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1st Area Control Center (1 ACC)

The 1st ACC is located 23 Km NE off Thessaloniki, on top of the “Kissos” peak of Chortiatis mountain at an altitude of 1203 m.

The 1st ACC emblem depicts Greece, a radar unit and three air defence aircrafts, which are launched like thunders guided from the radar unit. Also a missile unit and flying radar are depicted under the cover of an eagle’s wings, which indicate that the eagle protects the country air defence system.

Mission

The units’ mission is the organization and development of personnel and means provided for, in order to ensure the continuous transmission of Real-time Air Picture (RAP) to the head of the country’s Air Defense system. Also, the successful accomplishment of air defense during national and allied operations, according to existent plans and air doctrine.

Specifically the 1st ACC is responsible for:

  • The control of the subordinate units’ capability and readiness level in order to accomplish their mission.
  • The evaluation of present situation and appropriate action
  • The management, control and coordination of Search and Rescue operations, according to national plans.
  • The continuous transmission of Real-time Air Picture (RAP) to the National Center of Air Operations (EKAE)
  • The coordination and control of air operations according to HTAF /EKAE mandates.
  • The coordination of operations among the other branches of the Armed Forces.

Operational activity

  • SURVEILLANCE
    • Disclosure – Observation
    • Systems and Sensors administration
    • ÅÑÌ / ÅÌCÏÍ
  • IDENTIFICATION
    • Electronic
    • Procedural
    • Visual
    • Flight Plans
    • ESM
  • TRANSMISSION
    • Track transmission
    • RAP (Real-time Air Picture) generation and distribution
  • THREAT ASSESSMENT
  • BATTLE MANAGEMENT
    • Command and Control (C2)
    • Weapons and systems status observation 
    • Weapon employment
    • Target allocation
    • Ôactical Battle Management Ops Functions
  • WEAPONS MANAGEMENT
    • ADF (Air Defense Fighter)
    • SAM – SHORAD – AAA
  • AIR OPERATIONS SUPPORT
    • COMAO (Composite Air Ops)
    • EW OPS (Electronic Warfare Ops)
    • AEW OPS (Airborne Early Warning Ops)
    • TASMO (Tactical Air Support of Maritime Ops)
    • AAR OPS (Air to Air Refuelling Ops)
    • SAR / CSAR OPS (Search and Rescue / Combat Search and Rescue Ops)

 

History

The 1st ACC which is based on the top of “Chortiatis” mountain was established in June 1955, under the name "1st Area Control and Warning Squadron" (ACWS). The squadron’s operational activity started with the TPS-1E search radar and the TPS-10D altitude radar.

In 1957, the squadron’s radars were replaced by the modern FPS-88 and FRS-6 radars, so its mission capability was significantly improved.

In 1973, the FPS-88 was replaced by the advanced technology of that time period, 3D Thomson CSF MPR radar, which operates till today. At the same time, a new technology was implemented for auto tracking, observation and generation of air picture, and the automatic transmission and exchange of the air picture became feasible with the installation of NADGE system.

In August 1983, the 1st Area Control and Warning Squadron (ACWS) was  renamed to "1st Central Control Station Squadron" (1 MKSE), upgrading at the same time its operational and administrative role.

In March 1985, the replacement of NADGE H3118 by the H5118MF, and the installation of ERCS, to link the AWACS radars, led to the units’ upgrading from NADGE to NAEGIS.

In July 1988, the Air Defense Training Flight (SMEA) was formed, with the mission of training the new flight controllers. Today the SMEA follows the increasing requirements, providing the air forces with specialized training.

In November 1993, the new RHODES & SWARTZ UHF HAVE QUICK II radios were installed, to ensure the uninterrupted communication with the fighter aircrafts.

In December 1995, the unit was equipped with the RDS (Radar Data System) which allows the control of remotely located radars.

In August 1996 the unit was updated with the RIS (Radar Integration System), which strengthened its capabilities.

In July 1998, the activation of ASE (Aegis Site Emulator) took place.

In March 2001, two new systems were installed. The ATC PALLAS (Phased Automation of the Hellenic ATC System) for the radar and  flight data processing and the ERICSSON GROUND INTERFACE SYSTEM (EGIS) for the management of ERIEYE RADAR SAAB 340H.

In June 2001 the 1st MKSE was renamed to 1st ACC (Area Control Center) while its operational and administrative role was upgraded.

In April 2002, the CSI system (CRC/SAM INTERFACE) was established to link the 1st ACC with the PATRIOT and CROTALLE units as well as to the HAWK anti-aircraft batteries. 

In November 2002, the unit modernized the surface to surface and the surface to air communication systems with new ones, in order to cover the increasing communication requirements.

In February 2003, the 1st ACC replaced the obsolete FGC (First Generation Consoles) with the MASE (MULTI AEGIS SITE EMULATOR) system. This system has the capability to link with many different radar units and to exchange information of the processed air picture.

In December 2003 the 1st ACC was successfully evaluated by the NATO.

In February 2005 the ULS (Universal Link System Translator) is installed, in order to link the 1st ACC with the AEW&C (Early Warning & Control) Airbone Radar, the Hellenic Navy frigates and the PATRIOT, CROTALLE and HAWK guided missile systems.