CHINESE TROPOSCATTER COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 18
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 1, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: December 1, 1982
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
am/%[L
ungonsi-IMET"
o- o
DECCEE1 ith5t u 1982".
copy 2 9'.
gew'' ingePQDU(~QaQ000V ?ep?P4
ba?k'a
?(ln(L?lY~?'CC~l1Wl?/~Q.~CCt~3%~?,41fR IFACC~(L~O~S
BE:Naflous
CHONA-
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01 CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret
CHINESE TROPOSCATTER COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK (S)
INTRODUCTION
1. (TSU) An ultra-high frequency (UHF) troposcatter communications network is being constructed
throughout China. Eighteen installations have been identified as troposcatter stations through joint analy-
sis of photographic intelligence (photint) and signal intelligence (sigint) from 1972 through 20 October
1982.
Although gaps exist between some of the 18 installations, this UHF troposcatter
network (Figure 1) will greatly enhance Chinese command, control, and communications capabilities.
2. (TSZU) This report includes background information on the research and development of tropo-
spheric telecommunications, Chinese use of imported electronics equipment, and a description of the 18
troposcatter stations that constitute the basis for a troposcatter network. These stations are:
Beijing Suspect R and D Electronics Facility
Dongping Troposcatter Station
Fangshan Radcom and Troposcatter Station
Guangzhou Troposcatter Station
Guyang Probable Troposcatter Station
Huo-shih-pa Probable Troposcatter Station
Jinan Troposcatter Station
Jinghou Troposcatter Station Northeast
Jinxian Troposcatter Station East
Li-chia-chai Troposcatter Station
Mashenqiao Troposcatter Station
Nanjing Troposcatter Station
Nanyue Troposcatter Station North
Qingyuan Troposcatter Station
Tung-shih Troposcatter Station
Xining Troposcatter Station
Zhanjiang Troposcatter Station
Zhenchang Troposcatter Station
Geographic Coordinates
39-47-15N 116-09-20E
36-00-08N 116-17-01 E
39-41-30N 115-56-24E
23-12-50N 113-26-05E
40-59-20N 109-58-10E
41-01-40N 112-38-30E
36-36-10N 116-59-OOE
41-17-04N 121-03-30E
39-06-25N 121-46-30E
31-47-46N 114-04-35E
40-10-28N 117-34-11 E
32-08-04N 119-04-31E
27-17-22N 112-41-18E
42-09-20N 124-41-20E
18-49-46N 109-31-38E
36-33-26N 101-33-13E
21-10-10N 110-17-45E
39-47-48N 115-35-29E
In addition, the following topics are discussed: the relationship of the troposcatter network to
national radio relay (radrel) system, possible troposcatter associations at four stations,
3. (TSZ) The information in this report lays the foundation for a study of the Chinese troposcatter
communications network. The 18 identified troposcatter stations do not constitute a complete system.
Footings for new probable troposcatter antennas, orientations of existing antennas, and
DISCUSSION
4. (S/WN) Troposcatter communications have been in use since the mid-1950s. The United States
began its first operational troposcatter system in 1955;4 since then the Soviets have established a tropo-
scatter network throughout the Soviet Union.5 Troposcatter networks are cost-effective in areas where
long distances and rugged terrain need to be bridged by communications. Relay stations (repeaters) can
be spaced up to 800 kilometers (km) apart, preventing the need for extensive access roads and reducing
construction and maintenance costs associated with more conventional line-of-sight microwave commu-
nications systems. Troposcatter antennas are mounted in pairs oriented in the same direction and sepa-
rated for space diversity to avoid signal interference. Paired antennas insure reliability when scattering
the microwave signal into the troposphere, which is approximately 16 km above the surface of the earth.
The troposphere is a turbulent atmospheric region of gases with different pressures, humidities, and
velocities relative to one another. As the microwave signal travels through this varying medium, small
amounts of energy are refracted, diffracted, and diffused. This scattered energy can be detected up to 4
degrees from the main signal direction by a pair of similarly designed receivers. Antenna design is a factor
in positioning relay stations, which are normally 300 to 700 km apart.4.5
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
- 1 -
Top Secret RCA-03/0002/82
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret 25X1
5. (S~ The Chinese apparently began experimenting with 25X1
troposcatter communications in the early 1960s. Scientists at the Shanghai Research Institute of Commu-
nications and the Jiatong University designed a klystron for an electron gun in 1960.6 The klystron is used
as a high-power amplifying device required to transmit troposcatter signals; development of the highly
sophisticated technology for the klystron caused the delay in the Chinese troposcatter communications
effort.
