NIKOLAYEV RADCOM STATION (NIKOLAYEV HIGH-FREQUENCY BROADCAST FACILITY ) DEPLOYED COMM/ELEC/RADAR FACLITIES USSR MAY 1969

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78T04563A000100010028-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 3, 2005
• Sequence Number: 28
• Publication Date: August 6, 1999
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2 25X1
TOP SECRET
Basic Imagery Interpretation Report
NATIONAL
PHOTOGRAPHIC
INTERPRETATION
CENTER.
NIKOLAYEY RADCOM STATION
NIKOLAYEY HIGH-FREQUENCY BROADCAST FACILITY)
DEPLOYED COMM/ELEC/RADAR FACILITIES
USSR
MAY 1969
%,,l~ A~ a
NSA review completed
Declassification by NGA/DoD
TOP SECRET
RCA-03/0016/69
COPY NO..1.0 3
GROUP 7 EXCLUDED FROM
AUTOMATIC DOWNGRADING
AND DECLASSIFICATION
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
 25X1 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
Next 1 Page(s) In Document Denied
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2 25X1
25X1 I Or )tut I n~~-uo/0016/69
25X1
Nikolayev Radcom Station
(Nikolayev High Frequency Broadcast Facility)
25X1 ACIC. USATC, Series 200, Sheet 0250-9HL, 3d ed, Apr 63, Scale 1:200,000 (SECRET)
ABSTRACT
This facility contains two spherical arrays, three Sterba curtain arrays, two medium
frequency (MF) vertical radiators, and 35 rhombic; antennas. At least two new probable
Sterba curtain arrays are under construction immediately south of the present operations
area.
This facility has been considered a possible ~ over-the-horizon detection
(OHD) radar and as a possible high-frequency (HF) broadcast or communications
facility. Each of these possible functions is examined in the report. On the basis of detailed
mensural analysis of the antenna parameters and internal features, the conclusion is
reached that the function is principally international radio broadcast in the HF band. The
MF antennas probably are for regional broadcasts, and one spherical array is probably used
for internal HF broadcast.
INTRODUCTION
The Nikolayev High Frequency Broadcast Facility is 12.5 nautical miles (nm)
southeast of Nikolayev, USSR (Figure 1). It is at an elevation of approximately 150 feet and
situated on the alluvial flood plain of the Yuzhnyy river which slopes gently to the south-
southeast toward the Black Sea. The terrain and vegetation present no obstacles to HF
radio propagation and should provide a good ground reflector. There are no related
installations in the immediate vicinity of the facility.
BASIC DESCRIPTION
Physical Feature
Within the operations area are two spherical curtain arrays, three Sterba curtain ar-
rays, two MF vertical radiators, and 35 rhombic transmitting antennas. Three transmit-
ter/control buildings, two power substations, and nine other structures are also in the
operations area. The support area contains a tower on which are mounted two probable
R-600 microwave antennas in a terminal configuration. Numerous buildings are also
present (Figure 2).
A new operations area under construction immediately south-southeast of the
established operations area appears to be normal expansion of the facility, not a
replacement of existing facilities. It will contain at least one L-shaped transmitter building
and two Sterba curtain arrays. An open feedline trench was noted on photography of
(Inset, Figure 2). No significant change has been noted since that date, but
construction probably continues. Useful mensuration could not be accomplished from the
available photography.
The site gives no evidence of hardening or of the construction of revetments. Several
of the antenna feedlines are being placed underground, probably for antenna engineering
purposes rather than to decrease vulnerability.
OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS
This facility is now identified as an HF broadcast facility that operates primarily in an
international role. It has been reported in the past as a possible OHD radar
sible functions in mind.
ci ti y and the known Soviet design practices are examined below with each of these pos-
and also as an HF communications facility. The physical characteristics of the fa-
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
TOP SECRET
25X1
25X1
 25X1
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2 25X1
I ? I nuA-03/OO1G/69
= ' r i T E nna IT 1 ' t n 1(1( i t Ii( alniil erl h antenna 1 v' (w, its IiID-0Iml
r or re(?('iv r- mri+'i it-, nre:neraI eliOt'Tl('IPIItiTII'ti can ne made Trn1n avallaklie r
)r all a01orIl)a 1 1i 1iist iil"1l i ~n L x('( (,l : Lie sph('ri('al arravs;_ i)hysi('nil t:in:i'l
CO11titriietIt)1l (l 1'tt.'5 ti)1 l,hP SOlier'it aI arraV.ti hati t)PeIi 1)11 hiitiheel. I/ and all (rthe
('()nlOr'1r1 to Soviet -late Standards 1 (st )S l iu'_5-.)1)). Pert:I1lent anl.Prina feat a 4,
a ?ize(1 in l aisle
'('1101 Ol T.O]-) ?1r1On 1 he Ina ?,I (rt'eal t?kL"a"ie f)Parings of all antennas ek:-ul
.'-1r"1'a's lave ka en ~1(1cn mined ,1n(i are r)ret-enleci in fable 1, and the 17() Lhi 11T\
ii-is,ion t)r I be re' _o azitit tit 0 r, ?lti1) ,,i-io n 1()r t he antennas I fiat are swill hal we
:e1n ar>: .:lrlit'a +....oo 11.2('`(1 ,('-a exceoii onespheric, i $'tkrtain aT?r?a V' 111
area 1 F i (1i'ie :I1enna Sr. i\ ti'T1( i'f)i1:s (ir ir1iS T'( r?ard n r C(Irili lii'aT,l(Dil t)1 ic=ed
!)ation line; are a7;t ort`I(re(l 111 r" i rnre !.
