Northrop Adopts Lean-Agile for Development of F-16 AESA Radar Software

Northrop Grumman said it adopted Lean-Agile methodologies in the development and integration of the active electronically scanned array (AESA) AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar software for the F-16 Viper fighter aircraft.

The AN/APG-83 features high-resolution synthetic aperture radar mapping to present the pilot with a large surface image for more precise target identification and strike capabilities compared to legacy systems. Its design incorporates hardware and advanced operating modes from Northrop Grumman's fifth-generation F-35 AN/APG-81 and F-22 AN/APG-77 AESA radars.

The AN/APG-83 is an official program of record for both the U.S. Air Force’s active, Guard and Reserve components. The U.S. Air Force has achieved initial readiness requirements for SABR to meet a U.S. Northern Command Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEON) for homeland defense, and expects to formally declare full operational capability (FOC) after JEON fielding has completed in late 2021.