APG-68

The AN/APG-68 radar is a solid state long range (up to 300 km) 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 radar system consists of the following line replaceable units:
* Antenna
* Dual Mode Transmitter (DMT)
* Modular Low-power radio frequency (MLPRF)
* Programmable signal processor (PSP)

The AN/APG-68v(9) radar is the latest development. Besides the increase in scan range compared to the last version,The AN/APG-68v(9) radar has a SAR (Synthetic aperture radar) capability.

The APG-68v(9) radar was supplied to several countries. some of them were:
Israeli Air Force (IAF) on F-16D block 52+ aircraft called Soufa (סופה).
Greek Air Force also on F-16D block 52+ aircraft.

Enhancements

The AN/APG-68(V)9 radar employs enhanced software algorithms for SAR capability, resolution in the cross range (azimuth) dimension is achieved by synthesizing a large antenna aperture using the motion of the radar platform as the synthesis basis. In brief, the movement of the radar plenum is what synthesizes the larger radar area.

The key to SAR is the data processing, of the reflected or returned information, which by the usage of software algorithmic design performs the SAR image focusing, so that the radar appears to provide ultra high resolution of the returned SAR image.

pecifications

*Frequency: Starting Envelope fr around 9.86GHz.
*Under AIS Testing as high as 26 GHz
*Range: 296.32km, 184 miles
*Search cone: 120 degrees × 120 degrees
*Azimuth angular coverage: ±10 degrees / ± 30 degrees / ± 60 degrees

*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 Operation Flight Program (OFP), which is controlled and modified for new threats or addition radar system requirements.
*Modular Low Powered Radio Frequency (MLPRF) - The fr generator for the radar system, fr generation is dependent on the random fr 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 amplified 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, and processing within the MLPRF to be matched against the radar threat tables within the PSP, prior to system display.
*Dual Mode Transmitter (DMT) - A 24,000 volt radar transmitter, containing a TWT (Travelling Wave Tube), which generates the amplified RF to be sent to the radar Antenna for system emission.
*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.