AN/APG-68

Programmable Signal Processor (PSP) - The core

radar component which is responsible for signal processing, frequency selection, signal digitization for
B-Scope display. The PSP is controlled through
the F-16 Heads Down Display Set (HDDS) or
what is commonly called the Multi-Function Displays (MFDs). The PSP is directed by the system operational ight program (OFP), which is controlled and modied for new threats or addition
radar system requirements. The PSP also contains
all the controls circuitry for radar A/A and A/G operational scan patterns and SAR/ISAR operation.

The AN/APG-68 radar is a long range (up to 296

km)[1] Pulse-doppler radar designed by Westinghouse
(now Northrop Grumman) to replace AN/APG-66 radar
in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The AN/APG-68(V)8
and earlier radar system consists of the following linereplaceable units:
Antenna
Dual Mode Transmitter (DMT)
Modular Low-power radio frequency (MLPRF)
Programmable signal processor (PSP)

Modular Low Powered Radio Frequency (MLPRF)

- The frequency generator for the radar system. Frequency generation is dependent on the random frequency selection from the radar tables within the
PSP upon system start-up. The MLPRF will generate a small amount of RF Drive, which is sent to the
Dual Mode Transmitter (DMT), where it is amplied and a small RF sample is sent to the MLPRF for
comparison checksum (more like a check and balance system). The MLPRF also is responsible for
the receiving of the radar return, generating the RF
injection noise (for RF discrimination), and the processed RF within the MLPRF is then later sent to the
PSP for video processing and threat/target matching
against the radar threat tables within the PSP, prior
to ightcrew system display.

The AN/APG-68(V)9[2] radar system consists of the following line-replaceable units:

Antenna
Medium Duty Transmitter (MDT)
Modular Receiver/Exciter (MoRE)
Common Radar Processor (CoRP)
The AN/APG-68(V)9 radar is the latest development.
Besides the increase in scan range compared to the previous version, it has a Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capability.
The APG-68(V)9 has equipped several variants, including the F-16D Block 52+s of the Israeli Air Force,
Republic of Singapore Air Force, Turkish Air Force,[3]
Moroccan Air Force and Greek Air Force, Pakistan Air
Force,F-16C/D Block 52+s of the Polish Air Force and
F-16 A/B Block 15 MLU of the Royal Thai Air Force

Dual Mode Transmitter (DMT) - A 24,000 volt

radar transmitter, containing a TWT, which generates the amplied RF to be sent to the radar Antenna
for system emission. The TWT operates by optical pulses received from the DMTs internal Pulse
Decker Unit and TWT Cathode/Anode voltage inputs.

Specications
Frequency: Starting Envelope frequency around
9.86 GHz.

Antenna - A planar array antenna, which is constructed to receive RF data through a waveguide
system. The transmitted and received pulses are
controlled in time by the PMW (Pulse Modulated
Wave) radar design, and the waveguide duplexer
assembly. Internal to the antenna are Uniphaser
Assemblies (used for quadrature phase control),
Phase Shifters (used of quadrature I/Q data) and
gimbalized motor control for antenna positioning
and position correction.

Under AIS Testing as high as 26 GHz

Range: 296.32 km, 184 miles
Range for 5m2 aerial target is 105km[4]
Search cone: 120 degrees 120 degrees
Azimuth angular coverage: 10 degrees / 30 degrees / 60 degrees
1

References

[1] http://www.deagel.com/Aircraft-Warners-and-Sensors/
ANAPG-68_a001560001.aspx
[2] http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/solutions/apg68/
assets/APG68.pdf
[3] http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/25/
323057/turkey-completes-deal-for-30-new-f-16s.html
[4] http://defence.pk/threads/
radar-ranges-of-different-fighters.94948/page-7

External links
Northrop Grumman APG-68(V)9 Site
AN/APG-68 Global Security.com

EXTERNAL LINKS

Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

4.1

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AN/APG-68 Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/APG-68?oldid=646082919 Contributors: Michael Devore, XLerate, Arado, Engineer Bob, Ms2ger, Kevin, SmackBot, Colputt, Dual Freq, TheGerm, A.R., A5b, MonsieurET, Amalas, Cydebot, NDCompuGeek,
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4.2

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