AN/SPN-46(V)3 ACLS

SNC continues to support numerous Product Improvements to the Navy’s AN/SPN-46(V) Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS). The AN/SPN-46(V) Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) is a precision approach landing system which provides electronic guidance to carrier-based Navy aircraft and allows them to land in all weather conditions with no limitations due to low ceiling or visibility.

SNC developed, produced and continues to support the Radar Doppler Video Processor (RDVP) which is a Field Change Kit (FCK) to the AN/SPN-46(V)1. The RDVP improves the ACLS' ability to acquire and track aircraft when operating in the rain. Digital signal processing techniques are implemented in the RDVP to detect and track the Doppler shift produced by moving targets. The RDVP discriminates between radar returns from moving clutter and target based on the relative difference in their speeds. It intercepts the received video (from two radar antenna receivers) plagued by rain clutter and outputs data and clean video signals back to the existing radar signal processing circuitry. The RDVP provides additional signal processing capability to detect and track the aircraft's Doppler shift.

SNC has completed the development and qualification of the new Unit 19 Radar Control Unit which a major subsystem of the AN/SPN-46(V)3 shipboard radar. The unit receives tracking pulse radar data and digitally transforms the data into 3D position. The computer in unit 19 processes and translates the position data to a stabilized deck coordinate system referenced to the optimum touch down point on the flight deck for autonomous landings of high performance aircraft. The computer interfaces with the Carrier Aircraft Inertial Navigation System (CAINS) and continuously monitors operations for safety of flight. These units are currently in production and several systems have already been installed and deployed.

Current engineering efforts are underway replace the remaining AN/AYK-14(V) computers in the system and convert the current application software written in CMS2 to modern programming language C/C++.

For more information about CNS/ATM products & services please contact:

Communication, Navigation, Surveillance
/ Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM)
444 Salomon Circle
Sparks, NV 89434
Email: Contact CNS/ATM