The US Navy has placed an order with Saab for the procurement of an AN/SPN-50 (V)1 shipboard air traffic radar.

Awarded as part of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase programme, the order includes initial procurement of three radars over a period of four years.

The new radar will replace the existing AN/SPN-43C air traffic radar deployed aboard the US Navy's aircraft carrier (CVN) and amphibious assault (LH) class ships.

Saab Defense and Security USA president and CEO Erik Smith said: "Saab's naval radars are a proven success with the US 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 programme."

The SPN-50 system has been designed to support the deployment, sustainment and operation of aviation assets by providing aircraft position, radar signal, and weather data.

The data is used for air traffic control services, such as aircraft sequencing and separation, airspace identification and containment, safety alerts, traffic advisories, and landing guidance.

Smith added: "The US 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."

"With the SPN-50, air traffic controllers can support joint coalition forces across the full range of military operations in all weather conditions."

Naval Air Systems Command's Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office is responsible for the AN/SPN-50 system’s acquisition, deployment and sustainment.

In July this year, Saab was contracted to provide on-going engineering support services for the sustainment of the combat system on Australia's Anzac-class frigates.

Image: Part of a US Nazy ship. Photo: courtesy of Saab Defense and Security USA.