v#':t? lrl )1Li - I Tit', -i ervr- l ll I W4) S) r)OtVE'1'llne4 t)t'1S- l e1T he !l?.=1T 17 ;.:;'
l he n()r1 llea n a; eiisi)re ar ) ;?1 1 !)rawer (b
+'1 1j;S0lfl i'ra(L1 ;nai ? ,a +=L LlrTl('TI('E' T() (?(inline ea("C1 ele(`t1'()nl("'; laet?Clw`
(- ()1)eraT. I()nill 11tH( [ t()T1_ l.(1nSr 1'1.71.11 i'()YY111111nic:11._1On; ra('.IlltlP,4 are P11.11Pr? (~OV=r'11-
11 r1' 011111iii'v--n01 e)i=1li), 7(0111111urn!Ions tac-ililie; are sen;lrate TT'Onl hr'(.si(1t'l^;i
(ept for ? ne r)e( ?arV c()rrn1L+ and and control link. k:a(1ar facilities ate Hsi! liill
0 1 1 s ( ) ' r r , n 1 1 1 ( ? l i ( F [ l ; - 1 0 ? 1"(`i IT ?_ ---111(1 research and dP4"E?It)iln1E'S1T lacilit es ?re
'
-
HP
11I IF
!(c i.J'_IJC
Iii'OAlwA~;
hACILJT r
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: iur St(.KtCIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-~ 03/0016/69 25X1
25X1
facilities carrying out research and development programs concurrently with operational
functions, particularly space-associated facilities such as Molniya and earth satellite
vehicle facilities.
As a result of analyzing these factors, the antenna parameters presented in Table 1,
and the physical configuration of the facility, the following determinations have been
made:
1. This is a transmitting facility. Indications of this include the presence of high power
input, cooling ponds, MF vertical radiators and Sterba curtain arrays (which are
exclusively transmitting antennas), and dissipation lines on all the active rhombic
antennas.
2. Five of the antennas are types used worldwide for radio broadcast but seldom used
for communications. These antennas are the two MF vertical radiators (Antennas 8 and 32)
and the three Sterba curtains (Antennas 5, 6, and 7).
3. Of the 35 rhombic antennas, 27 are oriented to transmit outside the Soviet Union.
Two rhombics (Antennas 1 and 41) are oriented to transmit within the Soviet Union, but
Antenna 41 is probably abandoned. Six switchable rhombics (Antennas 14 through 19) are
so constructed that one of the two operational directions transmits into the Soviet Union
and the other out of the country. However, the path over the Soviet Union may be used for
around-the-world communications on the same correspondents as the short-path
transmission.
4. The two spherical curtain arrays have different functions, Antenna 2 being designed
to transmit outside the Soviet Union and Antenna 3 within the country. The feed tower of
Antenna 3 is movable along a chord of the array and probably allows limited changes in
azimuth. The boresight, with the feed centered, is The total angular change 25X1
possible cannot be determined because the precise shape of the antenna (circular or para-
bolic segment) cannot be determined from available photography. Any change in azimuth
would entail moving the feed away from the focal point of the antenna, thus decreasing
antenna aperture, gain, and efficiency.
5. Support components of the facility are compatible with any of three possible
functions: HF radio broadcast, HF communications, or OHD radar. The two probable R-
600 microwave antennas at the microwave terminal (Figure 2) are capable of receiving
program material or messages, or of passing radar data 25X1
Based on the above facts, collateral information, and knowledge of similar facilities,
the following cases have been prepared for each of the three possible functions.
