Raytheon will make the ASEA radar for the F-15 upgrade

Defence manufacturer Raytheon has said that it has started work on an ASEA radar for the F-15C upgrade programme. The company is to deliver six APG-63(V)3 AESA systems and a spare to the Air National Guard as part of its F-15C upgrade programme, which is funded by a $52.2 million Boeing contract.

A significant part of the contract also includes production start-up costs as well as manufacturing equipment and other spares. Six or more systems are expected to be delivered annually to the Guard in coming years for a planned total of at least 48, Raytheon said.

Technology advancements to the F-15 APG-63(V)3 AESA radar allows Air Force and Air National Guard units to maintain their operational edge. It offers unparalleled targeting, tracking and situational awareness capabilities, leading to true force multiplication, Raytheon said.

The contract followed successful completion of the flight test programme with Boeing and the Air Force, which subjected the radar to rigorous developmental and operational testing and evaluation, Raytheon said in a statement.

Air Force F-15s became operational with the world''s first tactical AESA radar systems in December 2000. Raytheon has been a partner on the F-15 for more than 35 years.