Lockheed Martin Is Making It easier To Build And Sell F-16s

Warzone/The Drive: New F-16s Will All Be Sold In A Single Base Model Configuration With A Standardized Price

Lockheed Martin says the new sales concept will save time and money, both in the contracting process and when it comes to actually producing the jets.

Lockheed Martin says that it plans to "commoditize" its F-16 Viper fighter jet line by offering jets in a single standardized configuration, based on the latest Block 70/72 variant, with a standard base price tag. The goal here is to streamline things for both the manufacturer and potential customers, especially foreign buyers, and it follows a massive U.S. Air Force-managed contract for the production of Vipers for export over the next decade.

FlightGlobal was first to report on Lockheed Martin's new plans for its F-16 product line on Sept. 4, 2020. The Air Force had awarded the company an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, valued at up to $62 billion over 10 years, to build at least 90 Block 70/72 Vipers – 66 for Taiwan and 24 for Morocco – for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers on Aug. 12, 2020.

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WNU Editor: It looks like the F-16 is going to be around for a long time.

Apparently It Is Easy To Turn An F-16 Fighter Into A Drone

Popular Mechanics: How the U.S. Air Force Turns an F-16 Fighter Into a Drone

Unsurprisingly, it’s relatively easy to turn a computer-controlled fighter into a drone.

 * The Air Force is retiring F-16 fighters as the F-35 fighter comes on-line.
 * The F-16s are stored at “The Boneyard” in Arizona.
 * About thirty F-16s a year are brought out of storage to become remote-controlled aircraft.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has had a distinguished history, and the U.S. Air Force is capping it off with a bang. Every year the service modifies F-16 fighters into F-16 drones, transforming them from hunters to the hunted. The resulting drones, known as QF-16s, are then shot down for target practice.

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WNU Editor:  30 F-16s are converted each year into drones that are then shot down for target practice.

Video Shows F-16 Jet Flying Through Another Aircraft's Contrails During Military Training Over Hawaii

Daily Mail: Stunning video shows a F-16 jet flying through another aircraft's contrails during military training over Hawaii

* Video was filmed by US Air National Guard Technical Sergeant Phillip Cowen
* It shows the moment when a 138th Fighter Wing Tulsa F-16 Viper clears through another aircraft's contrail
* In the footage, the jet manages to fly in and out of the vapor stream
* The jet was flying over the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai, Hawaii

Wild video shows the moment a fighter jet flying over Hawaii speeds through another aircraft's contrail.

Video shared by US Air National Guard Technical Sergeant Phillip Cowen shows a 138th Fighter Wing Tulsa F-16 Viper clearing through the air stream.

In the footage, the jet manages to fly next to the stream for an extended period of time.

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WNU Editor: Makes me wish I was in that jet.

The F-16 Is The Only U.S. Air Force Fighter Able To Reach Readiness Goals

An F-16 Fighting Falcon after refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker, near Tucson, Arizona, April 8, 2015. US Air Force photo

Business Insider: Only one of the Air Force's fighter jets may be able to reach the readiness goal Mattis set a year ago

 * Last year, then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis ordered the military to raise mission-capable rates for four key tactical aircraft: the F-16, the Navy's F/A-18 Hornet, the F-22, and the F-35.
 * Air Force Lt. Gen. Mark Kelly, deputy chief of staff for operations, said this week that only one of his branch's fighters that may reach the 80% mission-capable goal is the F-16.

The US Air Force won't meet the Pentagon's goal of boosting readiness across its fighter fleets before the fiscal year comes to a close this month, a top general said Wednesday.

Lt. Gen. Mark Kelly, deputy chief of staff for operations, told audiences at the 2019 Defense News Conference that the only fighter that may make the 80% mission capable (MC) rate — a standard set by then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis last year to achieve better aircraft performance — is the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

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WNU Editor:At least one of the four made its goal.

The F-16 Is Still The Most Popular Fighter In The World

Lockheed Martin will make F-16s for India if it gets assured orders Pictured: A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies a mission in the skies near Iraq on March 22, 2003 during Operation Iraqi freedom. [Representational Image]Wikimedia Commons

Motley Fool: Lockheed Will Keep F-16 Flying With $8 Billion Sale to Taiwan

For the umpteenth year in a row, Lockheed Martin's F-16 remains the world's most popular fighter jet.

