Phoenix Air Defense Sector, Military air defense installation in Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
Phoenix Air Defense Sector was a military installation at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona that coordinated aircraft and radar operations across a large area of the Southwest region. The facility managed multiple radar stations and interceptor squadrons to maintain continuous monitoring of designated airspace.
The installation was established in June 1959 and integrated advanced SAGE computer systems as part of Air Defense Command operations. It operated until April 1966, playing an important role in Cold War defense strategy.
The installation fostered professional development among military personnel through specialized training programs focused on radar operations and interceptor aircraft tactics.
Access to the installation is limited today since information is primarily available through military archives and historical records. Visitors interested in air defense history can search documentation and archives to learn more about its operations.
The facility used two AN/FSQ-7 computers, which occupied an entire floor and processed data from multiple radar stations. These computer systems were cutting-edge machines at the time, capable of analyzing massive amounts of airspace data in real time.
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