Afloat ATC Equipment

The Afloat ATC Equipment program, managed by the Navy, is focused on enhancing and modernizing shipboard air traffic control systems. This initiative targets upgrades to existing technologies like the Shipboard Air Traffic Control (SATC) systems, which include components such as the AN/SPN-43 radar and AN/TPX-42A(V) processing and display systems. The primary aim is to address obsolescence issues through phased upgrades, ensuring safe and efficient air traffic control within 50 nautical miles of naval ships. These upgrades involve modifications to processors, consoles, and display systems, ultimately transitioning to the AN/SYY-1 configuration for improved data processing and surveillance capabilities.

The Shipboard Air Traffic Radar (SATR) AN/SPN-50(V)1 is another critical component of this program. It serves as the primary air traffic control surveillance radar on Nimitz Class Aircraft Carriers and amphibious ships. The SATR provides essential weather and radar data to support aviation operations for Navy, Marine Corps, joint, and allied forces. The program's goals include enhancing mission effectiveness and safety for aircrews by providing reliable ATC services such as aircraft separation, navigational assistance, and emergency vectoring. The AN/SPN-50(V)1 is set to achieve Initial Operational Capability in FY 2024 with a total inventory objective of 25 systems.

Additionally, the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) Mod Kits are designed to improve precision electronic guidance for landing aircraft under all weather conditions on carriers and amphibious ships. This involves modernizing legacy systems like the AN/SPN-46, AN/SPN-41, and AN/SPN-35C to address maintainability and obsolescence issues while incorporating cybersecurity updates. The program also includes a shore-based variant for pilot familiarization with identical control signals as those used at sea.

The SPN-XX Brizo Landing System represents a future-focused upgrade path within this program. It aims to integrate advanced technologies from previous system enhancements into a common modular equipment set that supports both Precision Approach Radar (PAR) and Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) capabilities. This initiative seeks to extend the service life of these critical systems beyond 2040 while addressing fleet obsolescence challenges that impact operational availability and flight safety on CVN and LHA/D class ships.