shown in figure 2-9. The AN/SPN-46(V)2 functions
the same as the AN/SPS-46(V)1, except that it does
NOT use the MK 16 Mod 12 stable elements (units 17
and 18). Also, the (V)2 uses a 7-foot diameter antenna
instead of the 4-foot antenna used for the (V)1.
The display subsystem consists of two identical
operator control consoles (OCC) (units 1 and 2), one for
each channel of the system. The OCCs allow the final
controllers to control and monitor the AN/SPN-46(V)
system. The OCC includes a radar display, a data
generator, and an embedded computer. The OJ-314
system installed in the OCC provides operator
communications.
The ancillary equipment subsystem includes
aircraft control indicators (units 4, 6, and 7) for the
Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) and
Primary Flight (PRI-FLI) areas. The PRI-FLI
indicators (units 6 and 7) display the flight information
and system status required for each OCC. The
recorder-converter (unit 8) records selected system data.
The landing signal officer (LSO) waveoff light (unit 10)
provides the LSO with a visual indication of the system
waveoff on the nearest aircraft under control.
The central computer subsystem (CCS), consisting
of two identical AN/AYK- 14(V) computer sets, receives
data from the radar/SMS and OCCs. It computes
aircraft command and error signals and transmits them
to controlled aircraft via Link 4A.
The radar/ships motion sensor (SMS) subsystem
consists of two radar channels, each with an X-band
receiver, a Ka-band transmitter, and an antenna. It
consists of several units, including the receiver and
antenna (units 24 and 25), Mk 16 stabilization elements
(units 17 and 18), and embedded computer processors
(unit 19). Aircraft tracking information (from the radar)
combines with ship’s stabilization data (from the Mk 16
gyros) and goes to the CCS for processing.
SIGNIFICANT INTERFACES.— The digital
data switchboard (unit 14) provides an automatic
switching interface between the master-slave computers
in the central computer group (unit 12) and all external
system peripherals required for PALS operation. The
AN/TPX-42A(V)8 CATCC DAIR, AN/SSW-1C/D, and
OA-7984(U)/UYK Input/Output (I/O) Control Console
(unit 16) can all operate as the master computer of the
CCS. Electrically operated switches automatically
switch these equipment into a master or slave
configuration in the central computer group. The
AN/SPN-46(V)
also
interfaces
with
the
AN/TPX-42(V)8 system through the power distribution
panel (unit 3).
Other radars, such as the AN/SPN-35, the
AN/SPN-43, and the AN/SPN-44, are also used in
conjunction with the precession carrier controlled
approach (CCA) system for landing operations.
AN/SPN-35.— The AN/SPN-35 radar set provides
both azimuth and elevation data for precision
approaches to aircraft carriers during adverse weather
conditions. Using the radar display, the operator directs
pilots along a predetermined glide path and azimuth
courseline to a point one mile from the ship.
AN/SPN-43.— The AN/SPN-43 is a surveillance
and air traffic control radar used on carriers and
amphibious-type ships.
It operates in a 2-4 GHZ
frequency band (S-Band) and provides air navigational
data for control and identification of aircraft in the area
of the ship. With a range of 50 nautical miles, it tracks
low-flying aircraft to a minimum of 250 yards and
covers 360° at altitudes from radar horizon to 30,000
feet. The radar displays azimuth and range which the
operator uses to direct control of the aircraft to the CCA
transfer point. An IFF system, synchronized with the
radar, provides positive identification of the aircraft.
AN/SPN-44.— The AN/SPN-44 is a range-rate
radar set that computes, indicates, and records the speed
of aircraft making a landing approach to the carrier.
Both true and relative air speed are indicated. Supplied
with this accurate information on the speed of the
approaching aircraft, the LSO can wave off those
attempting to land at an unsafe speed.
FOR THE MAINTAINER.— The AN/SPN-46(V)
is a modernized PALS system that provides improved
reliability, maintainability, and performance. It uses
standard electronic modules (SEMs), an AN/USH-26
Magnetic Tape Unit (MTU) and standard computers
(AN/AYK-14) to provide reliability and improved
supply support.
The AN/SPN-46(V) has a self-monitor capability to
prevent the transmission of erroneous control and error
signals in Mode I and Mode II operation. It also displays
the deck status.
The power distribution panel (unit 3) provides
circuit breaker protection and acts as a junction box for
all stabilization source inputs and outputs, and
anemometer inputs. The PRI-FLI indicator control
(unit 5) contains circuit breaker protection for PRI-FLI
indicators (units 6 and 7) and a maintenance intercom
for troubleshooting purposes. The recorder-converter
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