US Air Force makes a start on $1 billion upgrade of F-16C/DsThe USAir Force has embarked on a $1 billion programme to upgrade and standardise 700 Lockheed Martin F-16C/ Ds to improve reliability and increase capability. There is already some international interest in the update, the company says.
Under the Common Configuration Implementation Programme (CCIP), the manufacturer has received an initial $84.3 million contract covering development and proofing of the upgrade kits. Separate contracts will cover flight tests and production of kits to update Block 40 and 50 F-16s.
The programme will upgrade the USAF's F-16s to essentially the same standard as new production Block 50 aircraft which will be delivered beginning in 1999. Several elements of the CCIP will come from the F-16A/B mid-life update (MLU) under way for European operators.
At the heart of the upgrade is a new modular mission computer (MMC) and a software update combining the mission capabilities of the Block 40 and 50 aircraft and adding colour cockpit displays, digital terrain system and provisions for the Link 16 datalink, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System and the AIM-9X air to air missile.
The MMC will provide growth capacity to keep USAF F-16s operationally effective beyond 2010, says Lockheed Martin, with the capability to add advanced weapons beyond the planned Joint Direct Attack Munition, Joint Stand-Off Weapon and Wind-Corrected Munition Dispenser.
The USAF plans to begin replacing its F-16s with the Joint Strike Fighter in 2010, but the aircraft is expected to remain in frontline service in significant numbers beyond 2020.
Source: Flight International
