A successful flight test of the Raytheon-built APG-79(V)X AESA radar system has demonstrated the functions needed to extend the relevance of F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter/attack jets, including:
- extended detection ranges
- simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities
- production of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mapping
- industry leading reliability
« We put our latest AESA radar capability to the test and it exceeded our expectations, » said Mike « Ponch » Garcia, business development director of Tactical Airborne Systems for Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems business, and a former F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilot/instructor. « Our APG-79(V)X combines the best features of our AESA portfolio to ensure low risk and give F/A-18C/D a tactical advantage for the next 15 to 20 years. »
The company has delivered more than 500 tactical AESA tactical radars from its portfolio that includes the APG-79, APG-63(V)3 and APG-82(V)1 for F-15, F/A-18E/F, EA-18G and B-2 aircraft. The APG-79 system, a U.S. Navy program of record, flies globally on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, and has seen service in four combat theaters since its first delivery in 2006.
« Raytheon fielded the world’s first operational AESA radar for fighter aircraft in 2000, » said Roy Azevedo, vice president for Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems business. « Our portfolio of tactical AESA radars has now flown more than 500,000 operational hours – an industry first. We will continue to advance this technology to give our warfighters the greatest possible tactical advantage. »
Link of media release : Click here
Photo Credit : USAF
