Ballistic Missile Early Warning System

The RCA 474L Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS, 474L System, Project 474L) was a United States Air Force Cold War early warning radar, computer, and communications system, for ballistic missile detection. The network of twelve radars, which was constructed beginning in 1958 and became operational in 1961, was built to detect a mass ballistic missile attack launched on northern approaches [for] 15 to 25 minutes' warning time also provided Project Space Track satellite data (e.g., about one-quarter of SPADATS observations).

For preceding northern radar networks for detecting Soviet bombers, see Pinetree Line, Mid-Canada Line, and DEW Line.

Ballistic Missile Early Warning System
BMEWS Central Computer and Display Facility in United States
Sketch of Clear Air Force Station BMEWS radars.
TypeRadar network
Site history
Built1958–1961 (complete FOC was January 15, 1964)
Built byRCA Defense Electronics Products: 29 
FateReplaced in 2001 by SSPARS

It was replaced by the Solid State Phased Array Radar System in 2001.

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