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| A U.S. Air Force F16 in Flight. Photo: Wikipedia |
[Avionics Today 08-20-2014] The newest configuration of Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-16 V, integrated a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar — a major capability milestone. The completion of the AESA radar critical design review ensures Northrop Grumman’s Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) design meets all specified U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin requirements.
From this point, Lockheed Martin will continue with follow-on activities such as development integration and ground and flight test for Taiwan’s fleet of 144 Block 20 F-16A/B fighter jets. With the upgrade to the new SABR and enhancements to the mission computer, vehicle systems, aircraft structure, cockpit and electronic warfare system, Taiwan moves forward as the launch customer.
More than 4,550 F-16 aircraft have been delivered to date, and production is expected to continue through 2017, with major upgrades being incorporated for all F-16 versions.