Doesn’t it stand guard offering silent protection? This is the Estaçao de Radar N.º 2. It stands on Monte Pilar in Paços de Ferreira. This radar station belongs to the Portuguese Air Force. It is also part of NATO.
The Estaçao de Radar N.º 2 plays a crucial role in national air defense. It provides radar images of Portuguese airspace. It also has Ground-Air-Ground communications. Tactical Data Link is also available. These components form the Portuguese Air Command and Control system. They contribute significantly to national sovereignty. They also fulfill commitments to the Atlantic Alliance.
Let’s delve into its history. The Esquadra de Deteção e Conduta da Interceção n.º 12 or EDCI 12. It was an air defense unit. Until 1975, it reported to the Grupo de Detecção, Alerta e Conduta da Intercepção. This group was located in Serra de Monsanto.
In 1961, the radar modernized. The AN/FPS-6A radar replaced the earlier models. These first radars had conducted aerial surveillance.
By 1990, a new radar system began implementation. It was a long-range three-dimensional system. This system remains active. It began operating in 1996. The current radar system integrates via the NATO Radars for the Southern Region and Portugal or RSRP program.
The older systems became obsolete. Therefore, in 1996, Esquadra N.º 12 deactivated. It gave way to the Estaçao de Radar N.º 2.
The history of the unit dates back to January 7, 1957. The first soldiers arrived in Paços de Ferreira. They stayed in the only existing boarding house. The initial task involved preparing temporary facilities. These facilities allowed the new Air Force Unit to start. They provided technicians and support staff with minimal conditions. Throughout 1957, these personnel arrived in successive waves.
Technical facilities were completed on Pilar. They were ready to receive detection and communications equipment. Assembly work began immediately.
The village served as the army barracks. It was necessary to rent some houses. These houses temporarily accommodated messes and personnel lodgings. The barracks officially opened on March 31, 1964. However, only the first phase of its infrastructures was complete. It included dormitories for privates, kitchens, a refectory, auto workshops, and a guardhouse. The command office, general secretariat, and administration were installed in the guardhouse. Health, supply, accounting, and personnel services were precariously housed in parts of the privates’ dormitories.
The mobilization of human and material resources delayed completion. Construction aimed to permanently install the command, health service, general workshops, administration, officers’ and sergeants’ accommodations. Granite paving of the Unit’s roads, as well as the construction of officers’ and sergeants’ clubs, completed the initially planned infrastructures.
In January 1999, the Ministry of National Defense sold the facilities. The facilities in the city were sold to the Paços de Ferreira City Council. This excluded officers’ and sergeants’ accommodations and the heliport.
The two originally installed radars were replaced. In 1961, the AN/TPS-10D altimetric radar gave way to the AN/FPS-6A. It offered greater range, precision, and easier reading. Five years later, some components were modified and replaced. The AN/FPS – 8 planimetric radar became the AN/FPS – 88. Besides having greater detection capacity and some anti-jamming circuits, it ceased being single-channel. It ensured greater reliability and operability.
Since its foundation, Esquadra n.º 12 operated and maintained the Air Force communications network station. This microwave station was located in São Pedro Velho. It was on Serra da Freita. It was about 70 kilometers from headquarters.
In March 1996, the Estaçao de Radar n.º 2 activated. It inherited the assets and history of Esquadra de Deteção e Conduta de Interceção n.º 12. The Esquadra deactivated on the same date.
The bat on the coat of arms symbolizes vigilance. It represents orientation and guidance. It alludes to the Unit’s operational activity. This activity is based on airspace surveillance. It also guides the hunt in intercepting the attacking enemy. The black represents the firmness. It reflects the discipline, good sense, and knowledge. Silver signifies humility. It also represents the wealth of results obtained. Red signifies courage and warlike ardor.
Remember the silent sentinel. The Estaçao de Radar N.º 2. It watches over us.