Repair and Engineering Sustainment of APG-66 and APG-68 RADARs for the F-16 Fighting Falcon

The F-16 Fighting Falcon, originally designed as the U.S. Air Force’s premier air-to-air day fighter, has undergone significant evolution over its more than forty years of service. Initially engineered for high maneuverability and rapid response, this fourth-generation aircraft introduced groundbreaking innovations such as a negative stability fly-by-wire control system, a frameless bubble canopy, and a side-mounted control stick. Its strengthened airframe and reclined ejection seat allow for high-G maneuvers, making it a formidable air superiority fighter.

Mar 10, 2025

One of the most critical advancements that enabled the F-16 to transition from a daytime air-to-air fighter to an all-weather, multi-role combat aircraft was the development and enhancement of its RADAR systems. The original AN/APG-66 fire-control RADAR provided a reliable medium-range pulse-doppler capability with a range of up to 150 km. This system included multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground operating modes, enhancing the F-16’s mission effectiveness even in low-visibility conditions.

Evolution to the AN/APG-68 Fire-Control RADAR

As the F-16’s operational requirements expanded, so too did the need for a more capable RADAR system. The introduction of the AN/APG-68 fire-control RADAR, first deployed in the F-16C/D Block 25, marked a significant leap in capability. Like its predecessor, the AN/APG-68 retained pulse-doppler RADAR functionality but offered a host of improvements that made the F-16 a more versatile, all-weather fighter.

Key Enhancements of the AN/APG-68:

Greater Range: Extended target engagement range up to 184 miles, enhancing situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
Increased Reliability: A mean time between failure (MTBF) exceeding 200 hours, reducing operational costs and maintenance downtime.
LANTIRN Compatibility: Enabled integration with Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) systems, significantly improving night-flying and precision-strike capabilities.
High-Resolution Mapping & Target Detection: Advanced signal processing and medium-doppler waveforms improved detection in high-clutter environments.
Expanded Operating Modes: Over 25 operational modes, including track-while-scan for simultaneous tracking of up to 10 targets, ground mapping, moving target detection, and maritime engagement modes.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): High-resolution ground mapping capabilities, allowing for all-weather, day-and-night precision strike capabilities.
Improved Weapons Integration: Enhanced compatibility with advanced GPS-aided munitions and next-generation air-to-air missiles.

The latest iteration, the AN/APG-68(V)9, further refines these capabilities, offering a 30% increase in air-to-air detection range and equipping newer F-16 variants worldwide.

The Importance of RADAR Maintenance and Sustainment

A fully functional RADAR system is mission-critical for an F-16 pilot. Without operational RADAR, pilots are unable to detect or engage air and ground targets, severely limiting the aircraft’s combat effectiveness. Ensuring the availability and reliability of these fire-control RADARs requires dedicated repair and engineering sustainment efforts.

Duotech Services, with 40+ years of experience and AS9100C and ISO 9100 certifications, provides industry-leading repair and support solutions for the APG-66 and APG-68 RADAR systems. As a trusted provider of electronics and electromechanical repair, Duotech specializes in servicing RADAR systems, flight controls, data processing units, and communication systems for legacy aircraft worldwide.

Engineering Solutions for RADAR Sustainment

Duotech delivers comprehensive nose-to-tail support for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, ensuring continued mission readiness through innovative repair and upgrade solutions. One such advancement is the Improved Low-Power Radio Frequency (ILPRF) design, which modernizes obsolete components, enhances reliability, and extends operational life.

ILPRF Upgrade Features:

Form-Fit-Function Retrofit: Replaces aging APG-66 LPRF subassemblies while maintaining compatibility with existing configurations.
Obsolescence Mitigation: Eliminates problematic RF subassemblies while preserving key components to minimize costs and requalification efforts.
Long-Term Sustainability: Designed for extended operational life with off-the-shelf component availability.
Rapid ROI: Cost-effective upgrades that enhance mission effectiveness without the need for complete system replacements.
No Minimum Quantity Requirement: Flexible upgrade solutions tailored to the needs of various operators.
Adherence to OEM & USAF Standards: All work is performed in Duotech’s facilities, ensuring compliance with original manufacturer and U.S. Air Force specifications.
Reprogrammable LRUs: Enables LRU reprogramming to match OEM original G0X configurations.
Stock Optimization: Converts non-repairable LRUs into serviceable rotatable stock, reducing downtime and repair turnaround time.

Ensuring Mission Readiness for the Future

The F-16 remains a critical component of Air Forces worldwide, and sustaining its RADAR systems ensures continued operational effectiveness in modern combat environments. Duotech’s expertise in RADAR sustainment, combined with its advanced engineering solutions, offers F-16 operators a cost-effective means to extend the service life of their aircraft while maintaining peak performance.

Through responsive repair, engineering, and sustainment solutions, Duotech helps Air Forces around the world maintain mission readiness, ensuring that the F-16 Fighting Falcon remains a dominant force in air combat for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about how Duotech Services can support your APG-66 and APG-68 RADAR systems or provide upgrade solutions.