F-16V


Message posted by Ron Milione on February 22, 2012 at 9:41:04 PST:

Lockheed Martin unveiled the new version of the F-16 at the Singapore Airshow. The F-16V will feature enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer, communications capabilities and improved cockpit – all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements. AESA radars offer significant operational capability improvements. Two AESA radar models – Northrop Grumman’s SABR and Raytheon’s RACR are currently available for the F-16V.
RACR radar was first flight tested on an F-16 in 2010

Raytheon's RACR AESA radar is positioned as one of two AESA radars configured for the F-16.

According to Lockheed Martin aeronautics VP business development, George Standridge, at present only U.S. made radars are cleared for the package, while insertion of foreign AESA radar is feasible, customers requiring such feature will have to request approval form the Department of Defense.

The F-16V configuration is an option for new production jets and elements of the upgrade are available to most earlier-model F-16s. The “V” designation is derived from Viper, the name fighter pilots have called the F-16 from its beginnings.

“We believe this F-16V will satisfy our customers’ emerging requirements and prepare them to better inter-operate with the fifth generation fighters, the F-35 and F-22,” says Standridge. “Air forces that operate F-16 today will continue to operate the platform for many years to come,” he added “The V upgrade “just means your F-16s can now operate alongside your F-35s”.


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