OVERVIEW: The AN/SPS-48E  NTU (New Threat Upgrade) is a long-range,  3-D, phased array air search  radar operating in the NATO E/F bands.

DETAILS: The AN/SPS-48E  is a frequency-scanning radar using pencil beams. The NTU modifications also include a low sidelobe antenna, allowing it to operate  under heavy jamming conditions. 

The SPS-48E radar is mechanically scanned in azimuth and is frequency scanned in elevation. Frequency steering permits the use of multiple simultaneous elevation beams. Each elevation beam has a different frequency, and each frequency uses a separate receiver channel. This feature allows the radar to cover the entire search volume with narrow pencil beams in a short time.  By utilizing nine simultaneous beams in a beam group with a separate receiver for each, the radar can illuminate the entire long-range/high elevation angle coverage volume required, achieve good azimuth and elevation accuracy with multiple pencil beams, and maintain the 4-s antenna rotation rate.  The radar can track hundreds of aircraft simultaneously.

The SPS-48 uses Doppler waveforms coupled with image processing algorithms to  provide very fast detection of low-flying threats as they cross the radar horizon. The radar has demonstrated superior detection and tracking of high and low altitude cruise missiles, supersonic aircraft at all altitudes, and helicopters.

The SPS-48E is a “plug and play” system, allowing it to easily integrate into other C4I systems.  It can provide properly formatted track data to all modern weapons systems, including the Patriot and the Improved Hawk, SM-2, ESSM and RAM.  Furthermore, it can accept and execute commands from external air defense or shipboard combat systems.


Specifications:

Frequency (active): 		 2.9-3.1 GHz (E/F Band (NATO), S Band (IEEE))
Power output: 		2.4 MW (peak); 35 kW (average) 
PRF:			330-2250; 1250-2000 pps (avg)
Pulsewidth: 		3 µs per beam; 27 total	
Range: 	 		215nm (instrumented)
Detection:
	5m² RCS		220 nm
	1m² RCS		125 nm
	0.1m² RCS		17 nm (at low altitude)
Resolution:		476 m (range); 0.16° ( elevation)
On/off time:		 snap on/off			

 NOTES: IOC  1987. Although most units are shipborne, some have been installed at land bases in CONUS.

SOURCES:   Friedman, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems. Annapolis, MD: US Naval Institute Press, 2006., pg. 312 ; Jane's Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems 2002-03, "ANSPS-48E air surveillance radar, 08 August 2001; Roulette and Skrivseth, "Coherent Data Collection and Analysis Capability for the AN/SPS-48E Radar," John Hopkins APL Technical Digest, vol 18, No. 3 (1997); Forecast International, "SPS-48E"; AN/SPS-48E - Radartutorial. (n.d.). Grundlagen der Radartechnik. https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/07.naval/karte010.en.html ; 
An/sps-48e. (2022, January 26). Guide to Military Equipment and Civil Aviation. https://www.deagel.com/Components/ANSPS-48E/a001681