Advanced F-16

Lockheed Martin's Advanced F-16 represents a new vision for the fighter. Fresh from export successes in Greece and Israel, Lockheed Martin now expects to see the F-16 remain in production, alongside the Joint Strike Fighter, well beyond 2010.

The Advanced F-16 reflects lessons learned in Kosovo, according to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company marketing VP George Standridge. "The US Army loves JDAM [Joint Direct Attack Munition]," he says. "They like the B-2, because it can deliver JDAM in any weather. They did not like the fact that they had to wait 24 hours for the B-2 after they dialed 911, and they did not like the fact that the B-2, which is a night-only system, gave the Serbs 12 hours a day to regroup."

Two key features of the Advanced F-16, as configured for Greece and Israel, are the Northrop Grumman APG-68(V)XM radar, which has a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mode, and a satellite communications (satcom) antenna. The result, says Standridge, is "a multirole aircraft that can flex from one mission to another in flight." SAR provides high-resolution ground mapping and accurate target location-essential for precise JDAM deliveries-and Satcom allows commanders to send the pilot new target instructions and imagery in flight.

The next step, "without question," says Standridge, is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The United Arab Emirates has selected a Northrop Grumman AESA radar for its F-16s-an order that has been the subject of protracted negotiations-"but the UAE is not essential to AESA. We will offer it whether the UAE proceeds or not." AESA provides the flexibility to search for ground targets while tracking air targets.

An advanced cockpit with larger displays is a logical accompaniment to the AESA. "With so much information, you need a cockpit that will deal with it," Standridge says.

The current conformal tank design is different from the tanks that were offered to Israel in 1994. "Those were acceptable, but not ideal," says Standridge. The new tanks have less impact on the structure of the aircraft and are more easily retrofitted to earlier F-16s, and impose no restrictions on the flight envelope. "There's no free lunch," says Standridge. With fully loaded conformals, the F-16 will not accelerate as fast, but there are no hard speed or maneuver limits.

The tanks can be replaced or removed in about an hour.

The Advanced F-16's 50,000-pound maximum takeoff weight will be matched by 32,000-pound thrust versions of its current engines. (Pratt & Whitney's offering in this class has been designated as the F100-PW-232.)

As well as extending the F-16's maximum range, the conformal tanks release stores stations for weapons. In Kosovo, notes Standridge, F-16s flew "HARM CAP" missions with AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles. Today, the F-16 usually carries two HARMs and two underwing tanks; with conformal tanks, it can carry four HARMs without sacrificing range or endurance.

Norway and Singapore are among potential Advanced F-16 customers. Standridge expects Norway to delay its long-awaited fighter decision as it digests lessons from Kosovo.

By 2010, Standridge suggests, the F-16 will occupy a niche as a less costly, more exportable complement to the stealthy JSF.

By Bill Sweetman