Next-generation AN/APG-85 radar to make F-35 stealth aircraft more lethal

News, US January 20, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. defense manufacturer Northrop Grumman is developing an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, AN/APG-85, for the F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter jet, which will make it more lethal.

The AN/APG-85 radar would enable the aircraft to successfully defeat current and future air and surface threats. The advanced multifunction sensors are compatible with all the variants of the F-35 fighter jet.

According to the Northrop Grumman statement, “The development and integration of APG-85 will incorporate some of the latest technologies available and help ensure air superiority.”

Northrop Grumman currently manufactures the AN/APG-81 AESA fire control radar of the F-35 Lightning II’s sensor suite. The advanced sensors in the fighter jet will provide unparalleled battlespace situational awareness making it more lethal and effective, as well as increasing the aircraft’s survivability.

Apart from the AN/APG-85 and AN/APG-81 radars, Northrop Grumman also makes the center fuselage for the aircraft’s internal weapons bay and internal fuel capacity.

The U.S. defense firm also produces and maintains various “sensor systems, avionics, mission systems, and mission-planning software, pilot and maintainer training systems courseware, electronic warfare simulation test capability, and low-observable technologies,” the company’s statement highlighted.

*^{Northrop Grumman is developing the next-generation radar for the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. (Image Credit: Northrop Grumman)}*

Northrop Grumman plays a critical role in the development, modernization, sustainment, and production of the F-35 multirole stealth fighter aircraft.

The Northrop Grumman AESA fire control radars provide air-to-air, air-to-ground, and ground support to the U.S. Air Force. The company is the largest producer of Electronically Scanned Arrays and the only supplier of airborne fire control radars for both U.S. fifth-generation fighter jets, the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.