Airborne Electronics Forecast

ARCHIVED REPORT
For data and forecasts on current programs please visit
www.forecastinternational.com or call +1 203.426.0800

APG-73(V) - Archived 10/2008

Outlook
 With the delivery of the last APG-73 in June 2006, Raytheon’s focus has shifted from production to
maintenance, a market that could become very lucrative
 The AESA upgrade to the APG-73 is designated the APG-79(V); it will most likely replace the APG-73 in the
marketplace
 No new sales of the APG-73 are expected, despite a continuous stream of maintenance and upgrade contracts
 The radar is widely used on the international market, and future upgrades are possible
 This report will be archived in 2008

Orientation
Description. Airborne, multimode, pulse-Doppler Status. Ongoing logistics support. Upgrade program
fire-control radar. The APG-73 is an upgrade to the approved.
APG-65.
Total Produced. According to Raytheon, between
Sponsor 1993 and 2006, when production ceased, 932 APG-73
U.S. Navy radars were delivered to the U.S. Navy and to Australia,
Naval Air Systems Command Canada, Finland, Malaysia, and Switzerland.
NAVAIR HQ
Application. F/A-18C/D and E/F; EA-18G; F-18D.
47123 Buse Rd Unit IPT
Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547 Price Range. When production ended in 2006, the
USA radar’s estimated average unit cost was $2.5 million.
Tel: + 1 (301) 342-3000 The AESA retrofit onto the APG-73 is estimated to cost
Web site: http://www.nawcad.navy.mil from $2.5 to $3.0 million per aircraft.

Contractors
Prime
Raytheon Space & Airborne http://www.raytheon.com/businesses/rsas, 2000 E El Segundo Blvd, El Segundo, CA
Systems 90245 United States, Tel: + 1 (310) 647-1000, Fax: + 1 (310) 647-0734,
Email: SAS_Comms_PA@raytheon.com, Prime

Comprehensive information on Contractors can be found in Forecast International’s “International Contractors” series. For a detailed description,
go to www.forecastinternational.com (see Products & Samples/Governments & Industries) or call + 1 (203) 426-0800.
Contractors are invited to submit updated information to Editor, International Contractors, Forecast International, 22 Commerce Road, Newtown,
CT 06470, USA; rich.pettibone@forecast1.com

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APG-73(V)

Technical Data
Metric U.S.
Dimensions
Weight (excluding rack) 154 kg 340 lb
Total weight 227 kg 500 lb
3
Volume (excluding antenna) 0.126 m 4.5 ft3
Antenna (approximate diameter) 71 cm 28 in

Characteristics
Frequency 8 to 12 GHz
PRF Low
Medium
High
Range >60 nm
PSP 60 MCOPS
A/D converter 5 MHz (air-to-air)
58 MHz (air-to-ground)
Memory
Signal processor 1M word
Data processor 2M word
Antenna Low sidelobe planar array
Drive Direct electric
APG-79(V) will incorporate active-array antenna
LRUs Antenna
Transmitter
Power supply
Radar receiver
Radar data processor

Operating modes
Air-to-air modes Velocity search (high PRF)
Range-while-search (high/medium PRF)
Track-while-scan (maintains 10, displays 8)
Short-range automatic acquisition
Gun acquisition
Vertical scan acquisition
Boresight acquisition
Wide-angle acquisition
Single target track
Gun director

Air-to-surface modes Real beam ground map

Radar navigation ground map
Doppler beam sharpened sector
Doppler beam sharpened patch
Medium-resolution synthetic aperture radar
Fixed target track
Ground moving target indication/track
Sea surface search
Air-to-surface ranging
Terrain avoidance
Precision velocity update
Inverse range angle

Air-to-air fighter capability All-aspect target detection

Clean scope in look-up and look-down
Long-range search and track
Automatic acquisition
Multiple target track

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APG-73(V)

Characteristics
Air-to-surface attack capability High-resolution ground mapping for navigation, weapons delivery,
and sensor cueing
Compatible with weapons in the U.S. and NATO inventories

