The Air Force has given approval for a Boeing-led industry team to begin production of the second lot of APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array radar systems for the F-15E fleet, announced the company on July 23. Under Lot 2, Boeing will supply 10 APG-82 units, states the release. Boeing’s industry partner Raytheon manufactures the AESA radar, which will replace the F-15E’s existing APG-70 mechanically scanned array radar system. The new radar is expected to significantly improve the aircraft’s ability to detect and track enemy targets and is also designed to be more reliable. The radar is undergoing testing at Eglin AFB, Fla., and Nellis AFB, Nev. Installation of the radar units is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2013, states the release. Lot 1 production of six APG-82s began last October.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
