Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN)
The Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) is an over the horizon radar network. It is used to monitor sea and air movements within a 37,000 kmò area. Within the network lie three over-the-horizon-radar systems, all focused on the protection of Australia.
HISTORY
The origins for this network go all the way back to post World War II in which Australia and the United States conducted research into the ionosphere. Experiments related to the research were done up to the 1970s in which a study undertaken resulted in a proposal for a program. The program was to be carried out in 3 phases:
Geebung - This aspect of the project aimed to define operational requirements and study appropriate techniques & technologies for an over-the-horizon-radar.
Jindalee - Probably the most important part of the project, in relation to its success, the Jindalee phase intended to prove the feasibility of the whole proposal as well as provide accurate costings of the over-the-horizon-radar system.
Three stages where implemented to aid the Jindalee project.
Stage A involved the construction of a prototype radar receiver located at Mount Everard, Northern Territory as well as a transmitter 160km away. Through two years of performance (1976 - 1978), the concept of over-the-horizon-radar was proved feasible.
Stage B involved the implementation of the knowledge gained from stage A, into an improved radar system. The new radar was placed next to its predecessor. Through its use, a ship was able to be detected and more importantly, an aircraft was automatically tracked in the February of 1984. Due to the systems major success it was put to trial with the Royal Australian Air Force.
Stage C involved the conversion of the Stage B radar into an operational radar within the Australian Defence Force. And like...