6. (TSZ) An extensive study of Chinese troposcatter stations has revealed a change in their design
and construction. In the early 1970s, the Chinese experimented with truck-mounted cut-parabolic dish
antennas near Luda in the Shenyang Military Region (MR) and Yantai in the Jinan MR.7 In 1974, the
Chinese began testing parabolic dish antennas at Beijing Suspect Radar Electronics Facility. Two 0
25X1
meter-diameter parabolic dish antennas were mounted on lattice towers near the edge of the facility.
These antennas are similar to the Japanese OH-2000 communications system that operates in the 1.7
through 2.6 gigahertz (GHz) frequency range.8 The Japanese also produced parabolic dish antennas in the
diameter sizes similar to the troposcatter antennas that have been observed along
25X1
ridgelines in China.
25X1
25X1
However, troposcatter stations in the western provinces have not 25X1
yet been identified on imagery. There are two possible reasons for this. First, the Chinese may have
transportable communications systems that can be erected, operated in time of need, and then disman-
tled. The mobility of the transportable system could account for the multiple sigint intercepts. Second,
there has been a lack of imagery during the time of signal intercepts. The number of intercepts from
unidentified facilities along Chinese borders also suggested that the Chinese used the same transportable
troposcatter system to locate predetermined topographic sites for future expansion of the national trop-
oscatter communications network between the border provinces and the national network in time of
national emergencies.
8. (S/WN) The Chinese normally use diameter parabolic dish antennas 25X1
except for one station which has billboard-type antennas and one station with 25X1
probable wide cut parabolic dish antennas. Parabolic dish antennas are capable of operating 25X1
for distances as far as 600 km station to station, while the billboard type are capable of operating as far as
800 km station to station. The Chinese also have a troposcatter unit that is probably transportable consist-
ing of two parabolic dish antennas mounted on metal lattice supports.9 Associated equipment 25X1
for this unit includes two cargo trucks, two electronics van trucks, two generator trailers, and one small
tent. A transportable troposcatter unit was deployed in 1976 at Hekou Troposcatter Station; the unit was
removed later in the year and has not returned. Since 1976, the vacant site has been unchanged, suggest-
ing possible reoccupation by a transportable unit.
9. (S/WN) The 18 troposcatter stations (Table 1) represent ten years of progress and experimenta-
tion in both technology and selection of predetermined locations for a troposcatter network. In most
cases, the Chinese have selected the highest elevations in a surrounding area to erect their antennas. In
the original troposcatter stations, they used the diameter parabolic dish antennas to establish a 25X1
network. However, in later ears, it was obvious that the Chinese had progressed in technology as they
selected a mixture of parabolic dish antennas for their troposcatter communications 25X1
network. The parabolic dish antennas are still used at older sites and also appear to be used for 25X1
transportable stations; however, the majority of the stations now use parabolic dish 25X1
antennas.
DESCRIPTION
Troposcatter Stations
10. (S/WN) Qingyuan Troposcatter Station (Figure 3), 32.8 km northwest of Qingyuan, is a road-
served, mountaintop communications facility with one revetted control buildin , two support buildings,
and two diameter parabolic dish troposcatter antennas oriented toward Jinghou 25X1
Troposcatter Station Northeast.
11. (S/WN) Jinghou Troposcatter Station Northeast (Figure 4) is 19.2 km northeast of Jinghou and
consists of a mountaintop operations area and a support area in the valley below. The operations area
includes three pairs of ::E~ wide slotted-concrete revetments oriented 25X1
The revetments oriented at each contain one parabolic dish 25X1
antenna with corresponding orientation. The pair of revetments are empty; because they are 25X1
-2-
Top Secret
RCA-03/0002/82 25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Table 1.
