F/A-18 AESA Radar Soars Into Full Rate Production

Raytheon Company, EL SEGUNDO: Raytheon Company's revolutionary F/A-18 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar is moving into full rate production following U.S. Navy approval. 
 
The APG-79 production line is ramping up in anticipation of delivering a total of 437 systems for the Navy in coming years. 
 
“Moving into full rate production is a significant milestone for our APG- 79 AESA radar program,” said Erv Grau, vice president for Raytheon's Tactical Airborne Systems business. “The tremendous capability of our system is a key enabler in the Super Hornet Block II's wide range of capabilities and provides a new level of sophistication in supporting our customer's critical mission. A hot production line also ensures that we can deliver on our domestic commitments and handle any international interest we may also receive, while remaining very cost competitive.” 
 
This milestone marks the end of the low rate initial production period of 84 radars. 
 
“Super Hornet Block II and EA-18G aircraft equipped with AESA's revolutionary war-fighting capability makes naval aviation more relevant than ever to the joint combatant commander,” said Capt. Donald Gaddis, F/A-18 and EA-18G Navy program manager. “Our Super Hornets and Growlers, with their cutting-edge radar technology, precise network-enabled weapons, and joint interoperable and open architectures increase the combat effectiveness of all forces operating in the battle space.” 
 
The AESA-equipped Super Hornet Block IIs are being delivered to two squadrons at Naval Air Station Oceana: 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. 
 
“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.  
 
Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $20.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 85 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.