| 
In the year 2000, the USAF fielded its first modified F-15Cs
equipped with APG-63(V)2 AESA radars. Since then this radar
evolved into the more compact APG-63(V)3, currently scheduled
for Singapore's F-15S. Raytheon continued the development of
AESA radars and optimized the design with the AN/APG-79 developed
and currently being fielded with the US Navy/Boeing F/A-18E/F
Super Hornet. While AESA radars are  distinguished
by their simultaneous multi-mission performance, Raytheon claims
to be the first to offer true simultaneous, air-to-air and air-to-ground
modes, utilizing highly agile beam interleaving in near-real
time, providing the pilot and air-crew unprecedented situational
awareness and tactical flexibility. Utilizing a unique resource
manager, the APG-79 automatically schedules tasks to optimize
radar functions and minimize aircrew workload. Therefore, the
radar can continue scanning while communicating with other aircraft
and capturing ground imagery, and can simultaneously guide multiple
weapons to multiple targets widely spaced in azimuth, elevation
and range.
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| Northrop Grumman is
developing several fourth generation AESA radars for several
platforms. The AN/APG-77 is operational with the USAF/Lockheed
Martin F-22 Raptor since January 2006. The AN/APG-81 developed
for the F-35 Lightning II (JSF) and AN/APG-80 developed for
the F-16 Block 60, built for the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
– this model is also offered with the F-16 proposed for
India's MRCA program. APG-81 will introduce new capabilities
yet unsupported by other AESA systems, including detection and
tracking of both fixed and moving ground targets. It was the
first time the actual radar is displayed in public. |
