Raytheon Tests AESA Radar System For F-18 Hornet Jets

Raytheon flight tested its APG-79(V)X AESA radar system needed for F/A-18C/D Hornet jets, demonstrating extended detection ranges, simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities as well as production of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mapping.

"We put our latest AESA radar capability to the test and it exceeded our expectations," said Mike "Ponch" Garcia, business development director of Tactical Airborne Systems for Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems business, and a former F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pilot/instructor.

The APG-79 system combines Raytheon’s APG-63(V)3 and APG-82(V)1 radars and also flies on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler jets, it added.

The company has delivered more than 500 tactical AESA tactical radars from its portfolio. The portfolio includes APG-79, APG-63(V)3 and APG-82(V)1 for F-15, F/A-18E/F, EA-18G and B-2 aircraft.

The APG-79 system, a US Navy program of record, flies globally on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers.