TheAN/APG-79 is anactive electronically scanned array (AESA) radar developed for theF/A-18E/F Super Hornet andEA-18G Growler aircraft of theUnited States Navy.[1] AESA technology provides quick updates on multiple targets, and itssolid-state antenna construction makes it more reliable and cost-effective than traditional radar systems.[2] The radar has a range of up to 150 km (81 nmi; 93 mi) tracking multiple targets simultaneously.[3]
In accordance with theJoint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), the "AN/APG-79" designation represents the 79th design of an Army-Navy airborne electronic device forradarfire-control equipment. The JETDS system also now is used to name allDepartment of Defense electronic systems.
As of July 2008[update],Raytheon had delivered one hundred APG-79 sets to theUS Navy, with a contract for 437 more.[4] In an April 2011 press release, Raytheon announced they had delivered the 250th APG-79.[5]
In January 2013, theDirector, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) disclosed poor reliability issues with the APG-79 radar during its initial operational testing as a result of software instability.[6]
The AN/APG-79(V)4 was selected in December 2020 for retrofittingUS Navy andUS Marine Corps'F/A-18C/D Hornets,[7] and upgrading the fleets of CanadianCF-188 Hornets,.[8][9] The APG-79(V)4 usesgallium nitride (GaN) transmit/receive modules.[10]
The AN/APQ-188 is the designation for an upgraded variant of the APG-79 adapted byRaytheon for theB-52 Stratofortress Radar Modernization Program (RMP), replacing theCold War-era mechanically scanned AN/APQ-166. The new radar would also incorporate technology from theAN/APG-82(V)1 of theF-15E Strike Eagle/F-15EX Eagle II aircraft. Under the RMP, the APQ-188 would replace the existing APQ-166 and the upgraded aircraft would be redesignated as the B-52J.[11][12][13]
The AN/APG-79 radar is composed of a numerous solid-state transmit and receive modules to virtually eliminate mechanical breakdown.
Raytheon Company has delivered its 100th APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar system to Boeing and the U.S. Navy for use on F/A-18 and EA-18G aircraft.
