Navy picks Sierra Nevada Corp. for precision approach and landing system radar beacons on aircraft carriers
LAKEHURST, N.J. – U.S. Navy air traffic control experts needed radar beacons to help Navy aircraft carrier pilots locate and land safely aboard their ships while deployed at sea. They found a solution from Sierra Nevada Corp. in Sparks, Nev.
Officials of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Lakehurst, N.J., announced a $45.5 million contract to Sierra Nevada in March for 160 AN/APN-246 beacons in aircraft carrier precision approach and landing systems upgrades.
Precision approach landing
The Sierra Nevada AN/APN-246 automatic carrier landing system radar beacons are the primary airborne components of the precision approach landing system (PALS) aboard Navy aircraft carrier. This is an automated, all-weather approach landing aid for carrier aircraft.
The AN/APN-246 is an updated functional replacement for the AN/APN-245, with added features. The automatic carrier landing system radar beacon enables at-range acquisition and precision guidance of aircraft to the carrier deck in all-weather conditions.
The AN/APN-246 integrates into existing F/A-18E/F/G aircraft and can be integrated into other carrier aircraft like the E-2D and crewed and uncrewed aircraft. It supports efforts to add future capabilities as the need arises.
The AN/APN-246 Ka band receiver measures 9.5 by 7.5 by 3 inches, weights seven pounds, and takes 69 average Watts of power. The system's X-band transmitter measures 7.5 by 7 by 3 inches, weighs six pounds, and takes 39 average Watts of power.
Updated design
The system offers an updated design that meets stringent aircraft environmental and electromagnetic interference requirements has a MIL-STD-1553 interface; improved detection and tracking in rain; and a point-source beacon that improves tracking accuracy.
The AN/APN-246 supports dual channel aircraft tracking of the SPN-46 radar; has integrated power-on, and offers continuous built-in-test (BIT).
On this contract Sierra Nevada will do the work in Sparks, Nev., and should be finished by August 2027. For more information contact Sierra Nevada Corp. online at www.sncorp.com, or the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division-Lakehurst at www.navair.navy.mil/lakehurst.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
