Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has adapted its Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Avionics Capabilities Enhancement (ACE) upgrade for later versions of the fighter. IAI has made the move as it believes the potential market is larger for the newer aircraft.
ACE is an avionics and systems upgrade. It is sponsored by the Israeli defence ministry. An Israeli air force F-16B is currently being converted as a prototype.
A programme source says the upgrade's modular nature allows IAI to adapt it for the F-16C/D.
Open architecture software is at the upgrade's core to allow the aircraft to use a range of weapons and sensors without major hardware changes. IAI and partner Elbit are concentrating on finishing the software development ahead of the prototype's first flight, due towards the middle of this year.
Source: Flight International