USAF’s Aeronautical Systems Center formally broached the topic of upgrading legacy F-16s with new active electronically scanned array radars, issuing a request for information. This preliminary solicitation is the first step toward replacing current APG-68 fire control radars on between 300 and 600 later model F-16s. The RFI, issued at the end of June, specifies the Air Force’s interest in existing AESA systems that can be retrofitted onto “the existing Block 40/42/50/52 aircraft without extensive structural, electrical, or environmental cooling system modifications.” This stipulation likely limits eventual bidding to Northrop Grumman or Raytheon, reported FlightGlobal. Both companies began replacement radar programs in the form of Northrop’s scalable agile beam radar and Raytheon’s advanced combat radar, anticipating a future Air Force need several years ago. The Air Force envisions beginning the actual replacement of F-16 radars as early as 2017, according to the RFI.
The Pentagon agency charged with building and operating U.S. spy satellites recently declassified some details about a Cold War-era surveillance program called Jumpseat—a revelation it says sheds light on the importance of satellite imaging technology and how it has advanced in the decades since.
