Saab showcases Sea Giraffe 1X air and surface naval radar

WASHINGTON, March 22 (UPI) -- Saab is showcasing in the United States its Sea Giraffe 1X naval radar that provides simultaneous surface and air surveillance.

The 3D system is an active electronically scanned array radar that weighs less than 650 pounds, has no forced cooling requirements and a minimal number of line-replaceable units.

The system requires little power or upkeep and maintenance can be performed by low-level trained engineers.

"Sea Giraffe 1X is ideal for the small patrol vessels that are facing a growing role in U.S. national security," said Gene Bojarski, business development manager of Naval Programs with Saab Defense and Security USA's Sensor Systems division. "Traditionally, smaller patrol ships have only used surface surveillance radar, but as unmanned aerial vehicles become more prevalent these ships must begin to add air surveillance capabilities as well."

Sea Giraffe 1X features Saab's Enhanced Low, Slow and Small surveillance function to help counter UAVs,The function enables the radar to detect and classify small, low-flying, slow-moving air targets -- while at the same time performing other air and surface reconnaissance duties.

The system is being displayed through Wednesday at the Maritime Security East Conference in Norfolk, Va.