Lockheed Martin is flight testing the next step in capability for the United Arab Emirates’ F-16E/F Block 60 fighter. While the expanded Standard 2 capability is being flight tested, the final Standard 3 is in design. “Development is on course,” says June Shrewsbury, F-16 programme general manager.
Deliveries to the UAE under the $6.4 billion, 80-aircaft order began in May with Standard 1, which provides essentially the same capabilities as the Block 50+ F-16C/D. Standard 2 adds capability, including the internal forward-looking infrared and targeting system, integrated electronic warfare system, additional modes for the APG-80 active-array radar and automated modes for the digital flight control system.
“Standard 2 and 3 are for the most part software only,” says Franks, “although there is additional alternate mission equipment and weapons at Standard 3.” The final standard also includes additional automated modes. “We are developing and flight testing Standard 2, and in the middle of designing Standard 3, with the pieces coming together at the suppliers,” he says. Standard 2 will be available “in the first part of 2006”.
The UAE is the only customer so far for the Block 60, but Lockheed is not ruling out offering the aircraft to India. “We don’t have a firm understanding of the requirement yet, but we will offer a couple of different configurations with a range of capabilities up to the Block 60’s radar and systems,” says Shrewsbury.
Lockheed is reducing the F-16 production rate from six a month to three and has enough orders to continue production to the end of 2008. An up to 40-aircraft follow-on order from Greece is expected to be signed by the end of the year, which will extend production by 12-18 months.
Source: Flight International
