PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md., 17 Nov. 2010. The U.S. Navy is buying 19 AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar systems from the Raytheon Co. Space and Airborne Systems segment in El Segundo, Calif., to retrofit F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrier-based jet fighter-bombers.
Raytheon is buying the AESA radars under terms of a $52.3 million contract modification announced Tuesday from Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md. The new AN/APG-79 AESA radar systems, which will replace the Super Hornets' ageing Raytheon AN/APG-73 radars, will increase the F/A-18E/F's air-to-air detection and track range, as well as its air-to-ground targeting capabilities, Navy officials say.
The new AESA radar systems also will provide the combat aircraft with longer launch range for standoff weapons, enhanced capability against advanced threats, and help make best use of the aircraft’s weapon systems.
Raytheon will do the work in Forest, Miss.; Dallas; El Segundo, Calif.; and Andover, Mass., and should be finished by December 2013. For more information contact Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems online at www.raytheon.com/businesses/rsas, or Naval Air Systems command at www.navair.navy.mil.
