Dover AFB, Del., recently joined the list of Air Force installations to receive a new $20 million radar system capable of detecting both aircraft and weather as far as 120 miles away. The Digital Airport Surveillance Radar replaces the analog system formerly used by Dover’s air traffic controllers. DASR covers airspace from the surface up to a maximum ceiling of more than 35,000 feet. It has a target-detection rate of 98 percent. “From a maintenance technician standpoint, the DASR is a miracle,” said SrA. David Arceneaux, 436th Communications Squadron assistant noncommissioned officer-in-charge of ground radar systems. “Its enhanced capabilities ensure optimal runtime and while we still perform preventative maintenance, the reliability of this machine far exceeds the old analog unit.” (Dover report by SrA. Matthew Hubby)
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.