Why so many radars in Korean Missile Crisis

[Lubaru]

I am playing Korean Missile Crisis and was wondering why there are so many radar installations in North Korea. I am trying to understand what the real world application of this is. I guess from a layman's view one might think a handful of radars across the country to cover all airspace and give adequate warning, But in the scenario there are actually just under 30 radars for the DPRK (this is not including the radars associated with SAM battalions). Is it just to have so many to make difficult for an enemy to target and destroy them all due to the sheer number of them.

But I am thinking there must be some more tactical or strategic reason behind this that gives a tactile advantage other than just creating a lot of work for an enemy.

For example in the screenshot which shows about a 45 mile radius containing some 9 radars and to the far right inside the red box there are two; a Bar Lock and a Flat Face right next to each other. In the red box at the bottom there are a total of 3 Bar Lock radars within a 3 mile radius.

First what is the significance of having the Bar Lock and Flat Face right next to each other?

And then why or what advantage is there in having the 3 Bar Locks at the bottom right next to each other?

And finally why the various other radar types Tall King, Wall Rust, Flat Face?

Thanks in advance for you help I am sure it will be a big help to others like myself.

[Bert Blitzkrieg]

ORIGINAL: Lubaru

Is it just to have so many to make difficult for an enemy to target and destroy them all due to the sheer number of them.

This seems to me a very good reason.

[Rory Noonan]

There is that, and also having different radars that operate on different frequencies allow for better situational awareness. Also in an older IADS with limited C3 integration multiple sites allow a degree of redundancy.

[Gunner98]

In addition to making the targeting more complex multiple radars are needed for multiple reasons:

- Different role/capability

BAR LOCK is an Early Warning and Ground control radar
BACK NET is a 2D Ground Control Intercept Radar
FLAT FACE is Early Warning only
TALL KING is Long Range Early Warning
WALL RUST is short range, 3D and mobile


-Different Radar Bands (frequencies)
BACK NET is in the E/F band
BAR LOCK is also E & F band
FLAT FACE is in the C band
TALL KING is in the A band
WALL RUST is in the G/H band

-Different generation: As older radars become obsolete they still have some use but newer generation ones have better capabilities so you can have 2 or even 3 generations of radar doing the same thing operating. It was an obsolete Serbian radar that apparently detected the F-117 where the newer ones could not.
-Maintenance, you need multiple radars available in case of break downs or schedule repair
-Organization, a countries air force usually controls the AD radars, navy would control the surface search but also may have an interest in air control. Soviets essentially had 2 air forces, one specifically for Air defence (PVO), the normal Air force (VVS) also had many of the same radars
-Ground - if you have a mountain in the way you need a radar on each side of it.
-Task, units will have different jobs but may need the same tool

The in game Database tells you a lot about each piece of equipment - studying the data gives you clues on how best to defeat some of these systems.

Good luck.

B

[DWReese]

The only thing that I want t add to Gunner's excellent assessment is the fact that many Op Forces (like the USN) have platforms such as the Growler that can really degrade the radar unit's capabilities. This, or course, reduces the listed distances significantly. If done properly, you can likely steer/navigate many of your weapons/planes around the various radar units, and penetrate deep into the country before being detected. Additionally, the Russians are also employing EW A/C, so you have multiple jamming units operating at the same time, influencing the same platforms.

As Gunner suggested, there is quite a bit of great info contained in the db concerning the various radar capabilities.

Doug

[VIF2NE]

More information on the cost:

Missile for S-125 - 17000 rubles
Truck - 8000 rubles
Radar P-15 - 15000 rubles

[User2]

ORIGINAL: VIF2NE

More information on the cost:

Missile for S-125 - 17000 rubles
Truck - 8000 rubles
Radar P-15 - 15000 rubles

Is it cold war prices? Nowadays 15000 rubles is a month rent of a room.

[VIF2NE]

Yes, these are the prices of the mid-seventies.

[Lubaru]

ORIGINAL: DWReese

The only thing that I want t add to Gunner's excellent assessment is the fact that many Op Forces (like the USN) have platforms such as the Growler that can really degrade the radar unit's capabilities. This, or course, reduces the listed distances significantly. If done properly, you can likely steer/navigate many of your weapons/planes around the various radar units, and penetrate deep into the country before being detected. Additionally, the Russians are also employing EW A/C, so you have multiple jamming units operating at the same time, influencing the same platforms.

As Gunner suggested, there is quite a bit of great info contained in the db concerning the various radar capabilities.

Doug

Thanks Gunner98 and all of you. These replies have really helped see the logic behind this.

[ultradave]

Yet another example of learning as much in the forum and from just studying a scenario and it's units without even playing it provides an education.

Thanks. I learn new stuff every day!