Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar ready for production orders

Raytheon Company's (NYSE:RTN) newest advanced electronically scanned array radar has achieved a significant production readiness milestone. With the maturation of its hardware and software interfaces, the Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar is now ready for customers ordering new F-16 production aircraft.

The RACR is the latest addition to Raytheon's family of radar products, which includes the APG-79 and APG-63 now flying on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F and U.S. Air Force F-15 aircraft, respectively. The new radar takes advantage of recent technology innovation and offers a scalable, adaptable AESA system targeted at new and retrofit F-16 aircraft, as well as other platforms.

"RACR uses hardware and software currently fielded by the Air Force and Navy," said Tom Kennedy, vice president for Raytheon's Tactical Airborne Systems mission area. "By leveraging our existing AESA technology and hot production line, we're able to offer unmatched reliability and life-cycle cost advantages."

In November 2008, the RACR successfully began integration testing in the Lockheed Martin system integration laboratory at the company's Fort Worth, Texas, facility. Additional integration efforts are planned for this year. Because the RACR F-16 interface was specifically designed to minimize impact to the aircraft, the radar can be installed with minimal changes in the existing F-16 software.

Raytheon currently provides electronic warfare systems, mission computer systems, weapons, and targeting and navigation systems for the F-16 and other Lockheed-built aircraft. Raytheon is also working on a center pedestal display for the F-16.