Stewart Penney/LONDON
Greece's decision to split its interim fighter order between the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 50-plus and the Dassault Mirage 2000-5MkII will provide a rapid boost in capability for its air force.
Both manufacturers are supplying aircraft with improved capability over versions of the types in service with Greece.
Block 50-plus F-16C/Ds ordered by Greece will include colour multifunction displays, improved APG-68(V7) radar, long-range conformal tanks, Litton ASIPS electronic countermeasures and the option of a new modular mission computer (MMC).
Greece's $2 billion order covers 50 aircraft, a possible eight more to meet an attrition requirement and upgrades to 80 earlier Block 30/50 aircraft. The latter work will be performed locally by Hellenic Aerospace Industries, as part of an offset package.
Selection of either the General Electric F110-129 or the Pratt & Whitney F100-229 engine is expected within the month. Current aircraft are F110-powered. Conformal tanks require the higher powered Improved Performance Engine derivative of either powerplant. Despite the need for some development work, first deliveries will be 24 months after contract signing, which is expected later this year, following US Congressional approval of the deal.
At least some F-16Ds will have a large equipment fuselage spine first seen on Israeli F-16s and later on some Singaporean aircraft. It is not clear what the split will be between the single-seat F-16C and the twin-seat F-16D.
Conformal tanks were first proposed as part of a Lockheed Martin F-16ES bid to the Israeli air force in the mid-1990s for long-range strike aircraft, -won by the F-15I. Colour displays are part of the European Mid-Life Update programme and are standard equipment on the most recently ordered US Air Force F-16C/Ds.
The 15 Mirage 2000-5MkIIs will be delivered in 2001 and 10 of its 35 jets will be upgraded to the same standard, including the replacement of the Thomson-CSFRDM radar with the French company's RDY unit. Based on the Mirage 2000-9 developed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Mirage 2000-5 MkII has full air-to-ground, as well as air-to-air, abilities.
Greece has also ordered the Thomson-CSF Optronique Damoclese infrared targeting pod, also developed for the UAE.
Source: Flight International
