Northrop Grumman Platform-Agnostic Pod Destined for ANG and Reserve F-16 Fleet
A US Air National Guard operational F-16 has flown the Northrop Grumman AN/ASQ-236 DRAGON’S EYE AESA radar pod – which the USAF intends to deploy on its ANG and Reserve F-16 fleet – for the first time, the company announced on 18 November.
“The addition of the DRAGON’S EYE to the F-16 VIPER is a force multiplier, enabling warfighters to detect, track, identify and target faster in theater,” explained Susan Bruce, VP, Advanced Mission Capabilities, Northrop Grumman. “This pod is rapidly adaptable to new platforms and it features advanced radar modes that can be shared across our fifth-generation radar portfolio.”
The AN/ASQ-236 DRAGON’S EYE pod is already operational on the USAF F-15E STRIKE EAGLE and can be integrated on both large and fighter-sized platforms. Northrop Grumman has previously integrated it on an AC-130 gunship and a B-52 bomber during a proof-of-concept demonstration.
The radar pod is a tactical Ku-band AESA radar surveillance pod that provides aircrew with all-weather, multi-target detection, track and engagement capability. Northrop Grumman’s sensors and EW systems give aircrews superiority across the spectrum, allowing for faster, more informed decisions.