AN/ALR-94

AN/ALR-94. It is an advanced, passive radar warning receiver and electronic warfare suite developed for the United States Air Force's premier air superiority fighter, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. As a critical component of the F-22 Raptor's integrated avionics system, it provides unparalleled situational awareness and targeting capability against enemy air defense networks. The system's sophisticated design enables the F-22 Raptor to detect, identify, and engage threats at extremely long ranges before itself being detected.

Overview

The primary function of this system is to provide a comprehensive electronic order of battle for the F-22 Raptor pilot. It integrates wideband radar warning, precise angle-of-arrival measurement, and a passive targeting mode that can cue the fighter's AN/APG-77 radar or AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. This capability is central to the United States Air Force's concept of "first-look, first-shot, first-kill" in contested airspace. Its performance is a cornerstone of the F-22 Raptor's stealth and sensor fusion, working in concert with other systems like the AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector.

Development and deployment

Development was led by what is now BAE Systems as part of the broader Advanced Tactical Fighter program that produced the F-22 Raptor. The system evolved from earlier technologies like the AN/ALR-56 and was designed to counter advanced threats anticipated from the Soviet Union and later from nations like Russia and the People's Republic of China. Initial operational capability was achieved with the F-22 Raptor in the 2000s, with the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley Air Force Base among the first units equipped. The program faced significant budgetary scrutiny during the 1990s but was preserved due to its critical role in maintaining air dominance.

Technical description

The system is composed of more than 30 apertures embedded in the skin of the F-22 Raptor's wings and fuselage, providing spherical coverage. It employs advanced digital signal processing and channelized receiver technology to instantaneously analyze the radio frequency spectrum. A key feature is its extremely sensitive narrowband receivers, which can detect and classify emitters at ranges far greater than the target radar can detect the stealthy F-22 Raptor. This data is fused with inputs from the AN/APG-77 and Inertial navigation system within the F-22 Raptor's Common Integrated Processor.

Operational history

The capabilities of this system have been demonstrated in numerous Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base and in real-world deployments. While specific combat details are classified, the F-22 Raptor and its sensors have been deployed in conflicts including operations over Syria. Pilots from units like the 94th Fighter Squadron have reported its effectiveness in providing dominant awareness of surface-to-air missile sites and enemy aircraft during simulated and actual combat scenarios, contributing to the aircraft's unblemished exercise record against opposing Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Eurofighter Typhoon forces.

Variants and upgrades

The system has undergone continuous software upgrades since its introduction to address new threats and improve performance. A significant evolution is its integration with the F-22 Raptor's Incremental 3.2B upgrade, which enhanced its geolocation accuracy and interoperability with other platforms like the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye. Future upgrades are planned as part of the United States Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance family of systems, ensuring compatibility with new weapons and unmanned combat aerial vehicle loyal wingmen.

Category:Avionics of the United States Category:Radar warning receivers Category:BAE Systems