Medium PRF for the AN/APG-66 radar

This paper discusses the medium pulse repetition frequency (PRF) pulse doppler mode of the AN/APG-66, the multimode fire control radar for the F-16A/B aircraft. This radar is currently in production and as of January 1984 over 1700 have been delivered. Included is a discussion of the three PRF types: high, low, and medium PRF, leading to the conclusion that for an airborne, look-down application the medium PRF waveform is the best choice. System tradeoffs between a high peak power and a low peak power transmitter are discussed which show that when only a medium PRF waveform is required, the high peak power transmitter yields better performance. Some system design considerations concerning the PRF selection and sidelobe clutter are also included. Finally, the radar mechanization is presented. The AN/APG-66 radar in general, and its medium PRF mode in particular, have undergone extensive operational evaluation and the results have been excellent. The radar has met or exceeded its performance design specifications and the field reliability has been outstanding. For example, for the year 1983 the MTBF was 102.9 h based on 64 204 operating hours from two operational air bases.