ST. LOUIS: The Boeing F-15E Radar Modernization Program (RMP) recently received the designation of AN/APG-82(v)1 from the U.S. Air Force. The addition of the Raytheon-built APG-82 radar will incorporate Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (AESA) technology into the F-15E strike fighter, increasing radar reliability by almost 20 times as it also improves maintainability, sustainability and performance, and reduces support costs.
The AESA radar, coupled with a new wideband radar radome, will also improve detection capability and tracking of enemy targets.
“The F-15E RMP is one of the most significant modifications to the F-15E since its inception,” said Mark Bass, F-15 Program vice president. “The RMP will ensure the F-15E remains supportable and combat-ready well into the future.”
Other RMP modifications include the addition of Raytheon’s new Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Electronically Scanned Array antenna, which was developed for the F-15C APG-63(v)3 radar system, as well as new Radio Frequency Tunable Filters (RFTF) and an improved Environmental Cooling System (ECS).
The RFTF will enable the radar and the aircraft’s Electronic Warfare System to function at the same time, minimizing degradation to either system. The ECS will provide up to an additional 250 percent liquid cooling capacity, which is required for incorporation of the APG-82 radar.
The APG-82 is currently in the System Development and Demonstration phase. Raytheon will produce developmental and flight-test radar units to support integration of the APG-82 into the F-15E weapons system. Flight tests will begin in January 2010, and Boeing expects to achieve initial operational capability during fiscal year 2014.
GDATP-Marion Operations of Marion, Va., is developing the new F-15E wideband radome, while Microsource Inc. developed the modified RFTF in Santa Rosa, Calif. Honeywell provides the improved ECS from its facility in Torrance, Calif. Raytheon’s Towson, Md., facility provides the IFF system, and its El Segundo, Calif., facility produces the AESA radar.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
