The APG-79 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system will provide Super Hornet aircrews with a state-of-the-art system that exhibits increased reliability and delivers improved situational awareness—due to its ability to conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations almost simultaneously at great distances.

"The APG-79 AESA radar is a key element in the Block II upgrades we have been designing into the Super Hornet from its inception," says Roger Besancenez, Boeing's AESA program manager.

"This spiraling development, including advanced displays, new navigation systems—as well as the APG-79 AESA radar system—enhances the Super Hornet's role as the premier strike fighter in today's battlespace and as an advanced node in the vision of ForceNet," he adds.

ForceNet is the operational construct and architectural framework for naval warfare integrating warriors, sensors, command and control, platforms, and weapons into a networked, distributed combat force.

Though most radar systems are created as step-by-step incremental improvements on earlier designs, the APG-79 AESA radar is comprised almost entirely of newly designed hardware and software.