MTBF 100 hr

Design Features. The APG-73(V) is an all-digital, changes, negating the need to make changes to any of
multimode radar for use in both air-to-air and air-to- the embedded source codes or hardware modifications.
ground combat missions. It is an all weather, coherent, The radar incorporates automated anti-jam features, the
multimode, multi-waveform search-and-track sensor result of development of advanced digital and analog
based primarily on the APG-65(V) design, with technology. Field upgrades of ECCM techniques can be
technology crossovers from the APG-70(V) and accomplished by reprogramming the signal and data
APG-71(V) radars. The APG-73(V) uses the same processors’ software, quickly adapting the system to
antenna and traveling wave tube (TWT) transmitter as new threats.
the APG-65(V), but has a new radar data processor,
The design ensures growth because only 60 percent of
power supply, and receiver/exciter, as well as increased
the hardware capacity is used by the original software;
memory, bandwidth, and frequency agility. Analog/
40 percent of the system’s speed and memory remains
digital sampling rates are higher. In addition, the radar
available for enhancement. The original APG-73(V)
features better resolution, a new navigation/ground map
was designed to accommodate an electronically scanned
mode, and improved electronic counter-counter-
array. The processing capacity, wiring harnesses, and
measures (ECCM), as well as some modes from the
RF connections needed for the active antenna were built
APG-70(V) radar.
into the hardware.
A single radar data processor replaced the signal
The fast analog-to-digital air-to-air converter (11-bit,
processor and data processor units in the older radar,
5 MHz) produces a radar resolution cell of approxi-
and incorporated technologies to provide higher
mately 100 feet. The 6-bit, 58-MHz analog-to-digital
throughputs and greater memory capacity than found on
air-to-ground converter improves radar mapping
the original APG-65(V).
resolution significantly, thus improving air-to-ground
The new power supply is solid-state for better power targeting.
conversion, and shows a significant increase in
The faster signal processor offers better Doppler
reliability. Power supply failure has been an ongoing
resolution than the APG-65(V). Fast Fourier transforms
problem with airborne radars. During tests of the new
can be used more effectively, improving discrimination
system, one of the units ran 2,500 hours with only one
of closely spaced targets and ECCM performance. The
failure. A snap-in rack design provides plug-in modules
system uses a Mil-Std-1750A processing architecture.
with power, cooling, and electronic connections, and
An additional 20 MCOPS can be added via a vacant
features quick-change replacement.
card slot. To improve reliability, the signal processors
Using multichip modules containing multiple gate are combined into one unit and interconnected by a
arrays, the signal processor throughput has been backplane instead of wire harnesses.
increased from 7.2 MOPS to 60 MOPS. A general-
Wider bandwidth makes it possible for the radar to
purpose 1750A computer provides mode control,
operate with Marine Corps targeting beacons. This
antenna control, target tracking, and display processing,
bandwidth also helps the radar to tune away from
and operates at more than 2 million instructions per
jamming signals. Increased binary pulse compression
second. The computer has a 2M-word firm memory and
improves air-to-air and air-to-ground range resolution
a 256K 16-bit working memory.
and focuses more power on the target. The APG-73(V)
The radar receiver, featuring extensive MMIC uses a filter to improve radar performance in clutter
(Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit) technology, conditions. By combining components from proven
was designed to support growth requirements well into equipment, the system capitalizes on known designs and
the 21st century through the addition of new circuit components.
boards. It has the input/output capacity to support a
Built-in test equipment can isolate problems to an
next-generation active-array antenna.
individual module, which can be changed quickly
The programmable signal processor allows the radar to without removing the rack. Hardware can be upgraded
adapt quickly to new weapons or tactics via software by replacing modules.

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APG-73(V)

Operational Characteristics  BORESIGHT ACQUISITION  Enables the pilot to

Search and Track Modes point the aircraft at a desired target that the radar
acquires automatically; several targets can be
 VELOCITY SEARCH  Provides maximum detection
acquired and passed on until the desired target is
range against head-on aspect targets (high PRF)
acquired
 RANGE WHILE SEARCH  Detects all-aspect targets For surface attack missions, the radar offers a high-
(high/medium PRF) resolution surface mapping feature that can be used with
 TRACK WHILE SCAN  Provides the AMRAAM land- or sea-search modes. A Terrain Avoidance mode
with fire-and-forget capability when integrated with is used for low- level penetration missions, and an Air-
the F/A-18 (maintains 10, displays 8) to-Surface Ranging mode is available for the accurate
delivery of both guided and unguided munitions. A
 SINGLE TARGET TRACK  Tracks a single high- specialized Sea Search mode will enable the system to
priority target acquire and track ship targets in any sea state.
 RAPID ASSESSMENT  Expands the region centered Designers claim that the enhanced system can produce
on a singly tracked target; separates closely spaced ground radar maps comparable to those found on the F-
targets 15E and U-2. Advanced image correlation algorithms
Air Combat Maneuvering Modes make precision strike missions possible.

