Afloat ATC Equipment

The Afloat ATC Equipment program, funded under Navy budget line item 2830, is focused on the procurement, modernization, and sustainment of shipboard air traffic control (ATC) and precision landing systems for aircraft carriers (CVNs), amphibious ships (LHA/LHD), and selected shore sites. The overarching goal is to ensure safe and efficient launch, recovery, and control of naval and joint aviation assets in all operational environments.

This program supports the Navy's ability to meet national defense objectives by maintaining reliable ATC capabilities, addressing equipment obsolescence, and integrating new technologies to enhance operational safety and effectiveness.

SATC Modernization Kit Summary funds upgrades to the Shipboard Air Traffic Control (SATC) systems, specifically the AN/TPX-42A(V) configurations and associated consoles. These modernization kits include procurement and installation of multi-function consoles, engineering change proposals to resolve emergent deficiencies, and upgrades to hardware and software interfaces. The objective is to address obsolescence, improve reliability, and support new radar sensors, thereby reducing operational costs and enhancing system performance. Installations are scheduled to align with ship maintenance availabilities, and the program is managed by NAWCAD with installations performed by Alteration Installation Teams (AIT).

AN/SPN-50(V) Shipboard Air Traffic Radar is a key procurement line supporting the replacement of legacy AN/SPN-43 radars on CVN and LHA/LHD ships. The AN/SPN-50(V) provides primary ATC surveillance, weather, and radar data for air traffic controllers, enabling safe aircraft separation, approach, and departure services. The program achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in FY 2024, with an inventory objective of 25 systems. Procurement and installation efforts are managed by Saab, with production and installation schedules designed to meet fleet modernization timelines and address specific shipboard requirements, including electrical and shock deficiencies.

ACLS MOD KITS SUMMARY funds modernization and sustainment of the Automated Carrier Landing System (ACLS) and related radar landing systems (AN/SPN-46, AN/SPN-41, AN/SPN-35C). The objective is to extend the service life of these systems through Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) refreshes, obsolescence upgrades, and cyber-security compliance. Mod kits address critical hardware and software deficiencies, provide logistic support packages, and support acceptance testing and evaluation. The program also includes upgrades to shore-based variants for pilot familiarization and training, with installations managed by NAWCAD and AIT.

AN/SPN-46 Block IV is a targeted upgrade for the AN/SPN-46 Precision Approach Landing System, focusing on correcting obsolescence in antenna pedestals, modulators/transmitters, and circuit card assemblies. These upgrades are essential to maintain operational availability and safety of flight for carrier-based operations, as the system has exceeded its design life. The Block IV effort ensures continued supportability by replacing components that are no longer maintainable or procurable, with production managed by Sierra Nevada Corporation and installations aligned to shipyard availability schedules.

Inactive Projects represent prior year investments in systems or modifications that are no longer active but remain relevant for tracking total program costs. These projects typically include organically installed upgrades or equipment that has reached end-of-life but still contributes to the overall sustainment and modernization strategy for afloat ATC systems.