodic and system evaluations for ground surveillance radar systems through written agreement or as needed to maintain required operational capability.
• Provide radar evaluations to other DoD agencies, government and nongovernment organizations according to appropriate agreements.
• Provide technical and engineering consultation on radar related matters, such as helping develop radar system specifications.
• Maintain a technical library supporting Air Force radar systems evaluations.
• Manage a radar system evaluation course to maintain specialized evaluation training.
• Publish procedures for securing radar evaluation services and for defining MAJCOM support responsibilities.

Supersedes AFR 55-58, 28 September 1990. Certified by: HQ USAF/XOF (Col Norton A. Schwartz)
OPR: HQ ACC/DOY (Col Ken Reynolds) Pages: 4/Distribution: F

3.1.1. Baseline Evaluation. This evaluation determines system capabilities and limitations, including airspace coverage. It provides the basis for a continual appraisal of radar performance to determine system capability. Baseline evaluations are tailored to individual radar sites and missions. They include such factors as the effects of weather and terrain on detecting and tracking performance. The baseline evaluation provides a performance data base, operational parameters, and airspace coverage as a basis for developing a periodic evaluation program.
3.1.1.1. Mobile radar systems require this type of evaluation only at their in-garrison location (unless a deployed location becomes fixed).
3.1.1.2. The 84 RADES should conduct an initial baseline evaluation as soon as possible after a unit completes acceptance testing and resolves major exceptions. The system should be operationally stable and properly connected with its control center when applicable. The operating organization should request a baseline evaluation in accordance with paragraph 3.1 before using the radar for aircraft control.
3.1.1.3. The 84 RADES should reverify previously baselined radars every 10 years or, if deemed necessary, following major repairs, major modifications, or permanent radar resiting or as specified in US Standard Flight Inspection Manual Procedures.
3.1.2. Commissioning Evaluation. This is a baseline evaluation performed prior to commissioning. It determines specific operating parameters and procedures maintained by the operating organization to sustain maximum performance.
3.1.3. Special Evaluation. This evaluation is performed in lieu of a baseline evaluation to:

• Isolate the cause of substandard performance problems which cannot be resolved by the operating organization.
• Determine the effects of proposed and existing modifications on the operational capability and recommend configuration.
• Determine the best siting or positioning of a radar and the optimum setting of adjustable features for use under varying conditions (such as electronic warfare).
• Support radar acquisitions, developmental and operational test and evaluation programs, and system integration.
• Support other DoD agencies and other government agencies, foreign nations, and non-government organizations according to appropriate agreements.
  

4. Requesting Evaluations. Submit evaluation requests to 605 TESTS/TSH, 203 West D Avenue, Suite 400, Eglin AFB FL 32542-6867. Additionally, send an information copy to 84 RADES, 7976 Aspen Avenue, Hill AFB UT 84056-5846. Quarterly, or as otherwise previously agreed, MAJCOMs and field operating agencies will update current year needs. Request unforeseen evaluation needs using the same format as annual projections and quarterly updates. Non-government organizations will request evaluations through HQ USAF/XOOOD. Requests will be prioritized according to attachment 2.

5. Manpower Requirements:
5.1. Military Personnel Assignments. HQ AFMPC will assign evaluation personnel at the 84 RADES to stabilized three-year tours of duty and give them special experience identifiers in accordance with the provisions of AFI 36-2101, Classifying Military Personnel (Officer and Airman), formerly AFR 35-1.
5.2. Skill Levels. Enlisted personnel assigned to the 84 RADES will have a minimum five-level skill Air Force specialty code to ensure they are qualified to evaluate radar systems.

BUSTER C. GLOSSON, Lt General, USAF

DCS/Plans and Operations

• Purpose. Define problems and state the reason for the request.
• Location.
• Type of radar and associated equipment to be evaluated.
• Desired evaluation date.
• Mission impact if the evaluation is not performed by the desired date.
• Special items of concern and other pertinent information.
• Points of contact.
• Funding source to conduct requested evaluation.

• Priority 1. DoD operational system, off-the-air.
• Priority 2. DoD operational system degraded.
• Priority 3. DoD new program.
• Priority 4. DoD operational system.
• Priority 5. Non-DoD new program.
• Priority 6. Non-DoD operational system.
• Priority 7. All others.