Tim Ripley
Lockheed Martin is to start negotiations with the United Arab Emirates this month to finalise their $8 billion order for 80 advanced F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft.
Senior US Senators have indicated that they will give the deal the go-ahead, opening the way for the aerospace giant to start detailed talks with the Gulf state, says Micky Blackwell, Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics Sector president.
The lucrative contract for the so-called F-16 Block 60s is expected to be signed later this year.
US Vice President Al Gore presided over the announcement of the UAE's selection at a ceremony in the USA in June, but the Gulf state has been delaying signing a contract until The US Government agreed to transfer technology in the block 60 F-16.
"We have not negotiated the contract so we don't know the configuration of the aircraft they are buying," says Blackwell.
"They have many things to choose from - new fuel tanks, new radars. Whatever they choose needs US government approval [for expo].
"We are confident we will get Congressional approval this year," says Blackwell.
"Senators have told us we will get an out-of-session approval. This is not a hang-up."
Blackwell indicates that the UAE has a selected engine but not publicised the decision.
"It will be part of the negotiations," says Blackwell. "The two engine makers - General Electric and Pratt & Whitney - are working that business. Both will be great engines."
Source: Flight Daily News
