Memo, 1
Nov. 68a, 4. SIF/IFF [Selective Identification Feature/Identification Friend or
Foe] is an electronic
radio-based identification system using transponders, which can also determine
bearing and range from the interrogator. SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground
Environment) was a nation-wide network of advanced computer-based,
automated control centers for air defense. Developed and implemented in the
1950s and 1960s, by the
time SAGE was operational the Soviet bomber threat was replaced by the Soviet
missile threat, for which SAGE was entirely inadequate. In 1958, Air Defense Command established a SAGE Sector
Direction Center at Minot AFB, including a site at Minot AFS, which were only
active from June 1961-May 1963. Regarding the B-52 ECM capabilities see: Goduto
2001, 9-10. Actually, ECM was powered up during the UFO encounter, see: Goduto 2001,
12-14.