Defense News
02/16/2012
Singapore: Lockheed Unveils F-16 Viper Variant
By Wendell Minnick
SINGAPORE —
Lockheed Martin is offering F-16 fighter customers a new variant dubbed the
“Viper,” which is intended to better operate with fifth-generation fighters.
Although the F-16
is officially known as the “Fighting Falcon,” “Viper” is a common nickname used
by F-16 pilots. Unveiled Feb. 15 at the 2012 Singapore Airshow, the new variant
should not be confused with Lockheed’s F-16IN “Super Viper,” offered to India
for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft competition and showcased at the 2009
Aero India Air Show.
The “Viper”
program will offer customers options, including an active electronically
scanning array (AESA) radar, upgraded mission computers and architecture,
improvements to the cockpit, and conformal fuel tanks.
“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 the F-22,”
said George Standridge, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ vice president of business
development.
Lockheed is
calling the “Viper” the “next great leap in capability and commonality.” The
F-16V roadmap includes the U.S. Air Force and international customers for AESA,
fielded F-16A/Bs for midlife upgrades, new production F-16 Advanced Block
50/52s, and fielded F-16C/Ds for the U.S. Air Force’s Common Configuration
Implementation Program. The “Viper” program does not include the F-16 Block 60.
“The new F-16V
will become the new F-16 baseline,” Standridge said.
Lockheed’s
Advanced Development Programs or “Skunk Works” is conducting research and
development on a sixth-generation fighter, Standridge said. The next generation
could be manned or unmanned, depending on the capabilities, he said. Technology
advancements could include high Mach to hypersonic speed, multispectral
stealth, self-healing structures and systems, and ubiquitous situational
awareness.
“We always have Skunk Works looking into the future,” he said. “It
should be a significant leap in capability.”
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