AN/SPY-1

The AN/SPY-1 is a sea-based multi -function radar of the U.S. company Lockheed Martin. It is located since its introduction in 1983, the cruisers of the Ticonderoga - class service in different nations.

Description

The main feature of the SPY -1 radar is the technique of passive electronic beam tilt (English passive phased array ). It allows the radar, back and forth within milliseconds between goals, with no mechanical alignment is needed (ie, there are no moving parts installed ). This increases the reliability on the one hand, on the other hand, the radar is also easier to maintain. With this technique it is also possible to pursue a much larger number of targets continuously. This is not possible with conventional ( rotating ) radars. Increased immunity to interference and longer range are further advantages over a conventional radar. Especially in the context of the intended stealth properties recent vessels (eg Arleigh Burke class), it is also of advantage that the radar antenna are flat and so only have a low radar cross-section. The disadvantage is that each radar panel only / a range of - can monitor 60 °. A 360 -degree surveillance was implemented in the SPY -1 by having installed a separate radar panel in each of the four cardinal directions.

The above capabilities make the SPY - 1 for the core component of the Aegis combat system that the tracing and tracking hundreds of targets simultaneously calls. Also, the SPY -1 and track (ships, aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles) almost every type of radar target. Originally it was intended for American destroyers and cruisers, but there are now versions for smaller vessels (eg corvettes ). Its successor is the AN/SPY-3, which is still in development.

Variants

SPY -1A: first operational variant.

SPY -1B: This variant has been modified so that the radar beam could be directed to the zenith. This also targets could now be traced, which flew directly over the ship. The side lobe was greatly reduced by new transmitter and the duty cycle could be doubled. New, lighter phase shifter reduced volume and weight of the system. This also resulted in a reduction of the antenna sub-groups, resulting in a narrow radar beam. Furthermore, new computers were installed, which have significantly increased the computing capacity, which could be used, among other things, improved ECCM method. Although energy-saving measures, the system requires so much energy that the range of a Ticonderoga cruiser reduced by about 3200 km, when the radar continuously works with maximum power.

SPY - 1D: Since it was planned to also equip the ships of the Arleigh Burke-class with the Aegis combat system, the SPY -1 system had to be significantly modified. Thus, the four antennas have been mounted in a single tower, which increases the weight and the volume significantly reduced, and the possibility offered to provide all the antennas with a single power source. The performance was (especially the range) significantly increased.

SPY -1D (V): This upgrade of the SPY -1D designs improved the performance in littoral waters and increases the transmission power by 25%. It is also designed to better support the NT SBT - guided weapon. The U.S. Navy plans to destroyer DDG- 91 to -112 with this radar equip.

SPY -1E: The unofficial designation SPY -1E was awarded for a AESA variant, which was previously referred to by Lockheed as SPY -2 and now is called " S- band Advanced Radar " ( SBAR ). The system should be significantly more powerful than the SPY 1D series and replace it. Special capacities against targets with small radar cross section (RCS ) and ballistic missile systems will be significantly increased. The program is closely linked with the development of " dual-band radar " for the Zumwalt - class, the first prototype was presented in May 2003.

SPY - 1F: This version has been specially developed for the Fridtjof Nansen class so that these 5,000 -ton ships can also carry an Aegis combat system and is designed for use on smaller ships provided (eg frigates ). Therefore, the total size has been reduced, so that the system was easy enough for these vessels. The target is mainly the export market. The ability to combat ballistic targets was removed because this is usually not part of the application spectrum of frigates or similar small vessels.

SPY -1F (V): Through extensive improvements to the SPY -1F designs the tasks have been extended to littoral warfare and the fight against anti-ship missiles.

SPY -1K: To allow the use of even smaller vessels (eg corvettes ), the system was again reduced.

Platforms

SPY -1A / B: Ticonderoga - class

SPY - 1D: Arleigh Burke - class, Álvaro de Bazán class Kongō class, Hobart - class, Atago - class

SPY - 1F: Fridtjof Nansen class

Specifications

AN/SPY-1A

  • Antenna diameter: SPY-1A/B/D: 3,7 m
  • SPY - 1F: 2.4 m
  • SPY -1K: 1.7 m
  • SPY -1A: 5440 kg
  • SPY -1B: 3580 kg
  • SPY - 1D: 1910 kg
  • SPY-1A/B/D: 4350
  • SPY - 1F: 1856
  • SPY -1K: 912
  • Horizontal: 0-360 °
  • Vertical: 0-90 ° (from SPY -1B )
Ticonderoga-class cruiser Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Atago-class destroyer Phase-shift oscillator Electronic Counter Counter Measures Active Electronically Scanned Array Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate Hobart-class destroyer Electromagnetic spectrum Antenna gain
59493
de