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File: 120596_aacxn_10.txtPERSONNEL: (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.
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