APG-70 was used in both F-15C and F-15E. Problem is - not only APG-63 is old, but even APG-70 is already too old - some parts are no longer manufactured!
So, APG-70 (~200 units) are now being removed from F-15C, to be used as spare parts to maintain F-15E systems (~400 units).
F-15C RADAR SITUATION TODAY:
APG-63 parts are also no longer produced, but this radar is available in large numbers from F-15A aircraft that are removed from inventory. So, the original APG-63 radar is still used in some F-15C, even today (~200 units).
To modernize F-15C from obsolete APG-63, and to make APG-70 available for F-15E, APG-63(v)1 was introduced (~200 units). It is very similar to APG-70 (actually, somewhat newer, with improved air-to-ground mode) but uses some new manufactured parts. (Some parts are identical to APG-70)
APG-63(v)2 is similar to (v)1, but with electronically scanned antenna (~20 units).
CONTROL PANELS
Original APG-63 control panel (with added NCTR switch) is shown. I can describe most of the switch functions if desired, but this is a very old radar. Interesting, it matches Chizh's original description - there are no independent PRF or MTR controls.
This control panel is absent in F-15E. APG-70 is controlled by MFD buttons and has many more functions.
I think that APG-63(v)x, which has TWS and is above APG-70 level of technology, must also be controlled by MFD buttons instead of this old control panel. I am still researching about it.
Hope this helps,
-SK
Крайний раз редактировалось SwingKid; 24.09.2004 в 02:21.
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