Fighter Jet News
F-16 Fighting Falcon News
First F-16 block 60s to UAE in May
February 10, 2005 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
The UAE will take delivery of a first batch of the highly sophisticated multi-role block 60 F-16s in May this year, the UAE Air Force Commander disclosed in an interview on the occasion of IDEX 2005.
First announced in May 1998, the estimated $6.4 billion deal calls for delivery of 80 F-16E/F aircraft to the UAE starting from the end of 2004 through 2007.
The $8.6 billion package, which involves the purchase of 80 F-16s, includes delivery, training, construction of air bases and other related facilities, spare parts and maintenance.
The block 60 configuration is the most extensive change in the history of the F-16 program. The unique features of the Block 60 version include the APG-80 multimode radar with active electronically scanned antenna, internalized forward-looking infrared navigation and targeting system, advanced cockpit (three large multifunction displays, picture-in-picture, enhanced automation), fiber-optic avionics data bus, commercial off-the-shelf processors, Falcon Edge internal electronic countermeasures system and the 32,000-pound-thrust-class F110-GE-132 engine. Like other advanced F-16s, the Block 60 can carry conformal fuel tanks, and the two-seat version will feature a dorsal avionics compartment and a fully mechanized rear cockpit.
UAEAF F-16F block 60 #3008 in Arizona. The aircraft is used to train the new pilots within the Arizona ANG. [USAF photo]
The $8.6 billion package, which involves the purchase of 80 F-16s, includes delivery, training, construction of air bases and other related facilities, spare parts and maintenance.
The block 60 configuration is the most extensive change in the history of the F-16 program. The unique features of the Block 60 version include the APG-80 multimode radar with active electronically scanned antenna, internalized forward-looking infrared navigation and targeting system, advanced cockpit (three large multifunction displays, picture-in-picture, enhanced automation), fiber-optic avionics data bus, commercial off-the-shelf processors, Falcon Edge internal electronic countermeasures system and the 32,000-pound-thrust-class F110-GE-132 engine. Like other advanced F-16s, the Block 60 can carry conformal fuel tanks, and the two-seat version will feature a dorsal avionics compartment and a fully mechanized rear cockpit.
Related articles:
Tags
- UAE prepare for new F-16 bases (2004-09-07)
- First operational F-16 Block 60s arrived in Tucson today (2004-09-03)
- UAE to take delivery of first of 80 F-16s during 2004 (2004-02-17)
- First flight of the F-16 Block 60 (2003-12-08)
- Lockheed Martin flight tests more powerful engine for Block 60 F-16s (2003-06-27)
- F-16 Fighting Falcon news archive
Tags