AN/SPY-1A

Description: The AN/SPY-1 radar system is the primary air and surface radar for the AEGIS weapon system. It is a multifunction phased-array radar capable of search, automatic detection, transition to track, tracking of air and surface targets, and missile engagement support. Typically each AEGIS-equipped ship has 4 SPY-1 radar antennas continuously covering 360-degree and providing a search and tracking capability for hundreds of targets at the same time.

The SPY-1 also provides fire control capability, rapid transition from silent to full radiate mode, fast reaction semi-automatic system in less than10 seconds, high rate of fire (less than 2 seconds per launcher), illumination required only for a short period of time prior intercept, and other minor capabilities. The SPY-1 radar system also has some weakness such as false targets from land clutter, re-engage no possible, antenna height lower than other radar systems resulting in reduced radar horizon, and target engagements must be carried out by the SPY-1 radar unless equipped with Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC).

The SPY-1 radar system was developed in the 1970s. The SPY-1A was the first model and was installed in 12 Ticonderoga-class battle cruisers (CG 47 USS Ticonderoga through CG 58 USS Philippine Sea).