U.S. Navy Orders Saab Shipboard Air Traffic Radars

The U.S. Navy has placed an order for Saab AN/SPN-50(V) 1 shipboard air traffic radars.

The contract covers production and delivery of three AN/SPN-50(V) 1 shipboard air traffic radars, and one installation and checkout kit for the Navy.

Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York, and is expected to be completed in December 2022.

The SPN-50 system supports the deployment, sustainment and operation of aviation assets by providing aircraft position, radar signal, and weather data. Air traffic controllers use this data for air traffic control services, such as aircraft sequencing and separation, airspace identification and containment, safety alerts, traffic advisories, and landing guidance.

In a statement, Saab said, “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 $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.”

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.