The F-16 has advanced capabilities comparable to those of fifth-generation aircraft like the F-22 and F-35 thanks to the APG-83 AESA radar, which replaced the earlier APG-66 and APG-68 radars
The Northrop Grumman APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar was added to the USAF’s F-16.
It is noteworthy that the Republic of China Air Force’s F-16 is the first operational F-16 to be equipped with radar, according to the Alert 5 Weblog. Nevertheless, images released by Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) show that #87-0392 also received the upgraded radar. Currently, the 416th Flight Test Squadron (FLTS) is in charge of the bird.
The 416th FLTS regularly conducts experimental testing to improve the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s ability to wage war. According to Kenji Thuloweit, 412th Test Wing Public Affairs, in the article 416th FLTS working to upgrade F-16 radar, one of the current priorities of the F-16 testers is the integration and testing of the new radar as part of the F-16 Radar Modernization Program (RMP).
The APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar is a fifth-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array fire control radar, according to its manufacturer, Northrop Grumman. The APG-66 and APG-68 radars that were previously in service were replaced and provided the F-16 with advanced capabilities comparable to fifth-generation jets like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. The radar can also run simultaneously in many modes, work in situations with dense electronic environments, and improve system availability through improved dependability, maintainability, and supportability.
The APG-83 was made to be installed without requiring significant changes to the jet.
“The APG-83 will be a form, fit, and function modification that will operate within existing space, power, and cooling capabilities of the platform,” pointed out Lt. Col. Chris Keithley, 416th FLTS commander.
With enhanced bandwidth, the APG-83 could meet the needs of F-16 users to fight more sophisticated and technological threats by enabling the F-16 to detect, track, and identify more targets more quickly and over larger distances.
“With the modernization comes increased capabilities,” said Michael Powell, 416 FLTS, project lead. “It is a more modern and stable radar.”
Powell said that several ground and air tests using the APG-83 were conducted with the F-16 RMP at the 416th FLTS over the course of the previous two years. The Air Force will utilize the data gathered to decide if the radar can be put into use in the future.
A small, versatile combat plane, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It has demonstrated its effectiveness in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attacks and is quite nimble. It offers the United States and its allies a high-performance weapon system at a comparatively low cost.
Photo by Christopher Okula / U.S. Air Force