Raytheon radar, EW, and targeting avionics achieve milestones in F/A-18 military aircraft programs

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., 31 July 2012. Engineers at Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) delivered the 300th APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to Boeing for integration on F/A-18E/FSuper Hornet and EA-18G Growlermilitary aircraft.

A Raytheon spokesperson revealed two other milestones: delivery of the 600th ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver and achievement of the Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pod’s 1 million operational flight hours has reached F/A-18.

"Raytheon radar, electronic warfare, and targeting systems are integral components to the success of the Super Hornet," says 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."

The ALR-67(V)3 is an integral part of the Super Hornet's electronic warfare (EW) 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, says a spokesperson.

The ATFLIR pod delivers all-weather pinpoint accuracy and reliability for air-to-air and air-to-ground mission support, enabling aviators to perform missions in the harshest conditions, the company spokesperson adds.