The Duga over-the-horizon radar is a powerful early warning and surveillance system developed and used by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It was designed for early detection and tracking of incoming ballistic missiles and space objects.
The Duga (5N32) radar was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s to detect and track intercontinental ballistic missile launches. It used an over-the-horizon radar method, which allowed it to detect targets at long distances, blocking the horizontal line of sight.
The system consisted of three main components: 1. A transmitting position with a transmitting antenna. 2. A receiving position with a receiving antenna. 3. The “Circle” system with a circular antenna, which allowed for the rapid switching of the directional diagram (direction finder). One of the famous “Duga” objects was located near the city of Chernobyl (in the area of the Soviet nuclear power plant) and was named “Chernobyl-2”. It was stopped on April 26, 1986 due to the Chernobyl accident, but was partially preserved and is today a historical monument. The Soviet “Duga” radar system used digital signal processing on a high-speed K-340 computer. The radar operated in the frequency range of 5-28 MHz and had impressive dimensions. For example, the low-frequency antenna had masts up to 150 meters high, and its length could reach up to 500 meters. The high-frequency antenna measured approximately 250 meters in length and up to 100 meters in height.
Radar Duga (Unsplash license)
“Duga” was the main part of the network of radar stations deployed throughout the Soviet Union. It operated at very high frequencies and detected objects even at great distances, up to several thousand kilometers. Thanks to this, the system could warn of an attack by enemy missile forces and ensure an appropriate response.
The uniqueness of the Duga was its ability to detect targets closer to the horizon, i.e. beyond the visibility of conventional radar systems. This was achieved by using a certain type of wave – the so-called “guidance”. They allowed the system to operate at fairly low frequencies and overcome obstacles created by atmospheric conditions and the earth’s surface.
The Duga system was incredibly large-scale and complex to build. It consisted of huge antennas and specialized equipment for processing and analyzing signals. Its strategic importance was that it provided warning of possible missile threats and allowed for the necessary measures to be taken for protection and security.
Today, the Duga is no longer used, as radar and missile defense technologies have advanced greatly. However, its creation and operation remain significant achievements in the field of radar technology and national security.