Aircraft
AESA radar sparks new life into the F-16
Lockheed Martin unveils a new version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon designated the F-16V.
An F-16 in the flying display underlines interest in possible future variance with the AESA radar. (Photo by David McIntosh.)
An F-16 in the flying display underlines interest in possible future variance with the AESA radar. (Photo by David McIntosh.)

Lockheed Martin yesterday unveiled a new version of the evergreen F-16 Fighting Falcon designated the F-16V. The new moniker is derived from the fighter’s long-standing unofficial nickname: Viper. It will apply to existing aircraft that are upgraded with AESA radars, and new builds. The F-16V will also include a new mission computer and cockpit display.

At the Singapore Airshow, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon are busy promoting their competing AESAs for the F-16V, in a scrap that increasingly looks like “winner takes all.” Six days ago the U.S. Air Force issued a second request for information covering an AESA upgrade for its F-16s, having initially asked industry last August. This upgrade could cover about 350 aircraft in a program driven by delays in fielding the F-35.

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