Foundation for a radar at site NY-80R. Photo: Don Bender
In order to improve radar coverage of the approaches to the New York City Metro Area, an additional surveillance radar was installed within the Control Area of the Livingston Nike missile installation during the late Fifties. This extra radar facility, designated site NY-80R, was rendered obsolete due to improved radar systems at the Livingston site and the activation of the Army’s Missile Master facility at Highlands, New Jersey. It appears that the Army initially investigated an alternative location for this radar, however this has not been confirmed.
Location
Nike Battery NY-79/80 IFC Area, Riker Hill, Livingston, NJ
Dates of Operation
1958-1960
Units
Radar Section, 2/65th
Current Condition
The IFC Area atop Riker Hill, now known as Riker Hill Art Park, remains substantially intact including many original buildings and radar towers and foundations. Foundation remnants from the additional radar facility can still be seen today.