Raytheon
achieves delivery and operational milestones on F/A-18 avionics systems
Raytheon
Company has achieved important milestones on three F/A-18E/F related
programs, highlighting the company's ongoing, successful support of
the Super Hornet aircraft.
Raytheon recently delivered the 300th APG-79 active electronically scanned
array (AESA) radar to Boeing for integration on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets
and EA-18G Growlers. Raytheon has also delivered the 600th ALR-67(V)3
radar warning receiver, marking six years of continual on-time delivery
of that system. Additionally, Raytheon's Advanced Targeting Forward
Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pod has reached 1 million F/A-18 operational
flight hours.
F/A-18 E/F
Super Hornet AN/APG-79 AESA radar
(Image: Raytheon)
"Raytheon radar, electronic warfare and targeting systems are integral
components to the success of the Super Hornet, and we are proud of the
long history of performance we have demonstrated with the platform,"
said Mark Kula, vice president of Tactical Airborne Systems for Raytheon's
Space and Airborne Systems business. "Raytheon understands the
unique challenges represented in building systems for carrier-based
aircraft, and we incorporate that knowledge into every product we develop
for the F/A-18."
Two F/A-18E
Super Hornets assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron
(VFA) 136 prepare for a catapult assisted launch as an F/A-18E Super
Hornet assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike (VFA) 11 taxis toward the
aft of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).
(U.S. Navy photo)
Raytheon fielded the world's first operational AESA radar in 2000 and
is the only manufacturer with combat-proven AESAs in production for
tactical aircraft today. In operation on the Super Hornet since 2007,
the APG-79 provides far greater performance and reliability than mechanically
scanned array radars.
The ALR-67(V)3 is the U.S. Navy's standard for radar warning receivers
and is an integral part of the Super Hornet's electronic warfare self-defense
system, giving pilots unmatched situational awareness against potential
enemy threats. Earlier this year, Raytheon was awarded a $77 million
contract modification to deliver ALR-67(V)3 systems to the Navy as part
of full-rate production Lot 14.
The ATFLIR pod delivers all-weather pinpoint accuracy and reliability
for air-to-air and air-to-ground mission support, enabling aviators
to perform their missions in the harshest conditions with maximum efficiency
and security. Its plug-and-play performance allows for easy installation
and seamless operation, for enhanced interoperability with coalition
forces.
