The APG-82 uses active electronically scanned array radar technology composed of numerous small solid-state transmit and receive modules.
Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S), a division of Raytheon Technologies Corp., was selected by Boeing to provide the APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the new F-15EX fighter aircraft.
Under the contract with Boeing, RI&S will deliver eight systems beginning this year and concluding in 2022.
“The most advanced F-15 ever built demands the most advanced AESA radar available,” said Michelle Styczynski, F-15 Senior Product Line Director for Raytheon Intelligence & Space. “Not only is the APG-82(V)1 radar more capable than ever, it’s combat proven – having flown in multiple theaters around the world. Our production line is up and running, and we’re ready to deliver this revolutionary capability today.”
The APG-82(V)1 AESA radar was developed as the latest radar advancement for the U.S. Air Force’s operational F-15E Strike Eagle jet fighter fleet.
In addition to its extended range and improved multi-target track and precision engagement capabilities, the APG-82(V)1 offers improvement in system reliability over the legacy F-15E APG-70 radar.
Aircraft equipped with the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar can simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets at longer ranges than ever before. The longer standoff range facilitates persistent target observation and information sharing for informed decision making. This superior battlespace awareness supports greater tactical mission capability resulting in greatly increased aircraft-aircrew effectiveness and survivability.
To date, Raytheon Intelligence & Space has delivered more than 150 APG-82s to U.S. and international customers.
Boeing F-15EX
In June, the U.S. Air Force awarded a nearly $1.2 billion contract for its first lot of eight Boeing F-15EX fighter aircraft.
The contract, awarded to Boeing, provides for the design, development, integration, manufacturing, test, verification, certification, delivery, sustainment and modification of F-15EX aircraft, including spares, support equipment, training materials, technical data and technical support.
The F-15EX will replace the oldest F-15C/Ds in the service’s inventory. Eight F-15EX fighter aircraft were approved in the fiscal year 2020 budget and 12 were requested in the FY21 budget. The Air Force plans to purchase a total of 76 F-15EX aircraft over the five-year Future Years Defense Program.
The F-15EX is a two-seat fighter with U.S.-only capabilities. It features a deep magazine that can carry a load of advanced weapons. The platform also requires minimal transitional training or additional manpower and little to no infrastructure changes, ensuring the continuation of the mission.
The most significant difference between the F-15EX and legacy F-15s lies in its Open Mission Systems (OMS) architecture. The OMS architecture will enable the rapid insertion of the latest aircraft technologies. The F-15EX will also have fly-by-wire flight controls, a new electronic warfare system, advanced cockpit systems, and the latest mission systems and software capabilities available for legacy F-15s.
The first eight F-15EX aircraft will be fielded at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to support testing efforts. The delivery of the first two aircraft is scheduled for the second quarter of FY21. The remaining six aircraft are scheduled to deliver in FY23. The Air Force is using the Strategic Basing Process to determine the fielding locations for subsequent aircraft lots.