 HEAD-UP DISPLAY  Scans the entire area covered The APG-73(V) reduces pilot workload during all
by the head-up display and automatically locks onto phases of both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.
the first target within a pre-selected range During air-to-air missions, it provides total visibility
against airborne targets in all aspects, at any altitude,
 VERTICAL ACQUISITION  Vertically scans a narrow and through all target maneuvers. Like the APG-65(V)
width and locks onto the first target within a pre- radar, the system accommodates the F/A-18’s hands-on-
selected range throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) operation.

APG-73(V)
Source: Raytheon

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APG-73(V)

Variants/Upgrades
Radar Upgrade Phase I. The upgrade from the the Joint Stand-Off Weapon System (JSOW) and Joint
basic APG-65(V) to the APG-73(V), with full-rate Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). It was introduced in
production of Phase I approved in October 1996. the USMC F/A-18D RC reconnaissance aircraft in
Phase I increased the radar processing speed and 1997, and became standard in 1999.
memory and improved receiver sensitivity, increasing
Radar Upgrade Phase III. This upgraded system
air-to-air detection range and improving ECCM
had an active, electronically scanned array antenna
capabilities.
(AESA) that greatly improved ECCM performance and
Radar Upgrade Phase II. This upgrade added a near simultaneous multimission capability, and
high-resolution search-and-rescue (SAR) mode. The enhanced signature characteristics.
upgrade added a small inertial navigation sensor (to
APG-79(V) AESA Radar. In November 1999,
measure aircraft movement at the radar itself), a stretch
Boeing selected Raytheon to provide the active
generator module, and a special test equipment instru-
electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna for the
mentation and reconnaissance module. (Aircraft flexing
F/A-18E/F. This was a revolutionary leap in capability.
causes errors in measurements made using the aircraft
It has at least 10 times more capability than the
inertial system that negate the precise measurements
APG-73(V), and offers much better performance than
needed for SAR operations.)
previous radar upgrades and developments.
Phase II provided high-resolution ground mapping for
reconnaissance capability and autonomous targeting for

Program Review
The APG-65(V) that equipped the F/A-18A/B was The first U.S. radars began arriving in the Fleet in late
upgraded continually since entering service with the 1994, with the first Finnish radar following in February
F/A-18 in the late 1970s, but reached its memory and 1995 and the first Swiss radar arriving in July 1995.
processing limits by the late 1980s. New technologies Malaysia received its first radar in May 1996. In early
were introduced in other (then) Hughes radars, 1997, Australia decided to acquire two systems to
especially the APG-70(V) carried by the F-15E. evaluate as a possible upgrade for its F/A-18C/Ds. The
Upgrade efforts began in 1988. Royal Australian Air Force did not begin full-scale
upgrades until 2000. In total, 71 aircraft were upgraded
APG-73 Result of Advances in with the APG-73 over three years, with 20 percent of
APG-65 Capability the work taking place in Australia.
Operation Desert Storm showed that the F/A-18 would In November 1995, the U.S. Air Force awarded a
benefit greatly from an improved all-weather capability. $500,000 contract for a one-year first phase of a
A “strip map” mode and the ability to interface with the technology program to develop a low-cost airborne
advanced tactical airborne reconnaissance system active-array radar. Under the effort, 350 transmit/
datalink would be major improvements. The receive modules were to be produced.
APG-73(V) was the result of this need. It was based on
technology developed with the APG-65 as well as other At the conclusion of the first phase, the USAF initiated
radars. production of a 7-square-foot prototype antenna.
Designers capitalized on work under way for the F-22
A production contract was signed in 1991 for 12 radar, the APG-77(V).
production units. In April 1992, the first flight test
demonstrated both long-range detection and ground Joint U.S.-Canada Project
mapping. The first production radar was delivered to In July 1995, the U.S. announced a joint U.S.-Canada
McDonnell Douglas Aerospace on July 30, 1993. project to develop high- and very-high-resolution data
In July 1994, the Naval Air Systems Command in the radar’s strip map and spotlight modes. This effort
announced that it would issue a cost/reimbursement- would support an increased reconnaissance capability
type contract for research and development associated and more accurate delivery of standard and special
with Phase II of the APG-73(V) radar upgrade program. weapons.

