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Current Lockheed Martin F-16 Versions Are Most Advanced Multi-Role Fighters Available Today

Written by thomas · Filed Under Aeronautics News 

July 16, 2008

thomas

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The two
versions of the F-16 being delivered to customers today are the most
advanced multi-role fighter aircraft types currently available on the
international market and are building on the F-16’s reputation for
effectiveness and value, the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) vice president for
the program said today.

“The F-16 continues as a modern, highly capable, affordable and
supportable fighter. The program is healthy and full of activity, with firm
production through 2012 and a strong likelihood of new orders that will
extend the line for several more years,” said John Larson, vice president
for F-16 programs, in remarks to reporters at the Farnborough Air Show.

Larson said there are current backorders for about 98 F-16 aircraft,
plus a strong possibility Lockheed Martin will gain 200-400 further orders
during the next few years.

Recent F-16 program milestones have included the 4,400th F-16 delivered
for Poland and a recent contract for 24 new Advanced Block 52 F-16s for
Morocco, the newest member of the F-16 family.

In addition to the F-16 production programs, Lockheed Martin continues
to develop and integrate advanced technologies to upgrade programs for
existing F-16 aircraft 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,” Larson
said. “This technology will provide a natural bridge from 4th Generation of
fighters to the 5th Generation.”

Aircraft now being produced for Poland, Israel, Greece and Pakistan are
in the Advanced Block 50/52 F-16C/D configuration. The United Arab Emirates
was the launch customer for the Block 60 F-16 version, which has the type
designation – F-16E/F – and is the most sophisticated configuration of the
F-16 produced to date.

Larson said both new versions have the latest technologies and
capabilities — including AESA radar and around-the-clock, all-weather,
standoff, autonomous, air intercept and precision strike. These aircraft
have the latest in avionics, sensors and weapons, plus user-friendly
cockpits and integrated systems that provide pilots with high situation
awareness.

Both types have features that extend mission range, persistence and
payload — including internal electronic countermeasures equipment and
optional conformal fuel tanks. The aft cockpit of the two-place versions of
both types serves either as a weapon system operator station or an
instructor pilot station.

“Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force are totally committed to
modification and sustainment of the worldwide F-16 fleet. We recognize that
we have a serious obligation to support our customers in their missions,
and we also recognize fleet sustainment as a growing business opportunity,”
Larson said.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin Corp. employs about
140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research,
design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology
systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2007 sales of
$41.9 billion.

For additional information, visit our Web site:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com

F-16 is a registered trademark of Lockheed Martin Corp.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

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