Lockheed Martin Unveils Falcon F-16V

Lockheed Martin has revealed a new and improved version of the F-16 at the Singapore Airshow. The new edition, called F-16V, was unveiled on Feb 15. Its features include active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit - all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements. The F-16, which has had nearly 4,500 deliveries,is the world’s most successful 4th generation fighter for which Lockheed Martin has developed a novel solution to affordably evolve its existing fleet. The "V" designation in the new models is derived from Viper; the name fighter pilots have called the F-16 from its beginnings. George Standridge, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' Vice President of business development, said, “We believe this F-16V will satisfy our customers' emerging requirements and prepare them to better interoperate with the 5th generation fighters, the F-35 and F-22". The current choice of 26 nations, the F-16 program has been set apart by unprecedented international cooperation among governments, air forces and aerospace industries.