Euronaval 2018: Saab adds Hypersonic Detection Mode to Sea Giraffe Radar.

Saab strengthens its Sea Giraffe naval radar offer by introducing the Hypersonic Detection Mode, a capability for detecting and tracking targets travelling at hypersonic speeds, the Swedish defense group announced at Euronaval 2018. 

Saab's new HDM is optimised for the Sea Giraffe 4A Fixed Face radar
(Credit: Saab)

Due to the radar horizon, naval vessels face limited time to act against low flying missiles travelling at greater speeds. With the emergence of threats in the high supersonic and even hypersonic speed ranges, this threat is getting even worse. Saab is offering a solution to this emerging challenge by introducing a Hypersonic Detection Mode (HDM). It will give the ship more time to act against any target due to quick track formation time. The HDM capability builds on Saab’s next generation track while scan technology, which enables track start within a fraction of a second for any number of targets, including stealthy ones, in all conditions.

“The hypersonic threat is credible and increasing. Navies around the world are asking for a capability to retain their dominant battlespace awareness and to give them crucial time to act. We are able to meet these requirements by using our existing technology, adapting it for the hypersonic challenge”, says Anders Carp, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.

The HDM is optimised for the Sea Giraffe 4A Fixed Face, which is a fixed array configuration that belongs to Saab’s multi-functional family of S-band AESA radar systems.

The Sea Giraffe 4A combines long range air surveillance with full horizon coverage on surface targets. The flexibility in the Sea Giraffe 4A waveforms also provides the track accuracy and update rate required for an advanced medium to long range Air Defence Solution. The radar is technically designed for easy upgrading to meet future threats and mission objectives. The high degree of performance in a small footprint radar makes the Sea Giraffe 4A suitable for frigates as well as large corvettes.