Lockheed Martin has unveiled the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter, upgraded to the level of the Block 70 Viper.Recipient
What is known
The ceremony took place on March 10, 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina. The F-16V made its first flight in January 2023. The Royal Bahrain Air Force has ordered 16 Lockheed Martin fighters.
Delivery Official ✅ Meet The Falcon of the Future!
The first Royal Bahraini Air Force F-16 wascelebrated today at a ceremony in Greenville, South Carolina. With the Block 70 iteration, we are transforming 4th generation for the next generation for allies around the world. pic.twitter.com/0PmIQPunG9
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) March 10, 2023
The Greenville plant had an official plan forproduction of 127 aircraft. But after Jordan and Bulgaria ordered 12 and 8 Block 70 fighters respectively, the plan was increased to 147 units. In total, Lockheed Martin has six customers.
First serial production unit of F-16 Block 70 is delivered to the #US Air Force, will soon be shipped to #Bahrain in the final stage. pic.twitter.com/gr3USnpWOT
— Conflict Watch PSF (@AmRaadPSF) March 11, 2023
The F-16V Block 70 is a 4++ generation fighter.It has an AN / APG-83 radar station with an active phased array antenna. The radar was developed by Northrop Grumman. The supplier of the new on-board computer is Raytheon.
The first F-16 Block 70 fighter of the Bahrain Air Force was officially unveiled in America. pic.twitter.com/zw9GXP9aPf
— Koba (@Roberto05246129) March 11, 2023
The aircraft is also equipped with an exchange systemLink 16 information, an enhanced electronic warfare station and a new collision avoidance system. The F110-GE-129 engine from General Electric is installed on board.
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First Block 70 level F-16 Viper to be deliveredto Bahrain in 2024. Until the end of this year, the fighter has yet to undergo a series of tests at Edwards Air Force Base, where it will go from a factory in South Carolina.