The latest improved configuration of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-16V, has reached a major milestone with the integration...
The completion of this AESA radar Critical Design Review ensures the SABR design meets all specified U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin requirements.
Other improvements include enhancements to the mission computer, vehicle systems, aircraft structure, cockpit and electronic warfare system.
Taiwan is the launch customer for the new F-16V configuration, which was launched at the 2012 Singapore Airshow.
In Oct 2012, Lockheed was awarded a $1.85 billion contract by the U.S. Government to upgrade 145 Block 20 F-16A/B aircraft of Taiwan into the F-16V configuration.
The “V” designation is derived from Viper, the name fighter pilots have called the F-16 from its beginnings.
SABR is based on technology from the USAF F-22 Raptor's APG-77(V)1 and F-35’s APG-81 AESA radars, allowing greater air-to-air detection ranges, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar mapping and automatic target recognition. It will also allow pilots to operate air-to-air and air-to-ground modes simultaneously.
USAF has also selected SABR AESA to upgrade around 300 of its F-16s. More than 4,550 F-16 aircraft have been delivered to date, and production is expected to continue through 2017. Eventhough designed in the 1970s, F-16s success stems from the constant upgrades it has received and the platforms adabtability. The critical structural and avionics upgrades has ensured the aircraft remains relevant for many years to come.
