Lockheed Martin has unveiled the F-16V, a new variant and upgrade package that includes datalinks allowing the aircraft to operate alongside the F-35 and F-22.
In a separate development, Lockheed Martin is developing new variants of the C-130, including the XJ.
The F-16V has datalinks which communicate with the F-35 and F-22. “We believe this F-16V will satisfy our customers’ emerging requirements and prepare them to better interoperate with the fifth generation fighters, the F-35 and F-22,” says Lockheed Martin aeronautics VP business development, George Standridge.
The new capability on the F-16 means even if a country is unable to buy the F-35 or F-22, it can still have fighters that can operate alongside U.S. and other air forces’ fifth generation fighters.
This V variant comes with AESA radar, upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit, says Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed is hoping the new variant will provide a boost to F-16 sales and also meet the needs of countries, which are planning to upgrade their F-16s.
The company says an F-16 order from Iraq gives it enough to cover up to the end of 2015, but it needs orders for 2016 and beyond to keep the line open.
When asked if the F-16V will take sales away from the F-35, Standridge says: “Adding an AESA doesn’t mean you have a fifth generation aircraft. If we could retro-fit stealth we would, but you cannot retro-fit stealth.” He says air forces that operate F-16s today will continue to operate the platform for many years to come. The V upgrade “just means your F-16s can now operate alongside your F-35s”, he adds.
As for V upgrades, Standridge specifically mentions South Korea’s requirement to upgrade F-16s and the U.S. Air Force’s interest in upgrading 300-350 F-16s. But, even though he was speaking at the Singapore air show, he made no mention of Singapore’s requirement to upgrade F-16s, possibly because the Singaporeans are very sensitive about having their future plans discussed publicly.
Lockheed is also developing the C-130 platform further with the C-130XJ and SC-130J Sea Herc.
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