Raytheon has successfully flight tested its APG-79 (V) X AESA radar system on the US Navy’s F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter / attack jets.
Designed to extend the Hornet’s relevance, the Raytheon-built radar system demonstrated extended detection ranges and simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities.
Additional functions include the production of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mapping and industry-leading reliability.
Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems business tactical airborne systems business development director Mike Garcia said: "We put our latest AESA radar capability to the test and it exceeded our expectations.
"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."
According to Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems business vice-president Roy Azevedo, the world’s first operational AESA radar for fighter aircraft was deployed in 2000.
Currently installed on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, the APG-79 system has been used in four combat theatres since its first delivery in 2006.
Developed as part of a US Navy programme of record, Raytheon has delivered more than 500 tactical AESA tactical radars to date from a 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.
Azevedo said: "Our portfolio of tactical AESA radars has now flown more than 500,000 operational hours, [which is] an industry first. We will continue to advance this technology to give our warfighters the greatest possible tactical advantage."
Image: An F/A-18C Hornet lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). Photo: courtesy of the US Navy, photo by mass communication specialist 3rd class Joshua Card / released.
