Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has selected Raytheon to provide a next-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle multi-role aircraft.

Boeing selected Raytheon following a rigorous source selection competition. The Air Force plans to develop and incorporate the AESA radar under the F-15E Radar Modernization Program (RMP).

Boeing and Raytheon 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's AESA radar is the best choice for the F-15E Eagle," said Mark Bass, Boeing F-15 vice president and program manager. "The AESA radar greatly improves the F-15E crew's situational awareness, targeting range and accuracy. The AESA radar will ensure that the combat-proven F-15E continues its multi-role supremacy for decades."

Boeing selected Raytheon in anticipation of an Air Force F-15E RMP System Design and Development (SDD) contract in 2008. During the SDD phase, Raytheon will produce AESA radar test units and support Boeing's efforts to integrate the AESA radar into the F-15E weapon system. The integration activity will take place at Boeing facilities in St. Louis prior to entering the developmental and initial operational test and evaluation flight programs.

The F-15E RMP will replace the APG-70 radar with an AESA radar, improving radar reliability, maintainability and performance, while reducing support costs. When integrated into the F-15E weapons system, the AESA radar will improve detection and tracking of enemy targets, including small targets.