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AN/SPS-67 Radar

AN/SPS-67 Radar

Manufacturer: Norden Systems
Category: Radar Systems
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Detection Range Short-range, optimized for surface & low-flyers
Frequency Band 5.45 – 5.825 GHz (C-band)
Antenna Type / Technology Rotating reflector (or linear array in some variants)
Target Tracking Capacity Supports ATD, DMTI, TWS in newer variants

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	AN/SPS-67
Manufacturer	Norden Systems / Northrop Grumman
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Surface-search / Navigation Radar
Operational Domain	Naval / Shipborne
Status	In service (being replaced)

2. Technical Specifications

Frequency Band	5.45 – 5.825 GHz (C-band)
Antenna Type	Reflector rotating / linear array in some variants
Antenna Aperture / Size	~ narrow-beam reflector (≈1.5° azimuth)
Power Output	~ 280 kW peak power (varies by variant)
Detection Range	Short-range surface & low-flyer detection (as per design)
Tracking Range	Similar to detection range; optimized for close-in contacts
Target Tracking Capacity	ATD, DMTI, Track-While-Scan (TWS) in some variants
Elevation Coverage	Up to ~12° in (V)1; higher in some variants
Azimuth Coverage	360° (rotating antenna)
Beam Steering	Mechanical rotation
Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)	750, 1,200, 2,400 Hz depending on pulse mode
Resolution	Higher resolution in short-pulse mode
Update Rate	Dependent on antenna rotation (15/30 rpm)
Clutter Rejection / ECCM	Digital noise suppressor; interference suppression features

3. Functional Capabilities

Primary Functions	Surface navigation, surface-search, collision avoidance
Target Types	Ships, small surface objects, buoys, low-flying aircraft / missiles
Integration / Networking	Interfaces with ship combat & navigation systems
IFF Capability	Compatible with IFF (via suppression filters)
Data Link / Networking	Provides bearing & range data to ship systems
Weather & Terrain Resistance	Performs well in rain, sea clutter
Mobility / Mounting	Fixed mount on ship superstructure

4. Physical & Operational Characteristics

Dimensions	Variable; antenna diameter depends on variant
Weight	Several hundred kilograms (system weight depends on variant)
Power Requirement	Ship electrical power (peak transmitter)
Cooling System	Forced-air cooling via blowers (in electronics modules)
Operating Temperature Range	Standard naval environmental operating range
Deployment Platform	Surface warships (destroyers, cruisers, amphibious ships, auxiliaries)
Crew Requirement	Operated by radar/bridge watchstanders

5. Software & Processing

Signal Processor Type	Digital signal processor (in modern variants)
Processing Speed	Real-time processing suited for ATD / DMTI
AI / Automation Features	Automatic target detection, clutter suppression
Data Output / Interface	Provides PPI display, range/azimuth data to ship systems
Software Upgradeability	Modular SEM architecture allows updates / replacement

6. Operational History

Year Introduced	~1980s (entered U.S. Navy service mid‑1980s)
Users / Operators	United States Navy
Notable Deployments	Installed on many U.S. surface combatants including destroyers, cruisers, amphibious ships
Successor / Predecessor	Predecessor: AN/SPS-10; Successor: AN/SPS-73(V)‑18 NGSSR

7. Export / Compliance Data

Export Availability	Primarily for U.S. Navy — export restrictions apply
ITAR / MTCR Status	Likely ITAR‑controlled
Cost Estimate	Not publicly available; procured via U.S. Navy contracts

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

5.8

Range & Endurance 6 / 10
Stealth Capability 1 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10

PROS

Highly reliable solid-state electronics
Modular design enables easy maintenance
Excellent performance in rain and sea clutter
Multiple pulse modes give flexibility in resolution vs. detection
Low-flyer (missile/aircraft) detection capability

CONS

Limited to short-range detection compared to modern AESA radars
Only two-dimensional (cannot measure elevation angle precisely)
Uses a magnetron transmitter — less efficient than fully solid-state transmitters
Rotating antenna may be vulnerable to mechanical wear
Being phased out in favor of more advanced, software‑defined radars

AN/SPS-67 Surface‑Search Radar

The AN/SPS‑67 is a reliable, short-range naval surface-search and navigation radar deployed widely across U.S. Navy ships. Designed as a modern replacement for the older AN/SPS‑10, it brings a balance of rugged performance and maintenance simplicity.

Manufacturer & Origin

Originally developed by Norden Systems and later produced by Northrop Grumman, the AN/SPS‑67 is a U.S.-origin radar system that integrates solid-state electronics and standardized module architecture for high reliability and ease of repair.

Purpose & Role

This radar serves primarily in surface-search and harbor-navigation roles. It also provides limited low-flyer (anti-ship missile or low-altitude aircraft) detection and tracking, making it a valuable secondary sensor for surface combatants.

Key Capabilities & Technology

Operating in the 5.45–5.825 GHz (C‑band) range, the AN/SPS‑67 delivers flexible performance through selectable pulse widths (1.0 μs, 0.25 μs, 0.10 μs) and corresponding pulse repetition frequencies (750, 1,200, 2,400 Hz).

Its rotating antenna can spin at 15 or 30 rpm, producing a narrow azimuth beam (≈1.5°) and covering elevations up to 12° (variant dependent), enabling precise detection of sea targets.
Advanced signal processing is embedded in its design — many variants include automatic target detection (ATD), digital moving target indicator (DMTI), track-while-scan (TWS), and clutter suppression for rain and sea echoes.
Built-in-test (BITE) capabilities and automatic frequency control make the system maintainable and resilient to interference.

Operational Use

Used on a variety of U.S. Navy ships — destroyers, cruisers, amphibious assault vessels, and support ships — the AN/SPS‑67 has been a workhorse for decades. Its surface-search role aids navigation in cluttered environments like harbors, and its low‑flyer detection provides a measure of threat awareness in littoral waters.

AN/SPS-67 Radar Price

As a specialized naval radar system, the AN/SPS‑67 is not typically sold in a commercial market — its acquisition is handled through U.S. Navy procurement contracts, and its cost is not publicly listed.

FAQs

What ships use the AN/SPS‑67?

Many U.S. Navy surface combatants, including destroyers, cruisers, amphibious ships, and logistical vessels, have carried the AN/SPS‑67 in various variants.

What is the detection range of the AN/SPS-67?

While maximum range depends on environmental conditions, the radar is optimized for short-range surface search and navigation; its design emphasizes high resolution and close-in target detection.

Which frequency band does it use?

The system operates in the C‑band at approximately 5.45 to 5.825 GHz.

What are the main variants of this radar?

Variants include (V)1, (V)2, (V)3, (V)4, and (V)5, with upgrades such as digital target detection, improved antennas, and moving target tracking.

Is it being replaced?

Yes — the next-generation surface-search system, AN/SPS-73(V)‑18 NGSSR, is being fielded to replace the AN/SPS‑67 and other legacy radars.

Reviews

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Range & Endurance:

8
Stealth Capability:

8
Technology:

8
Maintenance Efficiency:

8
Average Rating 6 / 10 based on your selection

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