Saab introduces Sea Giraffe 1X naval radar

Saab Defense and Security USA has unveiled its Sea Giraffe 1X naval radar at the Maritime Security East Conference in Norfolk, Virginia.

The Sea Giraffe 1X naval radar offers simultaneous surface and air surveillance capabilities, thereby catering to the growing need of the US maritime security sector.

It is a 3D, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that weighs less than 650lb in total, making it suitable for smaller patrol ships.

Saab business development manager of naval programmes Gene Bojarski said: "Traditionally, smaller patrol ships have only used surface surveillance radar, but as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become more prevalent, these ships must begin to add air surveillance capabilities as well."

The radar requires reduced power and maintenance with no forced cooling requirements and a minimal number of line-replaceable units (LRUs).

A team of low-level trained engineers can conduct the maintenance and repair work of the LRUs.

The Sea Giraffe 1X radar features Saab’s enhanced low, slow and small (ELSS) surveillance function.

The ELSS surveillance function enables the radar system to detect and classify small, low-flying, slow-moving air targets while concurrently carrying out its complete suite of other air and surface reconnaissance duties.

Bojarski added: "Sea Giraffe 1X enhances situational awareness for maritime patrol, surface combat and counter-UAV operations."

In the beginning of this year, Saab unveiled its new solid-state naval radar system, the Sea Giraffe 4A, at the Surface Navy Association’s 2016 National Symposium.