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APG-73(V)

As a prelude to an upgrade program for the Marine The base order would be for up to five radar retrofit kits
Corps’ F/A-18Ds, a U.S. Marine F/A-18D demonstrated and up to five transmitter upgrade kits, as well as an
the missile launch and homing capabilities of the option for the NRE effort for FY03. The first option
APG-73(V) in live-fire exercises. Using the radar, units would allow for the purchase of six APG-73(V) radar
successfully launched AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 upgrade Phase I retrofit kits, six transmitter upgrade
Sidewinder, AGM-88 HARM, and AIM-120 kits, and an option for NRE for FY04. The second
AMRAAM missiles. In early 1999, the U.S. Marine option would allow for the purchase of four radar
Corps launched an upgrade program (ECP-583) for its upgrade kits, four transmitter kits, and an option for
fleet of F/A-18C/Ds. The upgraded avionics suite NRE for FY05. The third option would allow for the
included the APG-73(V). purchase of 10 radar upgrade kits, 10 transmitter kits,
and an option for NRE for FY06.
In November 1999, Boeing selected Raytheon to
provide a state-of-the-art AESA radar for the F/A-18E/F This effort did not preclude orders for additional radar
Super Hornet under an agreement between Boeing and upgrade kits and transmitter kits, an expanded NRE
the U.S. Navy. Originally, the U.S. Navy dubbed this effort, or accelerated procurement, all of which could
upgrade the APG-73 RUG III, but it later received the result from a congressional plus-up or Foreign Military
official nomenclature of APG-79(V). A Navy engi- Sales (FMS) requirements.
neering and manufacturing development (EMD)
In October 2004, the U.S. Air Force contracted to
contract was expected in early 2001. Deliveries began
modernize the B-2 radar with AESA technology derived
in 2004.
from the APG-73 family of radars. Project completion
Boeing delivered the first full-rate-production F/A-18F target date is FY11.
to the Navy in October 2001.
Last APG-73 Delivered in June 2006
U.S. Navy Procures Radar Upgrade Kits
Raytheon’s final production APG-73 radar has been
The Naval Air Systems Command then announced a delivered to the U.S. Navy to be installed on an
requirement for approximately seven Phase II F/A-18E/F. Meanwhile, Raytheon has been awarded a
APG-73(V) radar upgrade kits, with an option for at $22.8 million contract to provide spares and support.
least six additional kits. Then, in a July 2002 edition of This contract could eventually be worth $40 million.
Federal Business Opportunities, the U.S. Naval Air With these contracts, Raytheon has shifted the focus of
Systems Command announced a requirement for its APG-65 and APG-73 radar programs from
approximately six APG-73(V) radar upgrade kits, with production to maintenance, a change Raytheon believes
an option for one additional kit. In a January 2003 will be quite profitable.
edition of Federal Business Opportunities, the Naval
Already, Raytheon has been awarded two contracts to
Air Systems Command announced an intent to negotiate
maintain existing APG-73s. In early 2007, the U.S.
with Raytheon for APG-73(V) radar upgrade Phase I
Naval Inventory Control Point awarded the company a
retrofit kits and APG-73(V) transmitter upgrade kits,
contract worth $9.8 million for the provision of
with an option for a non-recurring engineering (NRE)
components used in repairs. The second contract is a
effort related to obsolete parts necessary for
nine-year in-service support (ISS) agreement awarded
modification of the F/A-18 aircraft. The overall effort
by the government of Australia.
would involve a base delivery order with three options.

Contracts/Orders & Options

(Contracts over $5 million.)
Award
Contractor ($ millions) Date/Description
Raytheon 10.2 Sep 2003 – Delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement for
the procurement and installation of ECP-583 kits to upgrade the APG-65(V) radar to
the next-generation APG-73(V) for the F/A-18E/F. In addition, this contract provided
for the procurement of two micro switch parts for assembly of the APG-73(V).
Completed Aug 2005. (N00383-01-G-1000A)

Raytheon 9.7 Feb 2004 – FFP contract for purchase of APG-73(V) receiver spares for the
F/A-18E/F. Completed December 2005. (N00383-04-G-001H-5009)

