SAAB R5 AIS, also known as R5 SUPREME AIS, is a Automatic Identification System – AIS Class A designed for SOLAS vessels and professional maritime applications. The system utilizes Saab's 5th generation transponder technology, building on the success of the R4 AIS series and developed for modern bridge solutions requiring network integration, high reliability, and intuitive operator interfaces.

AIS is a maritime automatic identification system that enables vessels to transmit and receive information such as vessel identity, position, course, speed, navigational status, and other safety-related data. With the SAAB R5 Class A AIS, operators can enhance situational awareness, support collision avoidance, and integrate AIS data into radar, ECDIS, or networked bridge systems.

5th Generation Transponder Technology

series offers configurations for different needs. According to product information,SAAB R5 SUPREME AIS utilizes a 5th generation transponder platform, developed based on the experience from the R4 AISSecure AISR5 SUPREME CDUWarship AIS.

Warship AIS.The R5 system employs a modern digital radio design, the result of many years of research into

7-inch color touch screen, easy to operate

Version R5 SUPREME19-inch7 inches color LCD screen, with high brightness and good contrast, suitable for observation in both day and night conditions. The device can be controlled by the touch screen, integrated keyboardMX575C DGPS CompassUSB keyboard, allowing users flexibility in various operating conditions.

In rough seas or when touch operation is inconvenient, operators can still use the navigation keys and ENTER key on the CDU to access menus, select functions, and enter data.

Good integration with networked cockpits

SAAB R5 AIS has multiple interfaces for system integration, including Ethernet, RS-422, and USB. Therefore, the device is suitable for modern cockpit systems where AIS needs to exchange data with radar, ECDIS, maritime management systems, data loggers, or other display systems.

According to the installation manual, R5 SUPREME AIS can connect to external sensor systems and presentation systems supporting IEC 61162-1 data sentences; the system is also prepared to connect to long-range systems such as Inmarsat C.

USB support for software upgrade and data logging

R5 SUPREME AIS supports the use of USB memory for software upgrades, data logging, and maintenance tasks. The operating manual also describes the procedure for updating the transponder and CDU software via the USB port on the R5 SUPREME CDU.

This feature facilitates convenient software updates, maintenance, and management on board, especially for large fleets or systems requiring synchronized software.

Hot-standby support for dual redundant configuration

A key feature of the R5 SUPREME series is its support for AIS hot-standby for two R5 SUPREME AIS systems operating in a redundant configuration. Saab's software release notes specify the hot-standby feature for two R5 SUPREME AIS systems operating in a redundant configuration.

This feature is suitable for vessels requiring high availability of the AIS system, helping to reduce the risk of AIS function loss if one system fails.

Integrated pilot plug on display

SAAB R5 AIS features an integrated pilot plug on the display, allowing pilots or external equipment to quickly connect and receive AIS data when the vessel is entering/leaving port or operating in pilotage-required areas.

The integration of the pilot plug directly on the display reduces the need for separate accessories, making system operation and maintenance more convenient.

Support for AIS-SART and text messaging

The R5 SUPREME AIS system fully supports AIS-SART and functionality text messaging. AIS-SART is a search and rescue transmitter that uses AIS, helping nearby vessels and stations identify the location of an incident in emergency situations.

Text messaging functionality supports short information exchange via AIS, suitable for situations requiring the transmission of safety messages or related operational information.

Compatible with R4 Navigation Sensor

SAAB R5 AIS is compatible with R4 Navigation Sensor, making it more convenient for vessels already using Saab/R4 navigation sensors or upgrading from older systems.

This compatibility is well-suited for retrofit projects, replacing or upgrading from R4 AIS to R5 AIS while leveraging existing infrastructure/sensors depending on the configuration.

Key Features of SAAB R5 AIS

• A Class A AIS system for SOLAS vessels.
• Suitable for advanced applications such as Secure AISR5 SUPREME CDUWarship AIS.
• Saab's 5th generation transponder technology.
• Modern digital radio/software-defined radio design.
• LCD color screen7 incheshigh brightness.
• Control by touch, buttons or USB keyboard.
• rudder limit settingEthernet, RS-422, and USB.
• USB for software upgrade, data logging and maintenance.
• Support configurationIs for dual system.
• Automatic, manual or remote brightness adjustment.
• Pilot plugintegrated on the screen.
• Full supportAIS-SART.
• rudder limit settingtext messaging.
• Has VHF communication test function.
• CompatibleR4 Navigation Sensor.
• Can be installed gimbal or flush mountSystem configuration and related accessoriesMX575C DGPS CompassReference code/note.

R5 SUPREME Transponder

The components listed above are detailed in the R5 SUPREME AIS installation manual; this is not a default list for all orders, as the supply contents may vary according to user needs and order configuration.

Application of SAAB R5 AIS on vessels

SAAB R5 A-Class AISSuitable for:

• SOLAS vessels.
• Commercial vessels.
• Cargo ships, passenger ships, service vessels.
• Military vessels or Warship AIS applications.
• Secure AIS application.
• Modern networked bridge systems.
• Systems requiring Class A AIS integrated with radar/ECDIS.
• Vessels requiring hot-standby AIS configuration.
• Upgrade projects from SAAB R4 AIS to R5 AIS.
• Systems requiring pilot plug, AIS-SART, text messaging and Ethernet/RS-422/USB communication.

Why choose SAAB R5 AIS?

SAAB R5 AISis the right choice when a robust, easily integrated, and future-expandable Class A AIS system is required. With its 7-inch color touchscreen, multiple communication interfaces, USB support, integrated pilot plug, AIS-SART, text messaging, and hot-standby capabilities, the system is well-suited for the needs of commercial vessels, SOLAS vessels, and specialized applications.

Additionally, the R5 platform is developed from Saab's experience with the R4 AIS line and uses modern digital radio technology, suitable for networked cockpit systems and evolving AIS requirements.

Notes when ordering SAAB R5 AIS

, please check:SAAB R5 AIS, it is recommended to check clearly:

• Is the package a complete R5 SUPREME AIS set or just the transponder/CDU.
• Is R5 SUPREME Transponder, , the R5 SUPREME CDUWAAS no.
• included.
• Are power cables, signal cables, Ethernet cables, and GPS/VHF antennas included.Is hot-standby
• configuration required, or just a single system.
• Is an additional display required for redundant/slave mode.Secure AISMX575C DGPS CompassWarship AIS no.
• Is it compatible with R4 Navigation Sensor no.
• Does it connect to radar, ECDIS, Inmarsat C or long range systems.
• What is the current software version of the CDU/transponder.
• Is the equipment new, stocked, inspected or refurbished.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SAAB R5 AIS?

The SAAB R5 AIS is a Class A AIS system for SOLAS vessels and advanced applications such as Secure AIS or Warship AIS, using Saab's 5th generation transponder technology.

Does the R5 SUPREME AIS have a touchscreen?

Yes. The system has a 7-inch LCD color display and can be operated by touch, integrated keypad or USB keyboard.

Does the SAAB R5 AIS support hot-standby?

Yes. The Saab software release notes mention AIS hot standby for two R5 SUPREME AIS systems operating in a redundant configuration.

What communications does the R5 AIS have?

The R5 SUPREME AIS supports Ethernet, RS-422, and USB, making it suitable for integration with modern bridge systems and other marine equipment.

Does the R5 AIS support AIS-SART?

Yes. The product documentation lists Full AIS-SART support for the R5 SUPREME AIS.

What components make up the R5 AIS system?

According to the installation manual, the system consists of the R5 SUPREME Transponder, , the R5 SUPREME CDU