BAE Systems has commenced the upgrade programme for 134 Lockheed Martin F-16 C/D aircraft operated by South Korea.
Two aircraft recently arrived at BAE’s facility at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, says BAE. The aircraft will be upgraded with new weapons, imporved avionics, new mission computers, new cockpit displays, and the Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR).
“The work is part of a Foreign Military Sales program for the Republic of Korea’s fleet of KF-16C/D Block 52 aircraft over several years,” adds BAE.
“With a contract now in place, the program marks the first time a non-original equipment manufacturer is performing a major upgrade for a 4th-generation U.S. fighter jet. The company is also offering similar capabilities to other countries around the world in need of F-16 upgrades.”
Republic of Korea Air Force
While the majority of the work will take place in Fort Worth, BAE locations in Florida, New York, California and Virginia will also play a part. The work will see the company add about 150 employees.
At the Seoul Air Show in October 2013, BAE’s vice-president global fighter programs John Bean said the initial work involves a single-seat F-16C and a twin-seat F-16D.
fter extensive testing, BAE will then develop upgrade kits that will be shipped to South Korea. The upgrades of operational aircraft could begin in 2017, with four to six aircraft receiving the modifications each month.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
