According to a press release published by Saab on April 29, 2021, the U.S. Navy's Shipboard Air Traffic Radar program in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) has awarded an LRIP option for three of Saab's AN/SPN-50(V)1 radar systems. The order value for the LRIP phase two contract is USD 37.1 million, with the first delivery scheduled for 2022. Radar manufacturing, delivery, test, and integration will take place at Saab's Syracuse, New York facilities.
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AN SPN-50 radar ship installation (Picture source: Saab)
The AN/SPN-50(V)1 radar system, which is one of the U.S. versions of Saab's Sea Giraffe Agile Multi Beam radar, will function as the primary air traffic control surveillance radar for manned and unmanned aviation aboard the Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and amphibious large decks.
Delivery of the Navy's advanced air traffic control and landing capability is overseen by the Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office. In cooperation with Saab, they are responsible for the radar system's acquisition, deployment, and through life sustainment while in service within the U.S. Navy fleet.
The Giraffe is a family of land and naval two- or three-dimensional G/H-band (4 to 8 GHz) passive electronically scanned array surveillance radar designed and manufactured by the Swedish company SAAB. Giraffe AMB (Agile Multi-Beam)monitors the air volume 360° for air targets from supersonic fighters, cruise missiles and helicopters, down to small, slow and low-flying UAVs. It is simultaneously capable to locate and warn for incoming rockets, artillery and mortar rounds. Due to the system's high update rate, 1-second target revisits time, and tracking accuracy Giraffe AMB provides accuracy for real-time control and engagement-quality target data for VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defense) to MRAD (Medium range Surface to Air Missile systems)effectors.
The Saab Giraffe AMB consists of a radar sensor that operates at the C-band, and a scalable Command, Control & Communication solution housed in a fully self-contained 20ft ISO-container cabin. A hydraulically operated mast elevates the Antenna to 12 m above ground, providing improved low altitude radar coverage and freedom of deployment.
