F-15E flies with new radar system

Officials took a step forward in the F-15E Strike Eagle's continuous technological evolution as the Air Force's most versatile combat aircraft here Jan. 18.

Officials from the 46th Test Wing launched the fourth generation fighter for the first time with a new and improved radar system, the APG-82(V)1.

The APG-82 uses active electronically scanned array radar technology composed of numerous small solid-state transmit and receive modules. The standard radar, APG-70, is a mechanically scanned array housed in the nose of the aircraft. Although the current F-15E radar has undergone numerous updates and upgrades, it is still the same system the aircraft had on its maiden flight more than 24 years ago.

"We've been able to get more out of it, but at this point it's pretty much maxed out," said 1st Lt. Nathaniel Meier, a radar modernization project manager with the Operational Flight Program Combined Test Force.

The new radar lacks the motors and hydraulics of the old system and includes a new avionics and cooling system.

Aircraft radar continuously sends out and receives energy to identify objects or targets around it.

Due to its unique capabilities, the F-15E radar operates as air-to-air and air-to-ground radar, officials said.

[ A-10 couldn't be used against any country with a real ability to defend itself. ]

The A-10 is a flying tank.. are tanks still useful?..
Are armys still viable?.. Where ever you have foot soldiers A-10's are meaningful.. An A-10 is a flying marksman.. A UAV version might be useful.. a variation of a "Predator".. F-35's are too fast without the gatling gun..

Speznaz wrote:

The U.S. should upgrade the A-10... with stealth and avionics.. and maybe VTOL versions..
They did that. It is called the F-35.

Uh, I think hosepipe knew that and was being sarcastic...

Some think this plane is ugly. They like the sleek and cool looking planes with all the kinetic performance specs and gee wiz techy things that are impressive. Of course in the USAF all that use to matter at least was what the fighter mafia wanted. For a ground pounder like I was, the A10 was a beautiful sight. A pilot that knew what he was doing (Because that's what they always do, unlike vipers etc), a plane that could loiter a long time, carry a lot in terms of types of ordinance and types of targeting systems as well as actual payload........ When up in Alaska (1-17 IN) we use to train and the A10’s (Eileson AFB) would buzz us. You'd hardly hear them until they are on top of you and then you hear is their eerily howling sound. I just can't see how a jack of all trades F35 will replace a purpose built A10 (although sold as a replacement) with his armor, 30mm, twin engines, landing gear that can take abuse, little FOD issues...... That A10 was made for CAS, operating in austere conditions etc. and it does it so damn well! Like the A-1 which stuck around in Vietnam, I think the A10 will be with us for a while.

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