Environmentally Conscious Design (ECD) applied on a Radar System

Abstract

This study applied Saab's ECD methodology to the G1X radar system to identify critical areas for improvement and develop sustainable solutions. The research aimed to reduce environmental impact while considering the needs of manufacturing operators and ensuring product performance. The ECD methodology, combined with backcasting, was used to envision a sustainable future and work backward to identify necessary steps and initiatives. Key findings include the reduction of hazardous substances, minimization of adhesive use, and integration of two components to enhance efficiency and sustainability. This study applied Saab's internal Environmentally Conscious Design (ECD) methodology to the Giraffe 1X (G1X) radar system to identify critical areas for environmental improvement and develop sustainable design solutions. Adopting a user-centered approach, the research aimed to reduce life-cycle environmental impacts while explicitly considering the ergonomic and operational needs of manufacturing operators and ensuring thorough product performance. The ECD methodology, combined with backcasting principles, was used to envision a sustainable future for the radar system and work backward to identify necessary design initiatives, specifically focusing on the complex C1 component. Key findings from the assessment led to engineering design solutions that enable the reduction of hazardous substances, the minimization of chemical adhesive use, and the structural integration of components to enhance both assembly efficiency and end-of-life recyclability. The proposed design concepts offer improved environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Ultimately, this thesis demonstrates a successful and practical implementation of the ECD methodology within a highly technical product development context, showcasing how strategic sustainability targets can be balanced with operational constraints in the production environment.