What can be detected by RWR, what can't?

[LesmoR]

Our Viper operates with AN/ALR-56M RWR, which derives from AN/ALR-56C on F-15s. As part of a SEAD platform, how capable is the AN/ALR-56M? (e.g. Effective Range? Band Coverage?)

afaik The AN/ALR-56M has 360 azimuth coverage but 45degree elevation limitation, E-J band coverage and uncertain C,D band detection ability, does that mean some emitters operating on these bands will not trigger the RWR?

Also, the TEWS on F-15 is able to identify whether the radar threat is above or below the aircraft and inform the pilot through voice warning, does that apply to the Viper?

[_Hoss]

In the AN/ALR-67 in the Hornet, there is what's called the Threat Library memory card. Each target tracking and search RADARS, have their own unique PRT and PW signal characteristics. Or it's own Finger Print that distinguish it from other systems. Most RWR receiver's filter or band pass signals between .5 to 18 GHZ, where your AN/ALQ-126 Deception Repeaters in the Hornet only pass signals between 2 to 18 GHZ. It will not respond to Search RADARS. The cockpit display will display icons of specific threats that it's Threat Library recognizes. The ones it can't, it shows as UNK, unknown. If you know your threat RADAR symbols you will know if you are looking at a Search RADAR, or Target Tracking RADAR, both Surface and Airbourne. And your system (ALQ-126) will only transmit when you are receiving a specified signal strength. So as you draw closer the signal strength increases, to the level needed to trip a signal discrete in the system to fire the transmitter. It also does the reciprocal as the signal strength decreases.... I.e. range. The Library is programmable to update to new theater threats. But we have to take into account whether or not the module maker actually understands these variables. After all it is a game, not real life. 

Edited October 21 by _Hoss

[SubZ3r0]

I wouldn't consider the RWR to have an "Effective Range"......regardless of what the emitter is, if THAT has enough range to emit radar that hits the F16 RWR, it will show up. RW Receivers are on both Front and back of the F16 with blind spots on top and bottom. Remember, the RWR is a Receiver...not an emitter. Looks like the receiver supports scanning in the 6-20GHZ Low/High band ranges. 

As far as Emitter support, I would guess anything in DCS with an active radar would show up whether identified or Unknown. If you are looking for a list, check the F16 Manual page 594. 

[Muchocracker]

The DTC ELINT partition will show you the nearly exact list of what is programmed to be detectable by the ALR-56M in DCS. 

Edited October 25 by Muchocracker

[RogueSpecterGaming]

8 hours ago, Muchocracker said:

The DTC ELINT partition will show you the nearly exact list of what is programmed to be detected by the ALR-56M in DCS. 

And it works very well in modifying threats and which are more important than others. I think that was a problem before was that threat list and what was preceived as more of a threat than something else was thrown off because it was pretty much a blanket list. I've messed with it a lot and it does indeed adjust what is more of a threat based off of where you put that threat in the list. 

[WHOGX5]

On 10/21/2025 at 1:11 PM, LesmoR said:

Our Viper operates with AN/ALR-56M RWR, which derives from AN/ALR-56C on F-15s. As part of a SEAD platform, how capable is the AN/ALR-56M? (e.g. Effective Range? Band Coverage?)

afaik The AN/ALR-56M has 360 azimuth coverage but 45degree elevation limitation, E-J band coverage and uncertain C,D band detection ability, does that mean some emitters operating on these bands will not trigger the RWR?

Also, the TEWS on F-15 is able to identify whether the radar threat is above or below the aircraft and inform the pilot through voice warning, does that apply to the Viper?

On 10/24/2025 at 2:34 PM, SubZ3r0 said:

I wouldn't consider the RWR to have an "Effective Range"......regardless of what the emitter is, if THAT has enough range to emit radar that hits the F16 RWR, it will show up. RW Receivers are on both Front and back of the F16 with blind spots on top and bottom. Remember, the RWR is a Receiver...not an emitter. Looks like the receiver supports scanning in the 6-20GHZ Low/High band ranges. 

As far as Emitter support, I would guess anything in DCS with an active radar would show up whether identified or Unknown. If you are looking for a list, check the F16 Manual page 594. 

Effective range of the AN/ALR-56M is dependent on the output power of the detected emitter so there's not a single definite number, but suffice to say that the AN/ALR-56M can detect emitters at extreme ranges, before you are within max tracking range of the detected emitter.