The U.S. Navy has awarded Saab Defense and Security USA a $38 million contract to provide the AN/SPN-50 (V)1 shipboard air traffic radars for aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.
According to Saab, 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 new radar will replace the current AN/SPN-43C air traffic radar deployed to the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier and amphibious assault ships.
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.
Erik Smith , president and CEO of Saab Defense and Security USA, commented: “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.”
“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,” continued 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.