 Air Force improves F-15C radarReleased: 8 Dec 1999 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force has developed an improved radar that provides increased pilot situational awareness and takes full advantage of the capabilities of the AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missile. Eighteen F-15C aircraft will be modified with an APG-63(v)2 active electronically scanned array radar using APG-63(v)1 radar components. The new system also includes a new advanced identification friend or foe system and upgrades to the environmental control system. The modified F-15Cs will be stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, by December 2000. AESA radar technology is the cornerstone for future Air Force fighters, including the F-22 Raptor and the Joint Strike Fighter. Lessons learned from the deployment and employment of the APG-63(v)2 will help the Air Force better prepare for its next-generation fighter aircraft while helping keep the F-15C the world's best air superiority fighter today. These will be the first operational fighter aircraft AESA radars in the world. The Air Force will reap additional reliability and maintainability benefits by installing AESA radars. The mechanical scanned antenna in current F-15C aircraft is one of the highest maintenance items on the aircraft. The stationary AESA will eliminate several hydraulic and electrical systems required to support the MSA. The controls, displays and modes for the APG-63(v)2 will be nearly identical to those currently used in the F-15C. The F-15C APG-63(v)2 aircraft will also have a new, more reliable AIFF system, allowing identification of friendly aircraft via transponder interrogations.
The program is managed by the F-15 System Program Office at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.
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