The manufacturer of everything from F-35 stealth fighters to Blackhawk helicopters to the venerable F-16, Lockheed Martin is the world's biggest pure-play defense contractor. And according to the data specialists preparing Flightglobal's 2019 World Air Forces report, 45 years after the F-16 Fighting Falcon first took flight, some 2,280 of Lockheed's F-16s are still flying around the globe -- 15% of all fighter planes in existence today.

And as we just found out, that number is about to get a little bit bigger.

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WNU Editor: This fighter jet has clearly been a winner for Lockheed Martin.

Can An Indian MiG-21 Shoot Down A Pakistani American Built F-16?

Being the first recorded F-16 (up) kill by MiG 21 (down) in history, you'd think it would send ripples across the world of aviation. But curiously, Western defence experts maintained complete silence.

The Eurasian Times: MIG 21 vs F-16: Can a 3rd Generation MIG-21 Really Shoot-Down Hi-tech F-16 Aircraft?

MIG 21 vs F-16 Fighter Jet – How does the Russian/Indian MIG-21 Bison compete against Pakistani/US F-16 Fighter Jets? India insisted that its MIG-21 Bison fighter jet shot down a 4th generation Pakistani Air Force F-16 which raised many eyebrows. How do experts compare the India MIG-21 Bison vs Pakistani F-16?

The IAF claimed that one of its MiG-21 fighters downed a PAF F-16 after Pakistan said that it had shot down two Indian jets as tensions continue to mount between India and Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force has denied any losses adding that they did not use an F-16 during the engagement.

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WNU Editor: It would be hard, but not impossible .... Fishbed vs Falcon: Why the ancient MiG-21's F-16 kill is no fluke (Business Today).

The 'New' F-16 Viper Has Become A Deadlier Plane By Using Critical Components From The F-22 And F-35

F-16 Block 70. Lockheed Martin

Dave Majumdar, National Interest: How F-22 and F-35 'DNA' Will Make the 'New' F-16 Viper a Real Killer

Here is all we know.

Key point: "At the core of the F-16 Block 70 is the Northrop Grumman APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, which is based on technology leveraged from the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 and can track more than 20 targets simultaneously."

Lockheed Martin has received a massive $1.12 billion contract from the U.S. government to produce 16 advanced F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcons for Bahrain.

The “undefinitized contract action award” means that the Royal Bahraini Air Force will become the first operator of the most advanced and capable version of F-16 ever designed.

Moreover, unlike previous versions of the F-16—which were built in Fort Worth, Texas—these new “Vipers” are to be manufactured in Greenville, South Carolina.

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WNU Editor:  The old F-16 was a formidable plane. These improvements will make it even more formidable.

The New F-16 Is A Very Capable Aircraft

National Interest: Here Comes the F-16V (Thanks to F-22 and F-35 DNA)

We have all the details.

The future is still bright for the F-16. Here's why...

Lockheed Martin has received a massive $1.12 billion contract from the U.S. government to produce 16 advanced F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcons for Bahrain.

The “undefinitized contract action award” means that the Royal Bahraini Air Force will become the first operator of the most advanced and capable version of F-16 ever designed.

Moreover, unlike previous versions of the F-16—which were built in Fort Worth, Texas—these new “Vipers” are to be manufactured in Greenville, South Carolina.

With production of Lockheed Martin’s stealthy new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter ramping up while Fighting Falcon production is ramping down, the company was compelled to move the F-16 line to a smaller plant that could handle lower volumes. Nonetheless, the move represents a new beginning for the F-16, which is still expected to generate strong sales over the coming years.

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WNU Editor: I can easily foresee a huge demand for this aircraft.

Lockheed Martin Commits To Building F-16s In India

Tata group and Lockheed Martin executives sign the F-16 agreement. (Courtesy of Lockheed Martin)

CNN: Lockheed Martin says it will make F-16 fighter jets in India

One of the world's best-known fighter jets could soon be built in India.

Lockheed Martin (LMT) said Monday that it will make its classic F-16 aircraft in the South Asian nation, if the Indian government grants it a contract to supply fighter jets to the country's air force. The U.S. firm will build the jets through a partnership with Indian industrial giant Tata, the companies announced at the Paris Air Show.

