Air-to-ground radar
F16 is equipped with a AN/APG-68 Radar System giving it both air to air and air to ground capabilities. Within the aircraft systems, the AN/APG-68 is referred to as the Fire Control Radar (FCR)
Learning objectives
- Know the different ground radar modes (GM - GMT - SEA etc)
- Understand what is the Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS) and it's differences with the Expanded Field of View (FOV)
- Understand the difference between STP and SP modes
- Understand the concept of the SPI and the Cursor Zero command (CZ)
- Know the symbology of the FCR page and the associated cues in the HUD
- Know the useful functions of the HOTAS about the FCR (pinky switch, TMS Up, TMS Down, etc)
Ground Radar Modes
The radar provides A-G modes for the ground map, target detection, tracking, and air-to-ground ranging. The modes are GM, SEA, FTT, GMT, AGR, and BCN (not implemented).
All modes, except air-to-ground ranging, are used to locate preplanned targets presenting a radar return. The ground map video may be expanded, frozen, or have Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS) applied as aids in positioning the radar cursor over the target. Fixed targets may be acquired and tracked in the GM and SEA modes. The GM mode provides accurate cursor placement on conventional GM video for stationary targets. The GMT mode provides detection of moving ground targets. The SEA mode provides sea clutter reduction in moderate sea states for direct and offset sighting options and fixed target track. The AGR mode provides automatic ranging data for determining height above the target.
Possible mnemonics are:
- GM: Ground Map Mode
- GMT: Ground Moving Target Mode
- SEA: Sea Navigation Mode
