Saab begins Giraffe 4A radar production
Saab has commenced production of the first Giraffe 4A radar following completion of a series of operationally-focussed, deployed field tests of the system to demonstrate its weapons location, air defence and air surveillance functions.
The validation tests, performed at multiple locations throughout August, all met or exceeded the expected performance, with the radar demonstrating advanced functionality against small targets and jamming.
The system is now in production at the company’s in Gothenburg, Sweden facility, for an unnamed customer, and Saab is on track to deliver the radar in 2016.
Saab extended its range of surface radar systems with the addition of the Giraffe 4A in May 2014, with an option now available to meet the spectrum of air surveillance and air defence application requirements, on land and at sea.
Anders Linder, head of surface radar solutions, Saab, said: ‘Saab can now cater for all ground and naval defence radar needs; from VSHORAD to long-range air surveillance and weapons location, with multi-functional capability.
‘Distinctive characteristics for our radars include the use of a stacked beam (digital beam forming), a high update rate, plus superb performance in clutter and jamming resistance.’
Multi-function capabilities include automatic air and surface surveillance and ‘track-on-jam’; classification of targets including hovering and moving helicopters; high accuracy indication to weapon systems for anti-air and anti-surface engagements; 360 degree incoming mortar/rocket fire alert and hostile weapons location; and target designation for long-range surface-to-air missiles.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.
-
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
-
More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme
The Light Mobility Vehicle segment of the UK’s Land Mobility Programme for the British Army may actually be about to make progress, or at least likely bidders seem to think so. Shephard spoke with several contenders who revealed their views on how the army should replace the ageing fleet.
-
UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day
The UK’s plan to introduce a new air defence capability into the British Army will cover short and medium-range defence as well as counter-uncrewed aerial system systems. Timelines are not yet laid out but industry is making plans.
-
K9 Thunder gains momentum across three key international markets
Recent activity across Australia, Norway and the US highlights Hanwha Defense’s expanding presence in a self-propelled artillery market reshaped by the demands of modern warfare.