Raytheon has been awarded its second contract from Boeing for low-rate initial production (LRIP) of active electronically scanned array radar systems for the U.S. Air Force F-15E Radar Modernization Program.

Raytheon's APG-82(V)1 AESA radar can simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets at longer ranges than the APG-70 radar it replaces. The system offers a substantial improvement in reliability and reduces Air Force maintenance costs.

“Raytheon's APG-82 radars will allow F-15E pilots to fly into battle with increased confidence knowing they are using the world's most advanced airborne radar system,” said Mark Kula, vice president of Tactical Airborne Systems for Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems business.

“Raytheon leads the world in AESA radar production, with more than 400 systems delivered and 300,000 operational flight hours achieved on multiple platforms.”

Raytheon is scheduled to begin delivery of the LRIP-2 radar systems in February 2014. Final delivery of the initial LRIP lot of six APG-82(V)1 radars is scheduled to be completed by that date.