LOCKHEED MARTIN is modifying US Air Force Block 40 night-attack F-16s with interior and exterior lighting compatible with night-vision goggles (NVGs). The USAF plans to equip 250 aircraft with NVG-compatible lighting to enhance the F-16's close-air-support capability.
Four aircraft have been modified for use in an NVG tactics-development and -evaluation programme at Nellis AFB, Nevada. The image-intensifying goggles will supplement the Lockheed Martin LANTIRN infra-red navigation and targeting pod system carried by Block 40 F-16s.
The LANTIRN system projects an infra-red image on the F-16's head-up display (HUD). The NVGs allow the pilot to look outside the relatively narrow HUD field-of-view.
Source: Flight International
