Don-2N radar ( NATO: Pill Box) is a large missile defence and early warning radar outside Moscow, and a key part of the Russian A-135 anti-ballistic missile system designed for the defence of the capital against ballistic missiles. Located in the Pushkino district of Moscow it is a quadrangular truncated pyramid 33 metres (108 ft) tall with sides 130 metres (427 ft) long at the bottom, and 90 metres (295 ft) long at the top. Each of its four faces has an 18 metres (59 ft) diameter UHF band radar giving 360 degree coverage. The system is run by an Elbrus-2 supercomputer.
Under the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty both the United States and the Soviet Union had to designate one area to protect from missile attack. The USA chose North Dakota and the Soviet Union chose Moscow. The Don-2N radar is designed to be the control centre of the system and can operate autonomously if connection is lost to its command and control centre.
The prototype Don radar, called Don-2NP is in Sary Shagan test site in Kazakhstan, location 46°0′11″N 73°38′58″E.
Until a few years ago, planes landing at Sheremetyevo, made during the approach to Moscow a small hook, skirting some restricted area. If in our time, the curious traveler will press right up to the window, then SOFRINO between Pushkin and in clear weather may notice a gigantic structure that resembles an unfinished pyramid of Cheops. In fact, it’s quite unfinished, which is unparalleled in the world of radar “Don-2N.” For the appearance, unique features and incredible value the military is often called him the eighth wonder of the world.
Don-2N (NATO «Pill Box») – Fixed multifunction radar Omnidirection centimeter band phased array antenna, set up in the framework of the tasks of defense of Moscow. Located near the village of Sofrino, Moscow region.
Quick facts:
Multifunction radar is a four-sided truncated pyramid height of 33 m and a side length of 130 m at the base and 90 meters on the roof with fixed krupnoaperturnymi active phased array antennas with a diameter of 18 m (receiving and transmitting) on each of the four sides with a field of view in the entire upper hemisphere. The functioning of the radar is provided by its member Elbrus-2 supercomputer
Performance characteristics:
operating range
wavelength m centimeter
0.01
Covered area 360 degrees
Size of the target detection km
the range (the head of the IDB)
adjustment
3700
40000
Accuracy of target tracking
-range m
the angular coordinates, arc. minutes. 10 0.6
The radiated pulse power, MW. 250
Warning time, up to 9 min
developing emitters and very grate 25 years Dmitry Zimin, then – deputy chief designer, now – founder of the “Bee Line”. “Phased array – he explains the principle of the radar – is a way to get to rotate the beam at a fixed antenna.” Reflectors traditional radar (radar) swinging on the turntables. An important advantage of a radar phased array – the ability to generate multiple beams. For example, “DON” can simultaneously monitor 30 targets. “The idea itself is not a new phased array and clear – says Zimin. – To swing at a fixed antenna beam must learn to tilt the front of the field. “The traditional radar front strictly perpendicular to the emitter, and in order to direct the beam to rotate the antenna itself. If the antenna broken into thousands of small emitters, and to teach them to change the phase of a given algorithm, the plane wave can be started in any direction.
In theory, these radars were calculated at the end of the Second World War, but in practice the idea to put her extraordinary technological complexity of creation in the microwave range of managed environments. Was tried a mass of materials: ferrites, semiconductors, and even plasma – has not yet found the right solution.
Historically, the first antenna, such oscillation of the beam were not constructed on the basis of phase shifters, but on the principle of frequency scanning. A small change in oscillator frequency caused by changes in phase and, consequently, a rapid oscillation of the beam. This is the most simple technology, and the first phased array radar operates on this principle. These different radar antenna insufficient accuracy and monstrous in size, reaching a length of one hundred meters.
With the creation of radar involves a lot of anecdotal stories. For example, the frequency at which the work was “Don”, was not just a top-secret, and “special importance”. Therefore, engineers strictly forbidden her to experience some samples. Around the building developer “DON” – Radio-Technical Institute of the street March 8 – went to a special machine direction finder and continuously listening to broadcasts. Do something engineers could only carefully screened basement of the institute. Of course – the most powerful radar in the world to do it was impossible. Therefore, the main operation unfolded after 7 pm, when the service mode go home. Most interesting is that this secrecy, retarded development for years, was absolutely unnecessary. Once the radar has earned its radiation could catch even on Mars.