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Over-the-Horizon Backscatter Radar [OTH-B]

China has deployed an Over-the-Horizon Backscatter Radar [OTH-B] to provide surveillance of the South China Sea. The precise location of this facility remains unclear. China began development of HF ground wave OTH sensors in November 1967. A group led by Deputy Director of the Space and Missile Industry Qian Xuesen was assigned the responsibility of developing a ground wave OTH sensor able to detect targets at 250 kilometers. The radar was to provide targeting data for their embryonic anti-ship cruise missile program. In the 1970s, an experimental ground wave OTH radar, with an antenna length of 2300 meters, was deployed. Foreign export restrictions, however, prevented China from obtaining technology which was needed for further improvements.

Several technical papers have appeared in Western publications concerning OTH-B systems, including:

Sources and Resources



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http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/china/facility/oth-b.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Saturday, April 15, 2000 10:24:34 AM