Northrop Grumman APG-68 [V]9 Multi-Mode Fire Control Radar:
Northrop Grumman APG-68 radar, the (V)9 multi-mode fire control radar that offers improved detection range and resolution. This is the second most advanced Radar to ever be equipped by F-16, second only to UAE's AN/APG-80 AESA radars. A new slightly advanced version the V(10) is also developed that included all-weather autonomous detection and targeting for Global Positioning System (GPS)-aided precision weapons. It also adds SAR mapping and terrain-following (TF) modes.
Evolution:
The AN/APG-68, an evolution of the APG-66, was introduced with the F-16C/D Block 25. The APG-68 has greater range and resolution, as well as 25 operating modes, including ground-mapping, Doppler beam-sharpening, ground moving target, sea target, and track-while-scan (TWS) for up to 10 targets. The Block 40/42's APG-68(V)1 model added full compatibility with Lockheed Martin Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infra-Red for Night (LANTIRN) pods, and a high-PRF pulse-Doppler track mode to provide continuous-wave (CW) target illumination for semi-active radar-homing (SARH) missiles like the AIM-7 Sparrow. Block 50/52 F-16s initially used the more reliable APG-68(V)5 which has a programmable signal processor employing Very-High-Speed Integrated Circuit (VHSIC) technology.
The Advanced Block 50/52 (or 50+/52+) are equipped with the APG-68(V)9 radar, with a 30% greater air-to-air detection range and a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mode for high-resolution mapping and target detection-recognition.
AN/APG-68 V9 Pulse Doppler Radar
The AN/APG-68(V)9 radar system consists of the following line-replaceable units:
Antenna
Modified Dual Mode Transmitter (MDT)
Modular Receiver/Exciter (MoRE)
Common Radar Processor (CoRP)
Note that the Line-Replaceable Units are the components that are designed to be replaced quickly at an operating location.
The AN/APG-68(V)9 radar is the latest development. Besides the increase in scan range compared to the previous version, it has a Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capability enabling it to get high detailed and high resolution signals from the target area.
It uses Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technology that provided faster processors that provide increased throughput, with x5 faster processing speed and x10 growth in memory capacity over the APG-66. With the powerful processing capability, the new APG-68V9 has a high resistance to electromagnetic interference and countermeasures and future growth potential. The system offers new and improved capabilities in both air/air and air/ground modes, primarily in the operation at long range (BVR) and target rich airspace. The APG-68(V)9 offers 30 percent increase in detection range, improved search-while-track mode (four vs. two tracked targets) and larger search volume and improved track while scan performance. Its single target track performance has also been improved.
On air/ground missions, the new radar becomes an effective sensor, utilizing its high-resolution synthetic aperture radar mode, which allows the pilot to locate and recognize tactical ground targets from considerable distances. Although previous radars had some Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities, the new version generates imagery-class (
2 feet resolution) high resolutions pictures,
comparable to pictures delivered by the most modern commercial satellites. These pictures can be acquired from very long range, at all weather conditions and provide an effective, real-time source for the targeting of long range, precision guided weapons. The radar provides autonomous, all-environment, precision air-to-surface targeting with a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar ground mapping mode.
The radar also has increased detection range in sea surveillance mode, and enhanced ground moving target identification and mapping capability. The radar features an inertial measurement unit that improves dynamic tracking performance and provides an auto-bore sight capability, which increases accuracy.
The APG-68 V9 features reduced weight, power, cooling and 25%-45% lower support costs. With more line replaceable units, it is both cost effective and maintenance friendly.
Capabilities:
The new APG-68 V9 radar have increased mission performance and reliability. It enables engagement of air-to-air and air-to-surface threats with greater accuracy and at greater ranges. Provides autonomous, all-environment, precision air-to-surface targeting. New modes for improved situational awareness.
It have a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) ground mapping mode that significantly improves the planes performance is specially air-to-ground attack role. Have smaller Target Location Error with improved Weapon Probability of Kill.
the APG-98 V9 provides faster, farther aerial target acquisition with 33% greater air-to-air range than legacy radars with four-target Situational Awareness Mode
Weapon Support:
The APG-98 V9 is compatible with most of the latest weapons systems including:
AMRAAM, AIM-9X, and other missiles
JHMCS
GPS weapons such as JDAM, JSOW, and WCMD
LITENING II and other EO pods
ASPJ, ASPIS, ALQ-131, & other EW systems
Characteristics:
Radar Range: 300Km
Max Track Range for 5 sqm RCS: 80 km Max Track sqm RCS for 5 - 80 km
Search cone: 120 degrees × 120 degrees
Azimuth: +/- 60 degrees
Basic Weight: 164Kg
