Boeing  received the first APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar test set for the U.S. Air Force F-15E Radar Modernization Program (RMP) from Raytheon in St. Louis on June 10. The radar test set, which has successfully completed Acceptance Test Procedures, will undergo further tests at Boeing`s Electronic Systems Integration Lab in St. Louis before being integrated into an F-15E.
The APG-82(V)1 RMP replaces the APG-70 radar with an AESA, resulting in improved radar reliability, maintainability and performance, as well as reduced support costs. When integrated into the F-15E weapons system, the AESA radar will improve detection and tracking of enemy targets.
``One AESA-equipped F-15E can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously and gain the same battle picture and prosecute the same number of attacks that currently require several mechanically scanned radar assets,`` said Brad Jones, Boeing director for U.S. Air Force Development Programs. ``Adding AESA multiplies the effectiveness of the F-15E``
Raytheon is producing five AESA radar test units as part of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of the program and will support Boeing`s integration of AESA into the F-15E. Integration will take place at Boeing facilities in St. Louis, followed by developmental and initial operational test and evaluation flight programs.
Other RMP elements include a wideband radome, modified Environment Control System, and modified Radio Frequency Tunable Filters, which allow the radar and Electronic Warfare System to operate simultaneously.