b'38 Partner News Spring 2024CorporateGiraffe 1X: Manoeuvrability with precision and versatilityBy Mason Fenlon, Chief Technology Officer at Saab UKIn the face of evolving threats, thesecuring air superiority, and responding significance of agility and rapid reaction isswiftly to new tactical scenarios.crucial. As conflict becomes increasingly complex, the ability to swiftly comprehendDesigning an engineering feat The design of the Giraffe and respond to emerging challengesThe engineering behind the Giraffe 1X1X is an amazing blend of becomes a decisive factor for maintainingrepresents a pinnacle of technological operational superiority. sophistication. Colin Bell CEng MIET, Headcompact design, lightweight of Engineering, Sensor Systems at Saabconstruction, and high-The Giraffe 1X addresses this critical need,UK, said: The design of the Giraffe 1X isperformance capabilities. offering protection for forces whilst securingan amazing blend of a compact design, their freedom of manoeuvre and bolsteringlightweight construction, and high- It goes beyond its aesthetics, air superiority in an environment whereperformance capabilities. It goes beyond itsits an engineering marvel.seconds count.aesthetics, its an engineering marvel. It can even detect a UAV lighter than a milk carton Importance of manoeuvrability as far as 4 km from the radar, yet only weighsColin Bell CEng MIET,In modern day combat, manoeuvrabilityunder 150kg.Head of Engineering,is key. Operating on the move avoidsSensor Systems at Saab UKstatic vulnerabilities whilst enabling swiftThe Giraffe 1X is highly versatile, offering responses to dynamic threats, minimising thedeployment options from mobile to fixed risk of neutralisation. assets. Its compact design ensures maximum performance with minimal impact, allowing The Giraffe 1X, renowned for itsswift deployment via trucks, helicopters, or manoeuvrability, exemplifies a multifacetedships, in dynamic scenarios.approach in addressing challenges of combat scenarios. It stands out with its automaticSaabs UK investment and future growth tracking functionality and the ability to coverRecently, Saab UK announced a cutting-edge entire search volumes every second. Thisradar production facility in Fareham, United ensures real-time awareness and providesKingdom, displaying its commitment to the agility required to respond quickly toadvancing national defence capabilities. This changing threats.strategic initiative aims to grow the Giraffe 1X Deployment Set production.The radar is a multi-domain solution, excelling in ground-based air defence (GBAD) withBeyond technological advancement, the drone detection and counter-artillery,facility aims to generate 100-150 skilled rocket, and mortar (C-RAM) capabilities. Itsjobs in Fareham. It represents Saab UKs versatility positions it as an ideal main sensorcommitment to fortifying the UKs defence for very short-range air defence (VSHORAD)industrial base by contributing to the and a counter-unmanned aerial systemmaintenance of existing radar infrastructure (C-UAS) solution. Its adaptability is crucialfor the UK Ministry of Defence.for manoeuvring through modern combat intricacies, addressing challenges fromThis marks a significant chapter in Saab enhanced low, slow, and small (ELSS) targetsUKs growth, where innovation, and to evolving threat landscapes across variouscommitment converge to shape a brighter environments. This makes it a valuable assetfuture for defence excellence and helps for ensuring forces freedom of manoeuvre,create time to act.'