EL SEGUNDO, CA, Dec 22, 2025 – Raytheon has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to equip the X-62A Variable In-Flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA) with its PhantomStrike radar. VISTA is a modified F-16D Block 30 test aircraft. It has been upgraded with Block 40 avionics for advanced flight testing and simulation. The contract includes integration of the radar system on the VISTA test platform.
“Autonomous aircraft are poised to play a key role in helping the U.S. maintain air superiority, and Raytheon’s PhantomStrike radar is uniquely designed to help them do it,” said Dan Theisen, president of advanced products & solutions at Raytheon. “This radar is revolutionary in its use of GaN, completely air-cooled technology, and innovation in how we manufacture it – at a lower cost than other modern-day radars.”
PhantomStrike uses digital beam forming and steering to support multimode operation and interleaved air and targeting. The radar is positioned as a lower-cost alternative to traditional fire-control systems.
Source: Raytheon
About Raytheon
Raytheon, a business segment of RTX Corp., is a U.S.-based defense and aerospace company headquartered in Arlington, VA. With origins dating to 1922 and its current structure formed through a 2020 merger, Raytheon develops technologies in missile systems, radar, space-based sensors and cybersecurity. The company supports government and commercial clients across the defense, intelligence, aerospace and space sectors. Raytheon operates alongside other RTX business units, including Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney. Its capabilities include guided weapons, air defense systems, satellite payloads and secure communications.