Saab Defense and Security USA (SDAS) announced that Saab’s Sea Giraffe AMB Radar recently received its official designation from the U.S. Navy. The Sea Giraffe AMB radar system’s official U.S. Navy nomenclature is now the AN/SPS-77 (V)1.
Partnering with General Dynamics, Bath Iron Works and Austal, SDAS is responsible for integrating the AN/SPS-77 radar into the USS Independence and other ships of the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Independence variant program.
The AN/SPS-77 is multi-role medium-range 3D surveillance radar system for naval applications. It provides medium range, simultaneous air and surface surveillance and can be employed in a weapon designation role. The SPS-77 is suitable for demanding naval environments from the littorals to blue-water operations.
The radar system is being adapted for U.S. operations by the Sensor Systems division of SDAS. The division, located in Syracuse, New York, is also responsible for the integration, installation, and testing of the AN/SPS 77 systems as well as for providing in-service sustainment and repair services.
Mr. Erik Smith, Vice President of Sensor Systems Division within SDAS, sees the new designation of the radar as a key milestone in Saab’s growing support of the U.S. Navy and the LCS program. “The AN/SPS 77 has proven to be the most capable and adaptable medium range multi-mission radar asset available to the LCS program and future US maritime security platforms. The radar system is able to efficiently incorporate new capabilities through Saab’s modular architecture and Rapid Technology Insertion process.”
“Receiving this U.S. Navy system designation means that Sea Giraffe is now formally acknowledged by the U.S. Navy as part of the U.S. Navy standard inventory. Saab is very proud to deliver this new and highly-advanced surveillance capability to the US Navy,” said Smith.
To date, the AN/SPS 77 has been installed on LCS 2 (USS Independence), LCS 4 (USS Coronado), and LCS 6 (USS Jackson). Five additional AN/SPS-77 radar systems are in various stages of manufacturing and test to meet LCS construction schedules with four more systems under contract to complete the current deliveries under the LCS Block Buy contract.
Saab Defense and Security USA LLC delivers advanced military technology and systems to United States armed forces and other government agencies. Headquartered in Sterling Virginia, the company has business units and local employees in four states.