The fast-developing market for updating cockpits of early model Lockheed Martin F-16s sparked two leading upgrade companies to display programmes at the show. Singapore Technologies Aerospace's (STAe's) Falcon ONE package made its debut and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) displayed its Air Combat Enhancement (ACE) package.
Meanwhile. Lockheed Martin is developing its own advanced cockpit aimed at new-build aircraft.
STAe programme development manager Tay Choon Chong says Falcon ONE is aimed at operators of F-16A/Bs and older C/Ds, and offers navigation and weapons delivery systems. The package includes 127 x 178mm( 5 x 7in) multifunction colour displays (MFDs), new radar, head-up display and a helmet-mounted sight .
Key potential customers include the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), which has sevenF-16A/Bs which could require upgrading. "We are looking more at the international market, targeting existing customers," says Tay.
The package is being offered in an international partnership. STAe is systems integrator and is providing the overall software and main computer hardware. Two radar options are on offer, the cheaper being the upgraded Northrop Grumman APG-66(V)2, with a claimed 25% range improvement, 50% better reliability and a 16% weight reduction. The upgraded radar provides Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile capability and support for multiple missile firings. The alternative is the Fiar Grifo radar.
The IAI-led upgrade, which is supported by a host of Israeli companies, gives the F-16 a new cockpit, radar and electronic warfare equipment.
An Israeli air force F-16 equipped with the ACE cockpit is due to fly by the end of this year. The air force is supporting the programme ahead of a decision on whether or not to equip its large F-16 fleet with the update.
Lockheed Martin's advanced cockpit is part of a wider series of systems upgrades planned for the fighter. As with the upgrades, Lockheed Martin is offering a three 127 x 178mm MFD configuration with a new HUD.
Source: Flight International
