AIR BASE SURVIVABILITY ASSESSMENT

File: 120596_aacxn_10.txt
Page: 10
Total Pages: 25

     PERSONNEL: (U) There are approximately 200 personnel assigned to
                                      each shift to conduct munitions duties.

     --NAVIGATIONAL AIDS: (U) The 32nd Combat Communications Squadron,
     deployed from Tinker AFB, OK, has-the primary responsibility for Air Traffic
     Control (ATC) operations at KFIA. The U.S. Army provides personnel to assist
     in control of their own assets. USAF Combat Controllers also assist when
     available. Airspace controlled by KFIA extends 6 nautical miles east, 12
     nautical miles north and south, 60 nautical miles west and stairsteps up to
     9,000 feet in the west sector. Tower operations are limited to control of
     ground traffic and line of sight (positive) control from 5 nautical miles out
     in ideal conditions. A total of 27 Air Force, 8 Army and USAF Combat
     Controllers are available and work tower operations in three 8 hour shifts.
     Tower controllers are using three different radio systems in support of their
     duties. The TRC 176, a VHF/UHF solid-state radio with multi-channels, is used
     primarily as a back-up system for local control of airborne traffic. The GRC
     171, a tube-type radio of 1950's technology, is still a viable source of
     communication. It is UHF capable only and frequencies must be dialed in.  It
     is primarily used for ground control transmission, and as a back-up for the
     TRC 170. The TSQ 97, a VHF/UHF/FM unit with one microphone and three
     speakers, is the primary radio used for control of airborne traffic. The USAF
     is presently using two other systems to assist airborne traffic. The AH/TRN 26
     Beacon-Transponder set, which sends out an audible signal every 30 seconds for
     a duration of 7 1/2 seconds, has 126 different channels/frequencies available
     for use. A total of 100 aircraft can receive the signal at any one time as
     long as they are on the same channel/frequencies. The signal can be picked up
     as far as 125 nautical miles. The other system, which is much larger, is a
     manned Radar Approach Control (RAPCON). The unit provides area surveillance
     radar for a primary radius of 60 nautical miles, a secondary radius of 200
    nautical miles, and precision approach radar for the last 15 to 20 nautical
     miles in-bound. The operations shelter is manned with seven controllers per 8
     hour work shifts. The shelter is presently using three of their six available
    scopes to monitor airborne aircraft. All communications are recorded. The US
    Army used two non-directional beacons; one at KFIA and another one further
   north.  Aircraft flying at an altitude of 2,500 feet or higher must use
     Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and coordinate with Dhahran ATC.

      LOCATION: (U) The AN/TRN 26 Beacon-Transponder set is positioned
     in the middle of the field near 16L/34R runway covered by a camouflage
     netting. The unit is powered by a small generator with four other small
     generators positioned for rotation. The small generators are not designed to
     run continuously. Communications maintenance crews check the equipment every
   two to three hours and are notified by the tower if the system goes down. The
  RAPCON unit sits on a 100 foot by 150 foot asphalt pad located at the
   northwest end of runway 34L, less then 2 kilometers from the west perimeter
   fence. All power is generated by MEP 5 and 6 diesel-fed generators. Four
   generators are available; two are used at one time.