Historic California Posts, Camps, Stations and Airfields
Pigeon Point Radar Site B-84
 
 
History
 
This Army Air Forces air defense radar site was located at or near the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, south of the coastal town of Pescadero in San Mateo County (37°10'53.72"N 122°23'39.65"W). Assigned to the San Francisco Control Group, this site was operated by the 656th Signal Aircraft Warning Company.
 
Radar at Pigeon Point
 
SCR-270-D Mobile Long Wave Aircraft Warning Set
 
 
Description: Six-vehicle mobile, long wave early warning aircraft detector. Azimuth and range supplied. Set is equipped with "A" scope.
Uses: To establish a screen of warning which provides information of approaching aircraft as early as possible but with a sacrifice of accuracy in range, azimuth and elevation. IFF equipment RC-150 is used.
Performance and Siting: Maximum range on a single bomber flying at indicated heights, when set is on a flat sea level site:
 
 Altitude, feet  1,000  5,000  20,000  25,000
 Range, miles  20  50  100  110
Set should be sited at a height between 100' and 1000' above an unobstructed reflecting surface.
 
Transportability: Complete set is carried in 6 vehicles, the largest of which measures 30'4" x 9'10" x 8'. Total weight of shipment is 101,790 lbs; total volume 11,485 cu. ft.
Installation: Operates from trucks in which mounted. Can be placed in operation about 6 hours after arrival at site.
Personnel: Seven men comprise operating crew. For 24 hour operation about 50 men are required to run radar, communication radio, and camp.
Power: 15.3 KW, supplied by PE-74, 25 KVA gasoline-driven generator, having fixed consumption of 4 gal. per hour, non-leaded gasoline.
 
 

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Posted 11 April 2016