Andrzej Jeziorski/SINGAPORE
Singapore Technologies Aerospace (STAero) is in advanced talks with BAE Systems to establish a joint venture to develop, manufacture and market the Falcon ONEcockpit upgrade for the Lockheed Martin F-16.
"We are at an advanced stage of discussions and are putting a business case together. We will be in a position to look at a way forward next month," says BAE. The company says it is unclear whether the co-operation will involve setting up a new joint venture, although this is under consideration.
Talks are understood to have started following the Asian Aerospace 2000 show in late February, where STAero displayed a Falcon ONE cockpit mock-up. According to sources close to the programme, one potential sticking point is STAero's requirement that BAE contribute $3 million towards the first upgraded aircraft.
The Falcon ONE upgrade, aimed at operators of F-16A/Bs and older F-16C/Ds, includes new multifunction colour displays, radar, head-up display and a helmet-mounted sight.
Two radar options are being proposed: either the Fiar Grifo, or the Northrop Grumman APG-66(V)2, which claims a 25% range improvement, 50% better reliability and 16% less weight than the current F-16A/B radar. It also offers compatibility with the Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missile.
Falcon ONE is aimed primarily at the international market, and although the Republic of Singapore Air Force has seven F-16A/Bs alongside its C/Ds, it is thought unlikely it will upgrade the aircraft. Singapore is believed to be considering the procurement of an extra squadron of F-16C/Ds to replace some of its McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawks, and could retire the A/Bs.
Source: Flight International
