Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 11:41:22-11:43:02

SPY-1D, Sampson, and SPY-6 radar tradeoffs

The comparison weighs age, array arrangement, and different capabilities, while retaining uncertainty about the power comparison.

Aegis Combat SystemAESA RadarNaval RadarRoyal NavySampson RadarAN/SPY-1 RadarAN/SPY-6 RadarUS Navy
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Is the 1990s-era SPY-1D radar already outdated?

Short answer

SPY-1D is older, but it is not dismissed as obsolete. Sampson and SPY-6 are assessed through their newer technology and different array arrangements.

Notes

SPY-1D is not dismissed simply because it is an older radar. Sampson is judged better here with the qualification that it is about twenty years younger. Sampson and SPY-6 are both described as active electronically scanned arrays with different arrangements. Fixed arrays are credited with potentially greater power, with that comparison left tentative. Sampson's rotating arrangement is associated with flexibility in radar positioning and beam shaping. A final exchange confirms that Sampson works alongside a Thales radar.