OVERVIEW: The P-12 radar (NATO name: SPOON REST) is an mobile, 2-D early warning and target acquisition radar operating in the "A" Band.

DETAILS: The P-12 uses a single antenna for both transmission and reception. A complete system is usually composed of an antenna/shelter vehicle, a generator vehicle, and a secondary vehicle-mounted radar for IFF. Weapons systems frequently associated with the P-12 include the S-75 Dvina/SA-2 GUIDELINE.

Specifications:

Frequency: 150-170 MHz ("A" Band)
Power output: 180-350 kW (peak)
PRF: 360 Hz, 310-400 pps
Range Resolution: 900 m
On/Off time: unknown
Detection Ranges
Fighter size aircraft
500 m altitude: unknown
10000m alt.: unknown


NOTES: The P-12 entered service in 1956 and was widely exported. VHF radars such as the P-12 remain important, as they can be better at detecting stealth aircraft than more recent, higher frequency radars.


SOURCES: Janes Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems "P-12/P-18 series early-warning radars, 08 December 2004; "SPOON REST." GlobalSecurity.org - Reliable Security Information. Accessed February 28, 2015. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/spoon-rest.htm; Dr Carlo Kopp, Russian VHF counter stealth radars proliferate, www.ausairpower.net/SP/DT-Rus-VHF-Radar-2008.pdf