Raytheon is currently involved in two major upgrade programs for the U.S. Air Force’s Eagle fleet, providing AESA (active electronically scanned array) radars for both the air defense F-15C/D and the multi-role F-15E. Both programs have recently achieved significant milestones.

Having already pioneered AESA radar in an operational fighter through the installation of APG-63(V)2 radars in a select handful of F-15s based in Alaska, Raytheon is now supplying more sophisticated APG-63(V)3 AESA radars for a greater number of F-15C/D fighters. This program aims to create a force of aircraft that can remain viable in service for many years, partnering F-22s in the air defense mission. Currently Raytheon is contracted to provide APG-63(V)3s for 10 active-duty Air Force and 14 Air National Guard aircraft. The APG-63(V)3 retains some components of the incumbent F-15C/D radar, but adds new processors and the all-important active electronically scanned antenna.

The company has just announced that Boeing and the Air Force have completed installation and acceptance testing of an APG-63(V)3 radar fitted in an F-15C fighter. The tests were accomplished at Langley AFB, Virginia. The aircraft is due to undergo further tests at Nellis AFB, Nevada, and Kadena AB on Okinawa.

Meanwhile, Raytheon has just delivered the first APG-82(V)1 AESA radar to prime contractor Boeing for the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E radar modernization program, which will see the entire fleet being upgraded.