Contributor - UK

David Donald

Raytheon Intelligence &amp; Space (RI&amp;S) has announced that the first APG-79(V)4 radar system has begun flight tests. The radar features an active electronically-scanned array (AESA) antenna and incorporates gallium nitride (GaN) in its transmit/receive modules, the first airborne fire control radar to employ this technology. The prototype radar, which was delivered last year, first took to the air at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, in a Marine Corps F/A-18D operated by VX-31 “Dust Devils”, a joint Navy/Marines trials squadron.

 


“Following successful ground testing and the delivery of the prototype radar, this flight test was critical to observe performance in the air,” said Thomas Shaurette, vice president of F/A-18 &amp; Global Strike Radars. “It allowed our partners to see the V4 radar’s enhanced detection and tracking abilities in real-time.”

 


APG-79(V)4 is a version of the APG-79 that is installed in the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Block 2/3 and EA-18G Growler, and shares many parts and technologies with the original to optimize costs and sustainment. It is scaled for compatibility with the earlier F/A-18A/B/C/D “classic” Hornet, and is being procured as part of an update for a portion of the Marine Corps fleet. Raytheon also has a contract to provide 36 APG-79(V)4s for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Hornet upgrade program.

 


The new radar is a key element of an upgrade program being applied to selected Hornet airframes in order to maintain overall force capability. The Corps intend to be fully equipped with the Lockheed Martin F-35B and F-35C by around 2030, when the Hornet is scheduled to retire.

 


Under a 2020 plan the Naval Air Systems Command has selected 80-plus of the best-condition Hornets from the current fleet, including some recently-retired former Navy aircraft. Following a successful high-flight hour inspection at 8,000 hours, they will be cleared for a 10,000-hour life, sufficient to take then through to at least 2030. All are due to receive the APG-79(V)4, of which 50 have been contracted to date. The upgraded Hornets are intended to serve with up to seven 12-aircraft squadrons, each operating a mix of single-seat F/A-18Cs and two-seat F/A-18Ds.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

AESA Radar for ‘Classic’ Hornet Fighter Makes First Flight

The APG-79(V)4 radar is being procured in an upgrade effort to ensure that the U.S. Marine Corps Hornet fighters can meet the planned "sundown" date.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

While available inventory was up YOY, it is down over the past six months

Growth in Used Bizjets on Market Shows Signs of Slowing

Hanneke Weitering

First full-scale prototype of the hybrid-electric Atea aircraft is "in the production phase"

Ascendance Plans to Fly Hybrid eVTOL Prototype This Year

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Demonstration flights have been conducted from the city's historic Longhua Airfield

EHang and Partners Lay Plans for eVTOL Air Services in Shanghai

The company has its own training program to help owners move up from their piston aircraft

Cirrus’s Vision Jet G2+ Offers an Entry into Business Jet Travel

Survey index of business jet brokers was unchanged from June

Jefferies Survey Finds Stable Bizjet Market Sentiment 

Chad Trautvetter

U.S. customer base continues to play a prominent role for company's turboprop singles

Daher TBM, Kodiak Turboprop Deliveries Soar 11% in 2024

G550 was the top seller in the used Gulfstream marketplace among the 10 models tracked

Preowned Gulfstream Bizjet Sales Climb 20% in 2024

These airliner business jets might be more affordable than you think compared to purpose-built private aircraft.

Does a Boeing Business Jet or Airbus Corporate Jet Fit Your Travel Needs?

More In Aircraft