Saab to provide shipboard air traffic radar systems for U.S. Navy

Saab Defense and Security USA has received an order from the U.S. Navy to provide the AN/SPN-50 (V)1 Shipboard Air Traffic Radar. The first award for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the program includes the initial procurement of three radars over a four-year period.

The radar will be deployed to the US Navy’s Aircraft Carrier (CVN)and Amphibious Assault (LH)Class ships, replacing the currently deployed AN/SPN-43C Air Traffic Radar.

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.

“The U.S. Navy is increasingly called upon to support missions involving manned and unmanned aviation operations. With the SPN-50, air traffic controllers can support joint coalition forces across the full range of military operations in all weather conditions,” says Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab Defense and Security USA.

Saab is a world leader in air traffic management as well as in military radar and sensor technology. The SPN-50 program allows Saab to leverage its knowledge, skills and capabilities from both domains.

“Saab’s naval radars are a proven success with the U.S. Navy. Our AN/SPS-77 radar is currently deployed aboard the Navy’s Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship and we look forward to a continued partnership with the new SPN-50 program,” continues Mr. Smith.

The AN/SPN-50 system acquisition, deployment and sustainment is managed by Naval Air Systems Command’s Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office. The office is the Naval Aviation Enterprise’s Program Office for all Navy and Marine Corps Air Traffic Management Systems.