F-16 Ready for the Future

Lockheed Martin F-16 Is Ready For The Future As The World's Most Advanced 4th Generation Fighter
FARNBOROUGH, England, July 20th, 2010 -- The versions of the F-16 being delivered to customers now are the most advanced 4th Generation multi-role fighter aircraft currently available on the international market and are building on the F-16's reputation for effectiveness and value, the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] director of business development for the program said today.

"The F-16 continues as a modern, highly capable, affordable and supportable fighter. The program is healthy and active, with firm production through 2013 and a strong likelihood of new orders that will extend the line for several more years," said Bill McHenry, director of business development for F-16 programs, in remarks to reporters at the Farnborough International Airshow. McHenry also added that there is a firm backlog of 86 F-16 aircraft, including a recent order from Egypt for 20 new, Advanced Block 50/52 aircraft, the sixth follow-on buy for this country.

More than 4,450 F-16s have been delivered worldwide since the program's inception more than 30 years ago -- including 53 follow-on buys by 14 countries.

In addition to the F-16 production programs, Lockheed Martin continues to develop the F-16 for the future by integrating advanced technologies through upgrade programs for existing F-16s to ensure interoperability with the world's only 5th Generation fighters, the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

"This integration of advanced technologies for fielded and new aircraft provides an opportunity for F-16 operators to benefit from the latest developments in technology and capabilities for fighter aircraft," McHenry said. "This synergy will parallel technology and provide a natural bridge from the 4th Generation of fighters to the 5th Generation."

Aircraft now being produced for Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco and Egypt are the Advanced Block 50/52 F-16C/D configuration. The United Arab Emirates was the launch customer for the Block 60 F-16 E/F version, and is the platform basis for the proposed variant called the F-16IN Super Viper for the Indian Air Force's Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft competition.

McHenry said the F-16 offers the latest technologies and capabilities available today -- including AESA radar, day-night, all-weather, standoff, autonomous, air intercept and precision strike. These aircraft have the latest in avionics, sensors and weapons, plus user-friendly cockpits and systems integration that provide pilots with high situational awareness.

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[F22raptor46]

@denesse03 Not shit, you say hell, or heaven, lol

[babylon19852003]

@gmustafa2 Maybe that is true but the mig 35 is excellent aircraft in many ways especially in the dogfight..... I think :)

[gmustafa2]

@babylon19852003

Mig 35 has a fly-by-wire problems.

[babylon19852003]

If we compare f16 with mig35, I think the MIG 35 is far superior  than the F16 .

[starknight97]

She still needs TV, Stealth, RCS reduction. It be best if it has stealth and a upgraded radar for stealth hunting. too make her a good 4.5 gen fighter

[HetaliaStar]

Is that an IRST on the nose in 0:14?

[mininow]

The only thing missing is a thrust vectoring engine

[riflebore]

This is awesome... Modifying a 4th Generation fighter such as the F-16 with upgrades to keep it usable for years to come... This means the base F-16 is that reliable and they don't want to scrap it just yet... I wish they did something like that to the F-14...

Anyway, aesthetics wise, IMO, I am okay with it... "Saddle Bags" give it more grunt feel, massive body. I think she's fine and kinda' look alike more "heavily armed"... Gundam and Robotech, sort of...

[MetalGearArmA]

UAEAF already has F-16F/E Block-60 

[denesse03]

damn! this plane is so sexy! i want to ride her like shit! ^_^)