Lockheed Martin unveiled a revamped version of its F-16 multi-role fighter at the Singapore Air Show on Wednesday. The F-16V—the V stands for Viper, the name F-16 pilots have dubbed the distinctive fighter—features enhancements like an active electronically scanned array radar, upgraded mission computer and architecture, and additional cockpit improvements, according to a company release. These are capabilities that the Air Force and international customers have identified for future improvement, stated the company. “We believe this F-16V will satisfy our customers’ emerging requirements and prepare them to better interoperate with . . . fifth generation fighters,” said George Standridge, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ vice president for business development. The F-16V configuration is an option for new production jets and elements of the upgrade are available to most earlier model F-16s, according to the company. It noted that it has developed “an innovative solution to affordably retrofit” an AESA radar into existing F-16s.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.