AN/BPS-15/16 Radar

Last updated: 15 Nov 2023

Point of Contact
Naval Sea Systems Command
Office of Corporate Communication

Washington, D.C. 20376

(202) 781-4123

Description
The AN/BPS-15/16 series radars are submarine Class A X-Band systems providing a radar navigation capability in addition to performing routine surface detection. The AN/BPS-15/16 Radar Set provides all control, RF generation, transmission, reception, video signal processing, and interface functions necessary to supply processed radar video and trigger timing to a radar workstation. The BPS-16 radar currently includes the Voyage Management System (VMS). Beginning in FY23 the ECDIS-N functionality will start migrating to the AN/BYG-1 Combat Control System as part of the submarine modernization program. The AN/BPS series radars are on all submarine platforms.

Features

The AN/BPS-15H Radar is the Los Angeles Class backfit replacement. It is a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) Radar..The AN/BPS-15J Radar is the backfit replacement for all four Ohio Class SSGNs, and 11 of the 14 Ohio Class SSBNs (SSBN 730 through SSBN 740). This version is identical to the AN/BPS-15H except that the Radar Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Display was replaced with a 20 Flat Panel Display allowing consolidation of equipment racks.

The AN/BPS-16(V)2 Radar is the forward fit radar for the last four Ohio Class SSBNs (SSBN 741 SSBN 743). Field Change (FC) #1 adds the Automated Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) Display and VMS ECDIS-N.

The AN/BPS-16(V)3 Radar is the Seawolf Class forward fit radar. It is identical to the 16(V)2 except for the mast length.

The AN/BPS-16(V)4 Radar is forward fit radar for the first ten Virginia Class SSNs (SSN 774 SSN 783). This variant is equipped with a new Video Processor Unit & Radar Set Control (RSC).

The AN/BPS-16(V)5 Radar is the forward fit radar for all the Block I, II, and IIIcontract Virginia Class SSNs (SSN 774 through SSN 791). It uses common Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) inboard transceivers in place of the current BPS-15/16 inboard transceivers. This variant also uses a common antenna controller compatible with all mast configurations. The AN/BPS-16(V)5 is fully integrated with the Tactical Local Area Network (TACLAN) and uses VMS as a Radar Manager Software.

Background

The AN/BPS-16V Radar was developed as a MIL-SPEC replacement for the obsolete AN/BPS-15A-F Radars. It was approved for Full Rate Production (FRP) in December 1991.

The AN/BPS-15H/J Radar was initiated in FY96 as a low cost Non-Acquisition Category (ACAT) COTSRadar alternative to the AN/BPS-16 Radar back fit.

General Characteristics, AN/BPS-15 Radar Set Primary Function: To provide the navigator with built-in radar plotting and maneuver simulation capabilities and to provide early warning detection of potential hazards during navigation.

Contractor: Electromechanical Systems, Inc.

Unit Cost: $921,357 (FY98 $)

Weight: 1772 lbs

General Characteristics, AN/BPS-16 Radar Set Primary Function: To provide all control RF generation, transmission, reception, video signal processing, and interface functions necessary to supply processed radar video and trigger timing to a radar workstation.

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Marines Systems

Unit Cost: $2,614,109.70 (FY09 $)

Weight: 2890.4 lbs.

General Characteristics, AN/BPS-16 Radar Set

Primary Function: To provide all control RF generation, transmission, reception, video signal processing, and interface functions necessary to supply processed radar video and trigger timing to a radar workstation.