NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Naval Air Systems Command installed the AN/FPN-68 Precision Approach Radar at Naval Air Station Patuxent River last summer, with the system now operational to provide accurate guidance for aircraft landings in adverse weather. The upgrade, announced Jan. 21, 2026, marks the 23rd installation of the AN/FPN-68 across various locations and replaces the AN/FPN-63 system commissioned in 1978. This enhancement supports pilots and air traffic controllers at the Southern Maryland facility, a key hub for naval aviation testing and operations.
The AN/FPN-68 delivers advanced digital technology for precision approach and landing, ensuring reliable data even in low-visibility conditions. “This system’s advanced precision and digital technology play a significant role in enhancing air traffic control and pilot safety, especially in challenging weather,” said Capt. Walter B. Massenburg Jr., program manager for the Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office (PMA-213). Massenburg praised the Shore Air Traffic Management Team for their efforts. “Due to their incredible perseverance, this radar performs at a high readiness state and is meeting the fleet’s needs with critical ATC [Air Traffic Control] capabilities.”
Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located in St. Mary’s County, serves as the Navy’s principal test center for aircraft and systems. The base hosts Naval Air Systems Command headquarters, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and numerous squadrons, employing thousands and driving economic activity in Southern Maryland through contracts, research and personnel. The radar upgrade aligns with ongoing modernization at the installation to maintain operational readiness for test flights, training and fleet support.
The AN/FPN-68, also designated as part of the PAR-2020 series developed by L3Harris, features active electronically scanned array technology for high availability and rapid reconfiguration. It supports Category II operations with a 100-foot decision height and coverage for azimuth 30 degrees and elevation from -1 to +7 degrees, with ranges up to 20 nautical miles in clear mode and 15 in rain mode. The system allows quick shifts to one of six runway approach directions in under three minutes and can deploy in fixed, transportable or mobile configurations. Previous installations, such as at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in 2019, demonstrated its effectiveness in expeditionary and fixed-base environments.
This installation contributes to safety for aircraft conducting test missions over the Patuxent River Complex, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. It reduces risks during low-visibility approaches, supporting the base’s role in developmental testing for naval aviation programs. The upgrade occurred amid broader state investments in Southern Maryland infrastructure, including transportation projects in the Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program for fiscal years 2026-2031, which funds road and bridge improvements near the base to facilitate access and support economic growth tied to NAS Patuxent River.
The radar’s deployment enhances mission capabilities at NAS Patuxent River without direct state budget ties, as federal funding through NAVAIR and PMA-213 covers the system. The announcement highlights continued investment in aviation infrastructure at the Southern Maryland installation, reinforcing its importance to national defense and the local economy.