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APG-73(V)

Award
Contractor ($ millions) Date/Description
Raytheon 11.5 Apr 2004 – Delivery order under a previously issued basic ordering agreement for
the procurement of five APG-73(V) radar upgrade Phase I retrofit kits for the F/A-18
modernization program. Completed Mar 2006. (N00383-01-G-100A)

Raytheon 5.9 Sep 2004 – FFP delivery order against a previously awarded basic ordering
agreement for 18 APG-73 antennas for F/A-18 aircraft. Completed Jun 2007.
(N00383-04-G-001H)

Raytheon 12.6 Dec 2004 – Delivery order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement
for procurement of APG-73 receivers (spares) for the F/A-18E/F. Completed
Dec 2006. (N00383-04-G-001H, 5032)

Raytheon 22.9 Mar 2006 – FFP order against a previously awarded basic ordering agreement for
APG-73 spares used on the F/A-18. Completed Sep 2007. (N00383-04-G-001H)

Raytheon 9.8 Jan 2007 – Ceiling-priced delivery order under a previously awarded basic ordering
agreement for repair of APG-73 components. Completed Sep 2007.

Timetable
Month Year Major Development
1989 Radar upgrade program approved
Mar 1992 First flight test on an F/A-18
Sep 1992 Program review, long-lead parts for full-rate production approved
Jul 1993 First delivery, initial production
May 1994 First two F/A-18s with APG-73(V) become operational
Jul 1994 F/A-18E/F Design Review
Feb 1995 First international delivery, to Finland
Jul 1995 First radar delivery to Switzerland
May 1996 First radar delivery to Malaysia
Oct 1996 Full-rate production of APG-73(V) radar upgrade Phase I approved
May 1997 F/A-18E/F procurement plans changed
Nov 1999 Raytheon selected to provide AESA for F/A-18E/F
Jan 2000 Australian production (71 aircraft) contract awarded
Feb 2001 AESA Milestone II
Oct 2001 First full-rate-production F/A-18E/F delivered
Dec 2001 RAAF deliveries begin
Oct 2002 Production by Australia ends
2003 RAAF deliveries completed
Jun 2006 Last APG-73 delivered

Worldwide Distribution/Inventories
The U.S. Navy and USMC are installing the radar on F/A-18C/D aircraft, and will install it on the F/A-18E/F.
Australia retrofitted the APG-73(V) into its F/A-18A/B fleet of 71 aircraft.
Canada upgraded its fleet of CF-18s with new avionics, including the APF-73(V).
Finland uses the radar on 64 F-18Ds.
Malaysia acquired the radar for its 48 F/A-18s.
Switzerland uses the APG-73(V) on its 34 F/A-18C/Ds, and could install it in another 8 to 10 aircraft.

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APG-73(V)

The radar has been approved for use by Canada, Italy, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the
United Arab Emirates, increasing the sales potential of the radar to these countries.

Forecast Rationale
Focus Shifts Away from Production; countries may favor the newer APG-79(V). Notably,
Maintenance Outlook Strong the APG-73 can be upgraded with electronically
scanned array technology.
With the delivery of the last APG-73 in June 2006,
Raytheon’s focus has shifted from production to Overall, maintenance will account for most of the
maintenance, a market that could be quite lucrative. As funding applied to the APG-73 program. The last
radar systems become more complex and expensive, delivery was made in June 2006. At this point, signing a
more countries will chose to maintain and even upgrade new contract would most likely mean restarting the
systems already in service rather than purchase new production line. Considering the desirability of AESA
ones. Raytheon’s APG-79, which itself is an upgrade of technology, it is unlikely a country seeking new radar
the APG-73, is taking over the market once held by its systems would undertake the costs of restarting
predecessor. The U.S. Navy, along with many other production of a mechanically scanned array system. At
operators of the F/A-18 Hornet, is choosing the this time, Forecast International believes there will be
APG-79’s AESA technology over the APG-73’s older no new sales of the APG-73, despite a continuous
mechanical array. stream of maintenance and upgrade contracts.
Therefore, this report will be archived in 2008.
The RAAF upgraded its F/A-18C/D fleet with the
APG-73(V) during a fleet-wide retrofit, but many

Ten-Year Outlook
No new production of the APG-73 is expected. Barring the award of new production contracts, this report will be
archived in 2008.

* * *

October 2007