Facilities in Troposcatter Network
(Items keyed to Figure 1)
dble in u, c!uireh a damned TOP SECRET Z RF L t1BRA
Item Name/ Type
(Figure) BE No/ of
Nos Coordinates Antennas
1 131 Qin Yuan Troposcatter Station Two
parabolic dish
42 09.20N 12441.20E
2 141 Jinghou Troposcatter Station NE Fou________
parabolic dish
41 -1 7-04N 1 2 1 -03-30E (two pairs)
3 151 Zhenchang Troposcatter Station Two
parabolic dish
39 47-48N 115.3529E
4 16) Jinan Troposcatter Station Two
parabolic dish
36.36-1ON 116.59-OOE
5 171 Huo-shih-pa Probable
Troposcatter Station
41O1 4ON 112-38-30E
6 18) Beijing Suspect R and D
Electronics Facility
39 47-15N 116-09.20E
7 (91 Guyang Probable
Troposcatter Station
40-59.2ON 109-5800E
8 (10) Jinxian Troposcatter
Station East
39-06-25N 121-46-30E
9 111) Tun -shih Tro oscatter Station Two
18-4946N 109-31-38E
10 (12) Zhanjiang Troposcatter Station
D
21.10.10N 110-17-45E
32-08-04N 119 04-31 E
14(16) Fangshan Radcom and One
Troposcatter Station
39 41-30N 115-56.24E
15 (17) Li-Chia Chai Two
Troposcatter Station
Two
by
billboard type
Two
parabolic dish
Two probe cut-
parabolic dish
Two
parabolic dish
parabolic dish
23.12-50N 113-26-05E
12 (14) Nanyue Troposcatter Two
Station North parabolic dish
27-17-22N 112-41-18E
13 (15) Nanjing Troposcatter Station* Two
billboard type
parabolic dish
parabolic dish
31 47 46N 114-04.35E
16 (18) Xining Troposcatter Station Two
parabolic dish
36-33-26N 101.33-13E
17 119) Dongping Troposcatter Station Two
parabolic dish
Orientation
Degrees Recipient
Station
Jinghou Tropo
Station NE
Qingyuan Tropo
Station
Mashenqiao Tropo
Station'
Jinan Tropo
Station
evetment empty probably oriented to Sinuilu, North Korea
. . Antennas not operational; oriented in 2 different directions
Antennas possible parabolic dish rather than cut-parabolic dish
+ Station under construction
-+ Previously reported troposcatter dishes dismantled in 1976, one parabolic dish reinstalled in 1981
Zhenchang Tropo
Station
Not known
Not known
Weifang,
Jinan MR
Zhanjiang
Tropo Station
Two
parabolic dish and
two
parabolic dish
11 (13) Guangzhou Tro oscatter Station Two Zhanjiang
parabolic dish Tropo Station
Guangzhou
Tropo Station
Tung-shih Tropo
Station
Gulin
(no known
tropo station)
Dongping Tropo
Station
Luoyang Army
Bks AL 1
Lanzhou city
Nanjing Tropo
Station
18 (20) Mashenqiao Tro oscatter Station Four parabolic Ukn station prob near
dish mounted in Weifang in Jinan MR;
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secre
MAJOR CITY
Keyed to Table 1
lAW
Yi1
7 gUV~NG
GUI
L 11 G
5 HUO-SHIN-PA,
JUNG-SHIH
WAN
10 ZHANJIANG
cq1 GZH0U
HrIG KONG
SHEtYANQ
13 NANJING
t
a,iS ANGHAt
8 JINXIAN
J -'
-3-
Top Secret
FIGURE 1. CHINESE TROPOSCATTER NETWORK
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
25X1
25X1
25X1
LbA]I
25X1
I
25X1
25X1
9
1
25X1
1
25X1
25X1
LOA I
25X1
LEA]
25X1
I
');v1
25X1
25X1
25X1
')FX1
25X1
25X1
I
25X1
25X1
t
25X1
l
25X1
LDAI
95X1
25X1
25X1
LOAI
25X1
RCA-03/ 0002/82
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secre
SfltYANG
WEIFANG
9 dINGGA0
~~e't?'~'~Y1:~1(3f~2G7?"~$+a4'aWl.~vfc`'
XMC T-5458
K~uNl~,c
Pe'Sp ~~yy~~~ 41? ))p f{!
