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AN/SPS-73(V)12 Radar Set

 
Description
The Radar Set AN/SPS-73(V)12 is a short-range, two-dimensional, surface-search/navigation radar system that provides contact range and bearing information. The AN/SPS-73(V)12 provides for signal processing and automatic target detection capability. The AN/SPS-73(V)12 surface-search function provides short-range detection and surveillance of surface units and low-flying air units, while the AN/SPS-73(V)12 navigation function enables quick and accurate determination of ownship position relative to nearby vessels and navigational hazards. Its radar processors and displays combine Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products and specialized technologies to create navigational awareness. The AN/SPS-73(V)12 is replacing the AN/SPS-64(V) and AN/SPS-55(V) as navigational radar on the US Navy Ships.

The AN/SPS-73(V) Surface Search Radar is a navigation and surveillance system, which can be configured for ship or land-based applications. Its radar, processors, and displays combine COTS products and specialized technologies to create navigational and situational awareness. Integrated data from own-ship sensors provides the AN/SPS-73(V) operators with a comprehensive view of the maritime environment. The AN/SPS-73(V) system meets or exceeds International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements and the Radar Technical Commission for Maritime Services requirements for an automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA). With the implementation of Tech Refresh the system can be configured to conform with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62388 performance requirements.

Identified shipboard configurations comprise Navigation Radar and Shipborne Dual Radar Systems (NRS/SDRS). A typical NRS architecture is understood to comprise Furuno 2120 antenna; a safety switch unit; and a Stand-Alone Operator's Position (SAOP). A typical SDRS configuration comprises two SAOPs; two Furuno 2120 antennas; two safety switch units; an Ethernet switch; and a junction box, which provide a single feed for raw radar video from both antenna sets.

The AN/SPS-73(V)12 includes its own display indicator, which is capable of displaying AN/SPS-73(V)12 radar or other shipboard radars. Radar video is displayed on consoles to provide a means for the operators to perform manual radar search, detection and tracking functions. AN/SPS-73(V)12 with Tech Refresh receives National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) track messages from AN/URN-31 to display Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracks. Radar video from the AN/SPS-67(V) or AN/SPQ-9B radars are provided to the AN/SPS-73(V)12 SAOP console processor in the Pilot House to provide the Officer of the Deck an alternate source of navigation data for processing and display.

Legacy AN/SPS-73(V)12, which utilizes Versa Module Europa (VME) Architecture and hosts a VxWorks Operating System (OS), runs software version 11.7 on a Synergy Microsystem PowerPC single board computer. The Field Change 13 back-fit upgrade was designed to mitigate obsolescence which removes the legacy VME card cage and replaces it with Compact Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Architecture. Compact PCI processor hosts Linux Centos release 5.3 OS and runs the AN/SPS-73 Tactical software version 12.00. Ethernet interfaces utilize proprietary Radar Data Service Communication (RDSCOMM) middleware protocols developed by Raytheon. External Ethernet interconnections are routed through an Ethernet switch.

The AN/SPS-73(V)12 has been tested and qualified to Shock MIL-STD-901D, Vibration MIL-STD-167 and EMI certification MIL-STD-461D&E.

The AN/SPS-73(V)12 Radar Set requires no addition to ship’s manning and maintenance is supported by existing billets. Formal Maintenance Training provides NEC (ET-1520) authorized in NAVMAC Ltr Ser 10/0222 Dated 03 AUG 2006 and is conducted at CSCS Norfolk and CSCS San Diego. AN/SPS-73(V)12 Radar Operator’s Computer-Based Training (CBT) is provided for OOD/JOOD (Bridge Watch Team + QMs, OSs, ETs at ship’s discretion). The CBT is self-paced which provides SSR introduction and 5 radar operator familiarization modules. Includes audio/video and exercises covering;

-Controls & Indicators
-System Start-Up/Shut-Down
-Graphics Functions
-Tracking
-Functions and Navigation Functions

Operation and maintenance training is provided by the Alteration Installation Teams (AIT) during initial system installations using Tactical Training Equipment (TTE). Subsequent operator training is provided via CBT.

The AN/SPS-73(V)12 is currently installed in more than 100 naval vessels, including the CVN, CG, DDG, LHA, LHD, LPD, LSD, LCC, PC and MCM ship classes.
 
Features
The AN/SPS-73(V) X-Band Radar utilizes modified COTS navigational technology with increased detection capability, automatic signal data processing, navigation sensors interface, and Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) functionality to provide Enhanced Situational Awareness. The AN/SPS-73(V) radar has Built-In Test (BIT) functionality for improved reliability, capability and maintainability. The AN/SPS-73(V) can track up to 200 targets on a single system or 300 targets on a dual system with speeds up to 210 knots. The AN/SPS-73(V) Radar performs tracking surface craft, obstructions, shorelines, buoys, and navigational marks in order to assist in navigation, collision avoidance, surface surveillance and limited detection of low flying aircraft. The AN/SPS-73(V) is designed to commercial standards for navigation radars and is in compliance with various electronics interfacing standards, (i.e.) National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 0183. This radar system is a digital system, which outperforms the previous analog AN/SPS-64(V) Radar. The system can be easily integrated with other navigation and information processing systems such as Automatic Identification System (AIS), Electronic Chart Display Information System-Navy (ECDIS-N) (via IBS) and Navigation Sensor System Interface (NAVSSI). The AN/SPS-73(V) System can also be modified to accommodate future interfaces/requirements. An Interface Design Document (IDD) describes the data, status, and control inputs and outputs of the radar, and facilitates integration into other systems.

The AN/SPS-73(V) is the Program of Record radar as per CNO ltr Ser N865D/7U654045 dated 2 May 1997. The AN/SPS-73(V) radar video may be displayed on the ship control console in the Pilot House to provide an alternate source of navigation data to the Officer of the Deck. The system is shock hardened to MIL-S-901D Grade A Type I and has exhibited outstanding reliability. The system is the backbone surface surveillance radar. It interfaces with the IBS to provide navigation interfaces, to track and engage incoming threats.
 
Point Of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command

Office of Corporate Communications

Washington, D.C. 20376
 
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Short-range, two-dimensional, surface-search/navigation radar system that provides contact range and bearing information.
Contractor: Raytheon Portsmouth, Rhode Island (Original Equipment Manufacter).
Unit Cost: $421,000.
Weight: Above Deck: AS-4472/SPS-73(V) - 18.5 lbs., AS-4473/SPS-73(V) - 21.8 lbs., AB-1399/SPS-73(V) - 63.9 lbs., AB-1399(A)/SPS-73(V) - 68.9 lbs., 7614132. Antenna Safety Switch - 2.0 lbs.
 
Last Update: 24 October 2012
 
 
 
 

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