Raytheon has flight tested an improved version of the APG-79 AESA radar system used by Boeing F/A-18 C/D Hornet multi role combat aircraft.
Designated the APG-79(V)X, the Active Electronicaly Scanned Array radar features extended detection ranges, simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mapping and superior reliability.
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.
The new radar will 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 and has now flown more than 500,000 operational hours.
Raytheon fielded the world's first operational AESA radar for fighter aircraft in 2000.
