SABR to Extend Radar Capability of F-16 Fighters

Northrop Grumman has been chosen by prime contractor Lockheed Martin as the radar provider for the F-16 combat avionics programmed extension suite (CAPES), which is an avionics modernization program designed to keep the F-16 viable in future threat environments and improve system reliability and maintainability.

 

Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) contributes to CAPES program objectives to mitigate critical future capability gaps, provide advanced electronic protection, enhance situational awareness and survivability, and provide options to meet force structure requirements with modernized F-16s. 

 

The radar system adds electronic protection, including modes ported directly from the F-35's AN/APG-81 radar, to counter current and future threats, according to a program manager. Similar radars developed by the company are currently flying on the F-16 Block 60, F-22 and F-35 Lightning II. The high degree of commonality among the radars, coupled with shared manufacturing processes and infrastructure, enables efficiencies and affordability across programs, according to the company. 

 

SABR includes Big Synthetic Aperture Radar (Big SAR) mapping, which allows for broader all-environment precision mapping. Auto Target Cueing and Auto Target Recognition improve situational awareness and combat identification. Air-to-air and air-to-surface detection, tracking, and weapons employment ranges have all been increased. Mode interleaving also improves situational awareness and survivability. 

 

Reliability and availability is said to be three to five times greater than with the mechanically scanned F-16 radars fielded just two decades ago, which adds up to higher readiness rates and lower support costs. 

 

As part of the contractual agreement with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman will also be upgrading the radars for the Taiwan Air Force's F-16 fleet. Radar development and production activities for the U.S. and Taiwan F-16 upgrade programs will run in parallel and demonstrate the benefits of international cooperation, interoperability, and equipment commonality for U.S and allied forces.