1882nd CS History Report 1970

Flight Facilities

Traffic count for the period were:

	January	February	March	April	May	June
Tower	26,621	23,350	24,830	21,697	25,038	28,057
GCA	316	351	452	464	423	385
	July	August	September	October	Novermber	December
Tower	30,018	30,244	29,673	27,280	20,117	20,343
GCA	404	544	457	400	1254	1078
DaLat				232	158	150

Jan - Mar

Radar coverage by Phan Rang Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) continues to be a significant problem. Although the Precision Approach Radar (PAR) was flight checked unrestricted on 12 Feb 70 and is to be fully commissioned for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) service, the Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) has holes in coverage which restricts it to use as a training aid only. This is undesirable, as Cam Ranh Bay Approach Control cannot provide radar service to Phan Rang below 6,000 feet. Plans were implemented to install a new RF fence, which would reduce ground clutter and permit the ASR to be usable as an IFR aid. The fence was built and tested in the CONUS by ITT Gilfillan, and is now awaiting site preparation at Phan Rang AB for installation by GEEIA.

A second plan was also developed, in the event that the RF fence does not provide the desired improvement, to request 1st Mobil Comm Gp to provide another Mobile Ground Controlled Approach (MGCA) in order to test other sitings on the base in an effort to improve ASR coverage. A hill approximately 4,500 feet from the runway centerline has been selected as the site most likely to provide optimum coverage. In the event it is decided to utilize this location, it would not be possible to provide PAR service; however due to the extremely small percentage of weather below TACAN minima, this would not necessarily be a major problem. At present, action is being held in abeyance pending determination of the Wing Commander's desires and developement of a plan of operations by the 1964th Comm Gp.

Installation of the VRN-3 TACAN at Phan Rang completed 7 Mar 70* AN/MPN-15 Deactivated.

Apr - Jun

Progress was made toward providing usable surveillance radar at Phan Rang AB. The hill site proposed for testing an alternate MPN-13 was surveyed on 13 Jun 70 and found to be acceptable. Preparation of the site to receive the test unit was begun, with an expected completion date of early July 1970. Preparation for installation of the RF fence for the present GCA was begun by Red Horse engineers in June, with completion expected by late August. A plan of operations was developed for the testing period as follows:

1. Testing of current GCA/fence configuration against GCA sited on "hill 250" (six weeks).
2. Installation of new RF fence (six weeks).
3. Testing of GCA/new fence against Hill 250 site (six weeks).
4. Evaluation of data (two weeks).

Upon completion of the tests, a determination will be made as to which GCA/site combination provides the best coverage, and should be retained at Phan Rang.

Jul - Sep

Testing of the site designated "Hill 250" and the Phan Rang Round Control Approach was not possible due to both radar search systems operating on the same frequency. The Gilfillan RF Fence Project was seventy percent (70%) complete as of 30 September 1970, with an estimated completion date of 15 October 1970.

Oct - Dec

Phan Rang GCA: Personnel from the 1964th Comm Gp Flight Facilities, assisted by personnel from PAC Comm Area and the 1882nd Comm Sq conducted the evaluation of the Phan Rang radar (19-25 October 1970) to determine if the Airport Surveillance Radar would provide adaquate coverage to return it to operational status. The PAR/SAR clutter fencing project was completed on 15 October 1970. An AS-964 antenna was installed, and the aperture in the RF fence was widened by eight degrees to permit improved precision approach radar coverage. The ASR radar met the user's operational requirements and was NOTAMED on the air 4 November 1970. For the first time in its history, Phan Rang could establish its own approach control area. This action will enhance air traffic services in that area by eliminating the excessive coordination procedures that are now not required between Portcall ARRC, Cam Ranh Bay and Phan Rang.

Operations AUTODIN (DSTE)

Eight AB500 Digital Subscriber Terminal Equipment (DSTE) terminals and one AB102 van mounted DSTE terminal became operational by the Air Force in Vietnam. These DSTE's are the first to be installed by any service in Vietnam. On 7 Jan 1970 the Phan Rang terminal was the first terminal activated by the Air Force, making it the first terminal activated in Vietnam.

Change of Command

From left to right; MSgt Dennis Terrel (First Sergeant) Maj Glenn Giddings and Maj Anthony Glavan. Change of Command ceremony as Maj Giddings assumes command from Maj Glavan.

NERVE CENTER. MSgt. Harold A. Smith (center) points out 1882d Comm Sq. facility on the NCMO status board to TSgt Neal R. Wolfe (left), while Sgt Hugh J. Parker takes a trouble call on the telephone.