Case 1. High Frequency Radio Broadcast
Examination of the facility as a whole reveals a pattern characteristic of shortwave
broadcast facilities in both the Soviet Union and the United States. This overall impression
is reinforced, upon detailed examination of the facility, by the presence of the three Sterba
curtains; the two MF vertical radiators, which are almost always broadcast antennas; and
by the orientation of the majority of the rhombics. Examination of the great circle bearings
of the 33 rhombics transmitting outside the Soviet Union (Table 1) reveals that they prob-
ably broadcast to major capitals and population centers in Europe, the Middle East, and
to a lesser extent, China. Antennas of the Sterba curtain arrays may broadcast into the
Soviet Union to provide programs to remote areas; however, they probably broadcast to
the Middle East. Direction of propagation cannot be positively determined
Only the presence of the two spherical arrays remains unexplained. Examination of the
larger of the two arrays (Antenna 2) reveals that it probably broadcasts into Poland and
vicinity, or possibly to the east coast of the US, and the boresight of the smaller spherical
array (Antenna 3) passes through Petropavlovsk, USSR. It is interesting to note that an
identical antenna at Taldom J also has a boresiight passing through Petropavlovsk, in-
dicating a high interest in transmitting to that area. The variable azimuth capability of
Antenna 3 may be designed to provide program material to a wide area of northeastern
Russia.
Case 2. High Frequency Communications
The overall configuration of the facility is unlike the typical HF communications
facility. The most obvious unusual features are the spherical arrays, the Sterba curtain
arrays, and the MF vertical radiators. A plausible explanation for the spherical arrays and
Sterba curtains is that a high power output is required to provide reliable communications
TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
25X1
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2 25X1
TOP SECRET KUA-03/0016/69
25X1
1INE, TRAY
:ABLE (BURIED(
S TON TINE
Elm
NCE. LWE
'O SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
 25X1 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
TOP SLU'
II in 111(1;;
t of i,ldk
? 11 II.
~l:ht
11; , nut1111 lydr;
I Old
_?:3 t'9111a
Il1('r llidt, 1'or 1
WA arra\
'ttilling 61(ig
i11(ig
oitig
i)1d~r
;1-: t at ltO5~~ tail io1('rail)
itt) r1 llid<
1ldp.r
,I
I?i)Ill:?oll slid-
corresrsonuents that are difficult to reach. This theory appears untenable, rI~
a.eca tea properly designed and located rhombic antennas can provICte the same reel
t dower cos There is no logical explanation for the M1' ;,ertica radiators in a'25X1t
nmunications facility, especially in view of the known Soviet practice of
separating (ciecironics facilities that perform different functions.
Case 3. Over-the-Horizon Detection Hadar
LOOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A00010001002
RCA-O3/ 0i25X1 i9
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
TOP StCKt I nut-03/0016/69 25X1
Examination of this facility reveals that only the small spherical array with the
movable tower (Antenna 3) could perform an OHD function
However, the boresight of the spherical array with the tower centered does not
pass over the powered portion of the flight path from any ballistic missile range.
It might be possible to cover the powered portion of the launch trajectory by traversing
the feed, but this decreases antenna efficiency as discussed above. In the event powered
launch could be tracked from this antenna, it appears probable that tracking in azimuth
would involve traversing the feed. It is unfeasible to track a missile by traversing a 150-foot
steel tower weighing several tons.
The absence of any special security around Antenna 3 and its transmitter building,
and the fact that the transmitter building serves the other spherical array and an MF
vertical radiator further lessen the likelihood of a sensitive OHD role for the antenna.
Assuming that spherical Antenna 3 does perform in an OHD role, it would still be
necessary to explain the remainder of the facility. The only other apparent explanations for
the other antennas are discussed in Cases 1 and 2 above, but the location of a research and
development or an operational OHD radar within an HF broadcast facility appears
inconsistent with normal Soviet design practice.
Even if this antenna is performing in an OHD role, it must be concluded that the
antenna was not designed for the task. Three arrays have been observed at Taldom that are
physically similar to this one, 1
From all available evidence, it appears that the primary function of the facility is HF
radio broadcastin .
Security
The entire operations area, including the antenna field, is fenced. The original opera-
tions area containing the transmitter buildings, the spherical arrays, the Sterba curtains,
the MF radiators, and portions of the rhombic field is separately fenced, as is the support
area. A separate fence is under construction around the new operations area. There is no
Related Installations
There are no installations in the vicinity which can be related to this facility.
Associated Objects
Poor interpretability of recent photography precludes identification of vehicles or
equipment within the storage and support areas. No mobile equipment has been observed
in the operations area recently.
Electric power is provided by two 35-kv power lines as shown on Figure 2. A 110-kv
power line passes through the antenna field but does not serve the facility.
Cooling ponds, water reservoirs, and the associated pumphouse are shown on Figure 2.
TOP SECRET
25X1
25X1
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
TOP SECRET I RCA-03/0016/69 25X1
~[:t( US Air Target Chart. Series 200, Sheet 0250-9H1., 3d cd. Apr 63, Scale 1:200,000 (SRCRE I"'.
N1'li:. R-901/64,
['nusually Configured Antennas at Facilities neat Taldorn and Niko-
lavvev, USSR_ Oct 64 (TOP SE(RRJ
iREX l3R-(:1005-69
OP SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78TO4563A000100010028-2
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
 Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78T04563A000100010028-2
TOP SECRET
TOP SECRET
Approved For Release 2007/10/23: CIA-RDP78T04563A000100010028-2