GI~IJll~
F$QNG KONG
FIGURE 2. PRC 2.0-2,3 GHz TROPOSCATTER COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM SIGNAL INTERCEPTS FROM 1974
THROUGH 1980
-4-
Top Secret
H lGHAI
xc;it Peoples 8epubIic i China
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
U. S. S. H. .r~.. d4.i. .~'rd" i #as s$V ; ~f ?~.;.R ;.~
RCA-03/0002/82 25X1
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret)
oriented toward Sinuiju, North Korea, they are the probable link for international transmissions from
North Korea. Sinuiju is the western terminal for the North Korea International Radrel Microwave Com-
munications Network. The
revetment/antennas are oriented toward Qingyuan Troposcatter
25X1
Station. The antennas oriented
may be pointed at Mashenqiao Troposcatter Station. The
25X1
Jinghou station also includes three adits in the nearby hill, suggesting an elaborate underground switch-
ing center.
12. (S/WN) Zhenchang Troposcatter Station (Figure 5), 29.6 km west of Fang-shan, consists of a
road-served, mountainto troposcatter station containing one revetted control building, two support
buildings, and two diameter parabolic dish antennas oriented toward jinan Tro-
poscatter Station..
13. (S/WN) Jinan Troposcatter Station (Figure 6) is 5.6 km south of Jinan. It consists of a road-served,
hilltop troposcatter station containing an operations area with one control building, five support build-
ings, two =meter-diameter parabolic dish antennas oriented Q and two small horizontal
dipole antennas. The station also includes a support area located in the valley below containing 15
assorted support buildings. The two=meter parabolic dish antennas are oriented toward Zhenchang
Troposcatter Station.
-5-
Top Secret
:25X1
25X1
25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret
14. (S/WN) Huo-shih-pa Probable Troposcatter Station (Figure 7), collocated with Huo-shih-pa TV
Relay Station Northwest is 4.8 km west-northwest of Huo-shih-pa. It comprises a road-
served, hilltop communications station and a television relay station containing one control building,
nine assorted support buildings, two billboard-type antennas, and a self-supporting
lattice tower with VHF/UHF television antennas mounted on the top. The two oddly configured bill-
board-type antennas are oriented 145 and 230 degrees; neither of the azimuths intersect other known
troposcatter stations. In April 1976, the station also included two pairs of PM-24/28 microwave antennas,
but they have been removed. The status of this station is not clear.
25X1
2~DA'I
It is possible that the Chinese sporad- 25X1
ically use this site to operate their transportable troposcatter equipment.
15. (TSZU) Beijing Suspect Research and Development Electronics Facility (Figure 8) is 21.1 km
southwest of the center of Beijing. The road-served facility consists of multiple test pad testing areas for
electronics-associated equipment and includes two high, self-supporting lattice towers with
diameter parabolic dish antennas. The nonaligned antennas were oriented in two separate
directions in September 1982. In May 1979, the antennas were oriented at approximately
toward Jinghou Troposcatter Station Northeast. The two antennas are similar to a Japanese OH-2000
troposcatter system that the Chinese had purchased.
16. (S/WN) Guyang Probable Troposcatter Station (Figure 9) is 7.0 km southwest of Guyang. It
consists of a wall-secured compound containing one control building and two probable
cut-parabolic dish antennas oriented 160 degrees. The possibility exists that the antennas
diameter parabolic dish antennas rather than cut parabolic. No known corresponding facility is associated
with this station.
Y
2.5X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
-6-
Top Secret
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret)
17. (TSZU) Jinxian Troposcatter Station East (Figure 10) is 9.1 km east of Jinxian. It consists of one,
large, multistory operations/control building recessed on the southwest side of the hill and two
meter-diameter parabolic dish antennas oriented 220 degrees. The antennas are on either side of a
clearing in front of the operations/control building. The adjacent support area includes one revetted
building, one adit, and one messhall/barracks.
