December 19, 2003 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
The alliance of BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins Government Systems is being awarded a $8 million contract to provide for 35 receiver transmitters. This contract includes 16 spares, which the U.S. Air Force currently doesn't have.
The lack of spares could potentially ground 254 F-16s for a period of two years as compared to the normal down rate of 7% or 18 aircrafts. This would have a crippling effect on the F-16 C/D fleet.
The order should be be completed by July 2004.
