Four F-15s with New AESA Radar Arrive at Kadena

The 18th Wing at Kadena AB, Japan, recently received its first four F-15Cs upgraded with Raytheon’s APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array radar system. These aircraft will be assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron and 67th FS that already operate some F-15s fitted with the APG-63(V)2 AESA. In a release from prime F-15 contractor Boeing, Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, 18th Wing commander, said the (V)3 “improves our capabilities and lethality as a combat air force” and is “the world’s most powerful air-to-air radar.” The (V)3 also is 50 times more reliable than the mechanically scanned antenna it replaces. Boeing is under contract to upgrade 27 USAF active duty and 18 Air National Guard F-15C/Ds with the (V)3 system over the next 10 months. Kadena is slated to have 54 AESA-equipped F-15s by September 2013. (See also Short Stint from the Daily Report archives.)