25X1
25X1
18. (TSU) Tung-shih Troposcatter Station (Figure 11) is 9.7 km north-northeast of Tung-shih on
Hainan Island. It consists of a hilltop operations/control area and a nearby support area. The opera-
tions/control area includes one multistory control building, one support building, and two
diameter parabolic dish antennas oriented toward Zhanjiang Troposcatter Station. The sup-
port area is 0.7 km northeast of the control area and comprises one administration building, three
barracks, one messhall, and two su ort buildings. The Tung-shih station is cable-connected to Tung-shih
Army Barracks AL 2 , which is 1.7 km north of Tung-shih. This station, probably one of
the most important on Hainan Island, has direct communications to the mainland.
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
-7-
Top Secret
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret
19. (S/WN) Zhanjiang Troposcatter Station (Figure 12), 12 km southwest of Zhanjiang, consists of a
road-served, wall-secured communications facility. It includes one multistory operations/control build-
ing, one administration building, two multistory barracks, one messhall, seven support buildings, two
diameter parabolic dish antennas, and two diameter parabolic dish antennas. The
two lar a antennas are oriented toward Guangzhou Troposcatter Station, and the
two antennas are oriented 195 egrees toward Tung-shih Troposcatter Station on Hainan
Island. Zhanjiang is a typical example of a troposcatter communications network relay station. The anten-
nas are mounted in pairs of the same size and separated for space diversity. This station is an important
link in the troposcatter communications network between Hainan Island and mainland China. The
meter antennas operate in a mixed configuration with the diameter antennas at Tung-shih.
The Chinese usually install the same size antennas at both ends of the same segment. Thus, the
antennas at Zhanjiang will probably be replaced with antennas similar to the F___1 antennas at
Tungshih.
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
20. (TSU) Guangzhou Troposcatter Station (Figure 13), 11.5 km southeast of Lung-kuei-shih, consists
of a road-served, mountaintop troposcatter station with a small support area in the valley below. The
mountaintop operations control area includes a multistory operations/control building and two=
meter-diameter parabolic dish antennas oriented 235 degrees toward Zhanjiang Troposcatter Station. The
support area for the Guangzhou station is 0.7 km north of the control area and comprises seven assorted
support buildings. This station is considered to be a terminal and is probably linked by landline to the
Chinese mountaintop radrel communications network. Guangzhou Radrel Station North
would be the best possible interconnection with the troposcatter network. It is close to the troposcatter
station, and at one time possessed
diameter troposcatter antennas. Guangzhou Troooscatter
V
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
-8-
Top Secret
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secrei
degrees, seven assorted support buildings, one weather station, and one horizontal dipole antenna. A
road connects the radcom station to the troposcatter station. In addition, the identification of cable scars
between the radcom station and the troposcatter station suggests that the troposcatter station is linked to
the national radrel system. Nanyue Troposcatter Station North comprises a control building, an extensive
underground complex with two visible adits, two diameter parabolic dish antennas oriented
diameter parabolic dish antennas (probable Hungarian PM-24/28s) mounted in pairs oriented
to be one target-Nan-yueh-met Radcom Station North. This station includes four bunkered
21. (S/WN) Nan-yueh-met Radcom Station North and Nanyue Troposcatter Station
North (Figure 14) are 5.7 km north of Nan-yueh-met. The road-served mountaintop radrel and troposcat-
ter stations are divided into separate control areas 1.7 km apart. Until 1981, the two areas were considered
two large concrete platforms (for additional parabolic dish antennas), and excavations for
two more large antennas. The two parabolic dish antennas are oriented toward Gulin in the Guangzhou
MR. (The Gulin corresponding station is unknown.) The concrete platforms are large enough to support
troposcatter antennas oriented toward the Li-chia-chai Troposcatter Station. The excavations, located on
the opposite side of the hill from the large troposcatter antennas, could support a projected troposcatter
network into the Wuhan MR, and eventually connect with the large Nanjing Troposcatter Station, which
is under construction. These two stations illustrate the Chinese attempt to link two separate national
communications networks.
