General Dynamics to build wide-band radomes for F-16s
General Dynamics Mission Systems has been awarded a $17.54 million contract to produce wide-band radomes for USAF F-16 aircraft that are equipped with AESA radars.
The wideband radome is compatible with the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar.
Work will be performed in Marion, Virginia, for completion by 10 September 2032.
The contract was awarded by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
General Dynamics designed the wide-band radome for installation in F-16 upgrade programmes up to Block 50/52, as the previous narrow-band radomes (with monolithic wall construction) were not capable of supporting full-bandwidth operations of AESA radars.
Prototype radomes have already been produced and tested and full qualification is underway, General Dynamics noted earlier in 2020.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
NATO innovation programme doubles in size
DIANA has been leveraging its accelerator programme and test centre network to bring end users together with start-ups, scientific researchers and technology companies for the development of dual-use technological defence and security solutions.
-
DARPA awards AI contracts
The US has been working to out how to use and defend against AI with DARPA alone outlining in 2008 ‘AI Next’ programme with US$2 billion committed to advance the science of AI.
-
Finding your space
Digital mapping and geolocation have become critical to battlespace users, and ensuring the best content is delivered is vital.
-
Why the US would struggle to overcome Russia’s nuclear anti-satellite weapon
Russia's move to develop a nuclear anti-satellite weapon has highlighted US anxieties over space combat readiness, challenging the Pentagon's strategic defences in a potential cosmic battleground.
-
China’s AI developments in electronic surveillance extends to battlefield
‘Nowhere to hide’ as Chinese progress in AI-enabled surveillance technological has enabled it to identify and suppress enemy communications systems.
-
Boeing wins $440 million contract for 12th Wideband Global SATCOM satellite
Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites have been supporting the US DoD’s warfighting information exchange requirements, enabling execution of tactical C4ISR, battlefield management and combat support information.