$730M for 514 APG-68v9 Radars
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Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., of Linthicum Heights, MD has received an indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity and firm-fixed price contract for $730 million covering up to 514 AN/APG-68v9 radar systems.
These mechanically-scanned array radars have become standard in new-build F-16 C/D aircraft, and represent significant advances over previous models. In comparison with previous APG-68 radars, the v9 model offers improved detection range and resolution in both air-air and air-ground modes. Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technology processors allow 5x faster processing speed and 10x memory capacity, along with high resistance to interference or countermeasures, and future growth potential. In air-air mode, the APG-68V9 offers 30% longer detection ranges, and can search in a larger volume while tracking up to 4 targets. In air-ground mode, its synthetic aperture radar mode generates high-resolution pictures and mapping with resolution under 1 meter, comparable to military imaging satellites. Enhanced GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indicator) functionality and an inertial measurement unit complement its SAR capabilities with improved tracking performance and auto-boresight capability, and its increased detection range even functions amidst the inevitable clutter that accompanies sea surveillance mode.
Dec 7/07: The first delivery order under the contract covers 30 radar systems for the government of Turkey, which will be accomplished under the firm fixed price portion of the contract and obligate $36 million. Turkey has a $1.8 billion program underway to acquire 30 more F-16 C/D aircraft. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH holds the contract (FA8615-08-D-6035, D001).
