APG-80 and APG-83 design

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Ronny

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On F-16 block 60 the APG-80 radar is slightly slanted back to reduce the RCS of the aircraft (similar design methods is also used on F-18E/F, F-2, F-22, F-35, J-20..etc) . But on F-16V Block 70, the APG-83 radar is designed to be perpendicular to the direction of travel, so the RCS is much higher head on. What is the reason for this backward change in design?

F-16 block 60 with slanted radome
F-16 block 60.jpeg


APG-83 with straight antenna face
apg-83 new.jpg
 
AFAIK, the APG-80 is tailored made for the late models F-16, with improved cooling abilities and electric output, where the APG-83 is more of an upgrade option for the older models, also available on new production models. In short: optimisation vs retrofit compatibility.
Performance charts give a 50% range advantage to the APG-80.
 
Sounds like the Block 60s are better than the Block 70s. Better radar, more powerful engine.
 
sferrin said:
Sounds like the Block 60s are better than the Block 70s. Better radar, more powerful engine.
Click to expand...
They are liquid cooled too for longer range while apg-83 is air cooled. On the other hand apg-80 is heavier while apg-83 is like 90-95% in common with apg-81 in terms of software.

Some versions of the block 70 like what’s being proposed to India *might* have improved cooling solutions but I don’t have much information.
 

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Found this marked AN/APG-80. I’m not sure what to make of it. It was on an image hosting site so I assume it was from some forum somewhere.
 

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F-2 said:
Found this marked AN/APG-80. I’m not sure what to make of it. It was on an image hosting site so I assume it was from some forum somewhere.
Click to expand...
This table reminds me of the AN/APG-59 thread especially the lack of Medium PRF.
 

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