El SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has delivered the first APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar for the U.S. Air Force's F-15E radar modernization program.

"Providing the warfighter with the best combat technology system available is our commitment to our customers," said Steve Schwarzkopf, F-15 program director for Tactical Airborne Systems. "With the F-15E equipped with the APG-82 proven-technology radar system, pilots will fly with the most advanced radar in multirole combat."

The delivery of the new radar systems is part of the Air Force's F-15E radar modernization program following the successful completion of the acceptance testing phase.

"One AESA-equipped F-15E can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously, gain the same battle picture and prosecute the same number of attacks that currently require several mechanically-scanned radar assets," said Brad Jones, Boeing director for USAF Development Programs. "The incorporation of the AESA multiplies the effectiveness of the F-15E."

The APG-82(V)1 technology offers more than 20 times the system reliability of previously installed APG-70 radar systems on the F-15E, reducing maintenance cost and improving F-15E performance for the Air Force. When integrated into the F-15 weapons system, the AESA radar will improve the detection and tracking of enemy airborne and surface targets.

As part of the system design and development phase of the radar modernization program, Raytheon will produce AESA radar test units supporting efforts to integrate AESA into the F-15E weapon system. The integration activity will take place at Boeing facilities in St. Louis, Mo., followed by developmental and initial operational test and evaluation flight programs.

Raytheon and Boeing share more than 35 years of success on numerous generations of F-15 radar, beginning with the delivery of the first APG-63 radar in 1972 and the incorporation of the world's first operational fighter AESA radar with the APG-63(V)2. This legacy, along with shared experiences on the F/A-18E/F APG-79, ensures the AESA-equipped F-15E will remain a force multiplier for decades to come.

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

SOURCE Raytheon Company