Saab unveils Sea Giraffe 4A AESA naval radar

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Saab Defense and Security unveiled its latest naval radar system, the Sea Giraffe 4A, at the Surface Navy Association's 2016 National Symposium.

The Sea Giraffe 4A a medium- and long-range active electronically scanned array, or AESA, surveillance radar designed to provide support for surface-to-air missile systems. The system is equipped with a 360-degree rocket, artillery and mortar locator, and the capability to detect incoming airborne threats.

"Saab's SEA GIRAFFE 4A gives naval warfighters the advantage of total situational awareness," Saaf Defense and Security USA President and CEO Erik Smith said in a statement. "It offers simultaneous, uncompromising capabilities in a single, low-footprint radar to keep our sailors safe, cognizant and prepared."

While in operation, the Sea Giraffe 4A is able to scan the search volume up to 70 degrees with 60 rotations per minute to provide 3D target data to the user. This capability enables the radar to classify both hovering and moving helicopters, provide target indication to weapon systems for anti-air and anti-surface engagements in addition to long-range and surface-to-air missiles.

The radar was first tested in the United States in November 2015 at at Saab's facility in Syracuse, N.Y.