The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) to replace and upgrade the existing sensors on Lockheed Martin C-130 variants operated by Special Operations Command (SOCOM) units.
According to an Aug. 27 request for information and an Aug. 28 special notice from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), the service plans to buy 147 radars for 64 MC-130J Commando IIs, 39 HC-130J Combat King IIs, 30 AC-130J Ghostriders, and 10 spares.
The new system will replace the AN/APN-241, a mechanically scanned radar used primarily for navigation and weather.
Northrop Grumman is the original manufacturer of the APG-83, but Air Force acquisition rules require exploring whether alternative sources are available.
The package includes antenna assemblies, receiver exciter processors, and interior cabin kits, with contractors expected to provide support equipment, calibration, and long-term sustainment equal to or better than original manufacturer standards.
According to Northrop Grumman, the AN/APG-83 SABR is a highly capable Active Electronically Scanned Array radar designed to modernize legacy aircraft like the F-16. It is capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging multiple airborne targets simultaneously.