-9-
Top Secret
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret
22. (S/WN) Nanjing Troposcatter Station (Figure 15), 27.8 km south of Nanjing, consists of a large
troposcatter station and a centrally located, probably hardened communications command bunker. Nanj-
ing, the largest and most complex troposcatter station in China, is capable of transmitting in ranges of 700
to 800 km. The station contains two billboard-type troposcatter antennas oriented 330
degrees toward Dongping Troposcatter Station in the Jinan MR; a large probable control bunker under
construction; a double-bay, reinforced, concrete probable command bunker under construction; and
footings for two additional antennas which will be oriented toward the Wuhan MR. It also contains a
support area of warehouses, barracks, and covered vehicle sheds. The entire complex is under construc-
tion. The two antennas and bunkered support facilities are 90 percent externally complete, and the
hardened, double-walled communications command bunker is externally complete. A third possible
operational area, just east of'the command bunker, consists of a cleared area capable of supporting two
large parabolic dish antennas which probably will be oriented toward Shanghai.
23. (S/WN) Fangshan Radcom and Troposcatter Station (Figure 16) is 3.5 km west of Fangshan. It
consists of a road-served, mountaintop troposcatter station containing one diameter parabolic
dish antenna oriented 225 degrees, one control building, and two support buildings. In 1972, the station
had been equipped with two antennas, but both were removed in 1976. In January 1981, one
antenna was reinstalled.
- 10-
Top Secret
25X1
25X1
25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret 25X1
24. (S/WN) Li-chia-chai Troposcatter Station (Figure 17), in the center of Li-chia-chai, consists of two
diameter parabolic dish antennas which are 1,000 meters apart and oriented 340 degrees. The 25X1
340-degree orientation has no known corresponding station.
25. (TSZU) Xining Troposcatter Station (Figure 18) is 20 km west-southwest of Xining. It consists of an
isolated, road-served, hilltop troposcatter station containing one rectangular control building and two
diameter parabolic dish antennas oriented toward the city of Lanzhou. Sigint 25X11
confirmed 2-GHz signals emitting from Xining between May and June 1979.3
- 11 -
Top Secret
RCA-03/0002/82 25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret 25X1
26. (S/WN) Dongping Troposcatter Station (Figure 19), 16 km north of Dongping, consists of an
isolated, road-served,.hilltop troposcatter station. The station contains two diameter parabolic
dish antennas mounted on stationary steel lattice supports and oriented 155 degrees. The probable
corresponding station is Nanjing Troposcatter Station, under construction 525 km south-southeast of
Dongping. In addition to the antennas at Dongping, the station contains two operations buildings, one
control building, one probable maintenance building, three support buildings, and a clearing on the
opposite side of the complex capable of supporting two more large antennas oriented northeast toward
Jinan Troposcatter Station.
- 12 -
Top Secret
RCA-03/0002/82 25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2 _
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret 25X1
27. (S/WN) Mashenqiao Troposcatter Station (Figure 20) is on a ridgeline 10 km north of Mash-
enqiao and consists of an isolated troposcatter communications relay station and a support area in the
valley below. The troposcatter station contains four diameter parabolic dish antennas mounted 25X1
in pairs; antenna orientations are 155 and 070 degrees. In addition, the ridgeline station includes two
control buildings, one operations building, and four support buildin s. Jin ghou Troposcatter Station
Northeast is the corresponding station for the 070-degree orientation. 25X1
25X1
25X1
Previously Identified Troposcatter Stations
28. (TSZ) In addition to the troposcatter stations that are complete or nearly complete, four facilities
previously identified as troposcatter stations are located at Hekou, Lushun, Anyang, and Pingdingshan
(Table 2). These facilities are not considered to be active troposcatter communications stations; however,
at one time the first three - Hekou, Lushun, and Anyang - did contain antennas similar to troposcatter
antennas at other facilities. One facility, Hekou Troposcatter Station, used the Chinese transportable
troposcatter communications unit on imagery of However, the transportable unit has 25X1
not been observed on imagery since 1976. The fourth station, Pingdingshan Probable Troposcatter Sta-
tion, now contains one 6-meter parabolic dish antenna and includes a clearing nearby to accommodate a
Table 2.
