Raytheon Secures USAF Contract to Equip X-62A VISTA with PhantomStrike Radar

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PhantomStrike Radar. Photo Credit: Raytheon

Raytheon, a business unit of RTX, has been awarded a contract by the United States Air Force to equip the X-62A VISTA aircraft with its advanced PhantomStrike radar system. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of integrating next-generation radar technology into experimental platforms that are designed to test autonomy and artificial intelligence in air combat scenarios.

VISTA PS: X-62 VISTA. Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez

The X-62A VISTA is a highly modified F-16D Block 30 aircraft that has been upgraded with Block 40 avionics. It serves as a unique test bed for the integration of machine learning algorithms and specialized software, allowing researchers and engineers to explore how autonomous systems can operate in complex air combat environments. By using VISTA, the Air Force can simulate and evaluate advanced tactics without relying solely on operational aircraft, making it an essential tool for future air dominance strategies.

PhantomStrike radar represents a breakthrough in airborne sensor technology. It is the first air-cooled radar of its class, designed to be compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient compared to modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. Its design makes it suitable for a wide range of platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles, light attack aircraft, and helicopters, where size, weight, and power constraints are critical.

The radar leverages gallium nitride (GaN) technology, which provides superior power efficiency and reliability. It incorporates digital beam forming and steering, enabling precise control of radar beams and rapid adaptation to dynamic combat conditions. Its multimode functionality allows it to track both air and ground targets in an interleaved manner, ensuring operational flexibility across diverse mission profiles.

One of the most significant advantages of PhantomStrike is its cost efficiency. It delivers nearly half the cost of traditional fire-control radars while maintaining advanced capabilities. This makes it a practical solution for platforms that require high-performance radar systems without the expense of larger, more complex sensors.


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