| "The
AESA is a game changer that not only improves the Super Hornet's
sting but makes the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block II more reliable,
more survivable and more formidable against all known threats,"
said Bob Gower, vice president for the F/A-18 programs for Boeing.
The revolutionary radar offers multi-target tracking and increased
situational awareness. In air-to-air engagements, the radar
allows targets to be engaged at very long ranges and offers
reduced aircrew workload via its resource manager. The system
also offers high-resolution ground mapping at long standoff
ranges for air-to-surface tracking, with an interleaved mode
capability and at least a three- to five-fold increase in system
reliability.
The APG-79 is part of the Super
Hornet Block II and the electronic combat EA-18G
Growler. Two US Navy squadrons at Naval Air Station Oceana
are slated to receive the new radars - the Black Lions of VFA-213
and the Gladiators of VFA-106. The former is the first Navy
squadron to fly all AESA- equipped F/A-18F Super Hornets. In
addition, AESA-equipped Block II Super Hornets are being introduced
to squadrons at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California.
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