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

DETAILS: The AN/SPS-48C is a frequency-scanning radar using pencil beams. It 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.


Specifications:

Frequency (active): 		 2.9-3.1 GHz (E/F Band (NATO), S Band (IEEE))
Power output: 		2.2 MW (peak); 35 kW (average) 
PRF:			1250-2000 pps (avg)
Pulsewidth: 		3 µs per beam; 27 total	
Range: 	 		215nm (instrumented)
Detection:
	5m² RCS		220 nm (est, based on -48E)
	1m² RCS		125 nm (est, based on -48E)
	
Resolution:		476 m (range); 0.16° ( elevation)
On/off time:		 snap on/off			

 NOTES: IOC  1975. 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