GUY NORRIS / LOS ANGELES
AESA-equipped Super Hornet to track twice as many targets - with better detection range - than predecessor
Flight tests of the Raytheon APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar in the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet are imminent, following the start of initial check-out and subsystem test flights at Boeing's St Louis, Missouri, site.
The radar is a key element of the F/A-18E/F Block 2 upgrade and a vital part of theEA-18G electronic attack variant, development of which is due to start in October, says Boeing Super Hornet business development manager Bob Farmer. "AESA is just getting flying, the ATFLIR [advanced targeting forward-looking infrared] flew in Iraq, and MIDS [multifunction information distribution system datalink] is going to get IOC [initial operational capability] later this year," he adds.
The AESA-equipped Super Hornet is due to achieve IOC in 2005 and significantly improves detection range over the current APG-73, as well as offering the capability to track twice as many targets. It is also designed to generate high-resolution synthetic aperture radar maps at long stand-off ranges and is significantly more stealthy.
"We are optimistic of being able to start the system development and demonstration for the EA-18G in October," adds Farmer. The initial Block 1 EA-18G will be equipped with two Raytheon AGM-88 Harmanti-radiation missiles and two AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles for self-protection, while the AESA will provide high-frequency jamming to support the standard ALQ-99 jammer. Funding for up to 90 EA-18Gs is "in the budget so far", says Farmer, and the target IOC is 2009.
The planned purchase is large enough to support 10 carrier air wings with five aircraft apiece, and to retire the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler by 2015.
Source: Flight International
