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 upgrade includes the Raytheon-built APG-82 radar, incorporating an Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (AESA) and a new wideband radar radome, improving multi-mission performance, detection capability and tracking of enemy targets. Other enhancements include the integration of a new Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) also employing an electronically scanned antenna, and better screening between the radar and electronic warfare system, enabling both systems to operate simultaneously in adjacent frequency bands.
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. “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.”
The AESA design contributes to increasing radar reliability by almost 20 times as it also improves maintainability, sustainability and performance, and reduces support costs. The enhanced system will provide up to an additional 250 percent liquid cooling capacity, which is required for incorporation of the APG-82 radar.
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) enabling the radar and the aircraft’s Electronic Warfare System to function at the same time, minimizing degradation to either system. 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.