Previously Identified Troposcatter Stations
This table in its entirety is classified TOP SECRET ZARF UMBRA
Name/BE No/Coordinates Type of
Antenna/Orientation
Hekou Troposcatter Station No tropo present
Lushun Troposcatter
Station Northwest
38-49-24N 121-11-43E
Anyang Infantry Division Hq
Troposcatter Station
Pingdingshan Probable
Troposcatter Station
Previously reported
antennas removed in
1976; old site remains
inactive but usable
OneL___] cut- Poss coastal defense radar
parabolic dish rather than tropo or
160 degrees communications
No tropo Previously reported antennas
present removed in 1973
Onel Grading for additional
parabolic dish antenna ucon
160 degrees
- 13 -
Top Secret RCA-03/0002/82
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret 25X1
Imagery Analyst's Comments
29. (TSZU) There are indications suggesting that additional troposcatter stations will be constructed
to complete the network in the next few years. At present, the Chinese have linked the troposcatter
stations with other national communications networks such as the mountaintop radrel facilities and
probably the national buried cable network (Figure 21). 25X1
25X1
In the past, the Chinese 25X1
have methodically used diameter parabolic dish antennas to test site locations. After determin- 25X1
ing the best site location, diameter parabolic dish antennas for permanent tropo- 25X1
scatter communications were installed. Parabolic dish antennas do not have to be the same size to
operate together (station to station), but in most cases, the Chinese have matched the antenna sizes
throughout the country.
30. (TSZ) Construction of troposcatter stations meets two current needs: first, a cost-efficient
method for extending existing long-range communication networks, and second, a high-capacity, redun-
dant communications system (if the troposcatter network is completed). Communication by troposcatter
network also provides command and control flexibility. A highly transportable, high-capacity communi-
cations unit deployed with forward elements defending Chinese borders would extend the General Staff
Department (GSD) military command and control to the division commanders as required.' This would
comply with the strict communications security and austerity program of constructing only necessary
units (mobile or fixed) in China.
(S/WN) All applicable satellite imagery acquired from
preparation of this report.
1. NSA. I R101527Z, PRC UHF Troposcatter Communications, Jun 81 (TOP SECRET U~
2. NSA. W31/0096-80, R180508Z, Possible PRC 2 GHz Troposcatter Communications System, Nov 80 (TOP SE-
CRET 0
3. NSA. B63/MR/006/81, Analysis of PRC Ultra-High Frequency Troposcatter Communications (SC) , 11 Feb 81
(TOP SECRET
4. Microwave System News. "Troposcatter Flourishes Between SATCOM and Terrestrial LOS Systems" (U), EW
Communications, Inc., Palo Alto, California, Vol. 10, No. 11, Nov 80 (UNCLASSIFIED)
5. DIA. DST-1720H-513-75-Vol 2, Military Communications Equipment Handbook - Eurasian Communist Coun-
tries (U) (SECRET)
6. CIA. FIR DB-312/04004/80, Electronics, Radar, Fiber Optic and Communications Developments in China, Nov
80 (S/WNINTEL
poscatter Antennas, Yen-tai, China, May 74 (TOP SECRET
25X1
25X1
25X1
9 )(1
25X1
8. 2000-Mc Over-the-Horizon Communication Systems, Nippon Electric Company, 26 Jun 75 (UNCLASSIFIED)
9. NPIC. PIN-062/72, Probable Mobile Troposcatter Antenna, Ha-erh-pin, China, May 72 (TOP
SECRET R)
*Extracted information is classified TOP SECRET Z.
**Extracted information is classified TOP SECRET Z-U.
***Extracted information is classified SECRET
tExtracted information is classified SECRE
land.
COMIREX C99
Project 542086C
(S) Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. They may be directed tol Asian Forces
Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC,
25X1
25X1
- 14-
Top Secret RCA-03/0002/82 25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
 a. de
UI YANG
NPIC T?5114
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010!02101 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Top Secret
pol~
type G
hONG KONG
SH AN OH At
Peoples Republic of China
FIGURE 21, CHINESE NATIONAL RADREL AND TROPOSCATTER NETWORK
-15-
Top Secret
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010!02101 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
SHEtiYANG
RCA-03/0002 82
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01 : CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/02/01: CIA-RDP83T00574R000103000001-2