SAAB unveiled its GIRAFFE 1X RADAR during Eurosatory 2016 32006163.

For mobile forces out in the battlefield, air situational awareness is critical. The threat can consist of rockets, mortar, unmanned aerial systems, missiles or asymmetric attacks from terrorist groups.

Providing reliable protection for the forces and assets is even more important in high-risk situations. This requires a flexible and agile radar which can be located close to the combat area. Saab’s Giraffe 1X is lightweight, with a total weight of less than 200 kg and is designed for easy integration. This means that the complete radar can be transported on a pickup truck-sized vehicle, a helicopter or towed on a trailer.

Its flexibility and compactness mean Giraffe 1X can be easily shifted, for example from a vehicle to the roof of a building, making it ideally suited to the rapidly changing needs of mobile forces.

Because it can be operated both remotely and locally, Giraffe 1X can either be installed permanently on a building or mast or integrated into a suitable vehicle. Saab’s unique and proven enhanced low, slow and small (ELSS) capability also provides a dedicated counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAS) feature.

“We have a world-class range of surface radars and as a truly European supplier it is great to be able to showcase one of the new radar family members, Giraffe 1X, at Eurosatory”, says Anders Linder, head of Saab’s business unit Surface Radar Solutions.

Giraffe 1X works with VSHORAD air defence systems in the field and at Eurosatory 2016 it is on display as part of Saab’s VSHORAD solution, including the RBS 70 NG VSHORAD. The new RBS 70 NG VSHORAD from Saab, with 24/7 all-target capability has been developed for the most demanding combat situations.