84th Radar Evaluation Squadron
The 84th Radar Evaluation Squadron (RADES) at Hill Air Force Base (AFB), Utah, reports to the 505th Test and Training Group headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The 84 RADES monitors, evaluates, optimizes, and integrates fixed and mobile long-range radars for both the operational and federal communities. Additionally, the 84 RADES sets the standard for sensor coverage prediction and depiction. It also provides data analysis and unique radar forensics to support search and rescue missions and aircraft mishap investigations. Squadron members ensure that controllers have reliable and accurate sensor information for day-to-day operations, contingencies, and specialized activities such as counter-narcotics and search and rescue. The 84 RADES is a significant contributor to all facets of air detection, air sovereignty, and command and control (C2), armed with technical experts, cyber operators, radar maintainers, specially trained surveyors, and four operating locations (OL) at North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Air Defense Sectors. In addition, the 84 RADES conducts radar obstruction analysis, including wind farm evaluations, radar coverage studies, and diagrams in support of the Federal Aviation Administration and other Department of Defense entities.
MISSION
The 84 RADES’ mission is to provide the warfighter responsive worldwide sensor-centric planning, analysis, optimization, C2 testing, and constant evaluation. The squadron’s vision is one of world-class radar expertise delivering air domain awareness.
KEY PROGRAMS/CAPABILITIES
Performance Monitoring: Executes near real-time performance monitoring of 480 sensors for the four U.S. Air Defense Sectors and Combatant Command areas of responsibility to ensure optimum operation
Radar Survey and Placement: Provides contingency planners with placement analysis to architect and maximize the theater radar picture and meet the warfighter’s need to recognize limitations and vulnerabilities.
Sensor Evaluation/Optimization: Conducts required baseline and special evaluations for 211 sensors to optimize system performance, determine operational capabilities and limitations, and assess impacts of external factors and/or upgrades to support non-cooperative target detection, air sovereignty, and C2.
C2 System Test and Validation:
Evaluates multi-sensor connectivity and integration into DoD C2 systems to ensure accurate processing of radar inputs, assess latency, while also providing exercise support.
Event Analysis: Conducts post-event sensor data recovery and investigation for aerial mishaps; assists the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, the U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy Safety Centers, and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Software Engineering: Provides and sustains the unique and complex tools supporting the radar evaluation/optimization mission.
Radar Obstruction Evaluation (OE):
The OE cell at 84 RADES conducts evaluations of radar impact caused by various obstructions (building construction, wind turbines, etc.) and forwards results to NORAD and H.Q. Air Combat Command (ACC).
PERSONNEL
The 84 RADES has 30 enlisted Airmen, two officers, 44 civilians, and 21 contractors assigned.
HISTORY
The 84th Radar Evaluation Squadron was constituted on 23 September 1987 and activated on 1 October 1987 at Hill AFB, Utah, under the 475th Weapons Evaluation Group. The squadron was reassigned under the 505th Command and Control Evaluation Group on 15 April 1993. They then were reassigned under the Air Combat Command Communications Group on 1 July 1998, where they remained until they once again joined the 505th under the 505th Operations Group on 1 October 2005. The 505th Operations Group was redesignated as the 505th Test and Evaluation Group on 31 March 2011. Finally, the 84 RADES was reassigned to the 505th Test and Training Group on 1 August 2019.
OPERATING LOCATIONS
84 RADES, Operating Location A (OL-A) is located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and provides real-time radar data analysis and forensics for the Air Defense Sectors. They also provide radar data reconstruction to assist with targets of interest and aircraft mishaps and safety investigations.
84 RADES, Operating Location B (OL-B) is located at Rome, New York, and provides real-time radar data analysis and forensics for the Air Defense Sectors. They also provide radar data reconstruction to assist with targets of interest and aircraft mishaps and safety investigations.
84 RADES, Operating Location C (OL-C) is located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord AFB, Washington, and provides real-time radar data analysis and forensics for the Air Defense Sectors. They also provide radar data reconstruction to assist with targets of interest and aircraft mishaps and safety investigations.
84 RADES, Operating Location D (OL-D) is located at Wheeler Field, Hawaii, and provides real-time radar data analysis and forensics for the Air Defense Sectors. They also provide radar data reconstruction to assist with targets of interest and aircraft mishaps and safety investigations.
505TH COMMAND AND CONTROL WING (505 CCW) PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For more information about the 84th Radar Evaluation Squadron’s mission, contact the 505 CCW Public Affairs office at 850-884-9476 or debora.henley@us.af.mil.
(Current as of June 2020)