PARCS System

 (R) 48.731944, -97.904444, Cavalier Air Force Station (1977-Present)

Enhanced Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) - The PARCS Site was initially a Perimeter Acquisition Radar (PAR) site of the Safeguard Anti-Ballistic-Missile System that was deactivated in 1976 because of the SALT I Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. The original Safeguard complex of six scattered sites in northeast North Dakota was known as the Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex (SRMSC) and it achieved full operational capability on 1 Oct 1975 but was deactivated 10 Feb 1976.

The site and equipment were later acquired by the Air Force in 1977 and became the PARCS system site. The PARCS site was later named Cavalier Air Force Station in 1983.

PARCS is an FPQ-16 phased-array radar with the primary mission of detecting sea-launched and ballistic intercontinental missiles. PARCS also monitors and tracks earth-orbiting objects for space situation awareness and space control.

See Also:
 * SLBM Detection Systems
 * Permanent System Radar Sites
 * US Radar Sets
 * Defense Installations Portal