Maryland-based Lockheed is hoping to see off competition from Swedish manufacturer Saab and its Gripen fighter for the big potential order from the Indian Air Force.

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WNU Editor: There is a huge demand for this jet fighter .... European Allies Want Used F-16s, But Are There Enough to Go Around? (Defense One)

More News On Lockheed Martin Committing To Build F-16s In India

Lockheed Martin, Tata Ink Deal To Make F-16 Fighters In India -- NDTV
Lockheed Martin Agrees to Build F-16 Fighter Jets in India -- The Diplomat
PARIS: Lockheed Martin commits to building F-16 in India -- Flight Global
F-16 fighter planes: Tata, Lockheed Martin ink deal days before Modi-Trump summit -- First Post
F-16 deal turns on the afterburners for 'Make in India' -- Nikkei Asian Review
Lockheed Martin Closer To Relocating F-16 Production To India -- Forbes
Why Lockheed May Move F-16 Production To India From Texas -- Investor's Business Daily
Is Lockheed dumping F-16s on India? -- Vineet Khare, BBC

U.S. Air Force Pilot Ejects From His F-16 After It Catches Fire On The Ground

NBC

FOX News: Air Force pilot ejects after F-16 catches fire on ground

A military pilot at Houston’s Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base was injured Wednesday after ejecting from an F-16 that caught fire on the ground, the Houston Fire Department said in a pair of tweets.

The pilot was transported to a hospital with minor injuries, officials said.

Fire crews were en route to Ellington “to assist” with the “downed plane,” which reportedly caught on fire just before takeoff around 10:45 a.m. local time.

The field was closed and placed under an evacuation order covering a 4,000 square-foot radius after the incident. Authorities said there was no threat to any nearby residents.

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Update #1: F-16 Jet Catches Fire at Houston Airport; Pilot Ejects (AP)
Update #2: Pilot ejects from F-16 at Ellington Airport (KHOU-Houston)
Update #3: Pilot ejects himself from burning F-16 during takeoff at Ellington Field (ABC News)

WNU Editor: Apparently he ejected when he was on the ground and preparing to take-off.

U.S. May Shift F-16 Production To India

Lockheed Martin will make F-16s for India if it gets assured orders Pictured: A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies a mission in the skies near Iraq on March 22, 2003 during Operation Iraqi freedom. [Representational Image]Wikimedia Commons

Star-Telegram: Lockheed Martin may shift F-16 production to India

With production winding down after 40 years in Fort Worth, Lockheed Martin is considering a plan to move assembly of future F-16 fighter jets to India — if that country places a big order for the planes.

The defense giant has offered India exclusive rights to produce and export F-16s, said Ken Ross, a spokesman for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth.

“We are in discussions with the U.S. government, the government of India and our Indian industry partners about this opportunity,” Ross said. “Details about this potential partnership will be determined in conjunction with the respective governments, Lockheed Martin and Indian industry.”

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article93910882.html#storylink=cpy

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WNU Editor: Such is the sad state of the U.S. manufacturing base today .... it is better to shift these jobs overseas rather than keeping them here. Besides shifting this plant (and jobs) to India, there is another reason why Washington should be concerned .... Will US Transfer Critical Technologies If Lockheed Martin Shifts F-16 Assembly Line To India? (Defense World).

More News On reports That The U.S. May Shift Its F-16 Production To India

Fort Worth F-16 Production Could Move To India -- CBSDFW
Lockheed Martin will shift F-16 fighter jet manufacturing unit to India if it gets assured orders -- IBTimes
Lockheed Martin offers to build F-16s in India -- The Nation
Lockheed Martin sees $15-billion export potential for 'Made in India F-16 Jets -- Economic Times
Why India Should Consider Lockheed Martin's F-16 Offer -- The Diplomat

The Lethality Of An F-16 (Video)

My Comment: Blonds in short skirts talking about the F-16 .... what more can I say after that.

4,500th F-16 Fighter To Be Delivered

YF-16 Rollout – December 1973

Lockheed Martin To Deliver 4,500th F-16 Fighter -- McClatchy News

In late 1969, a conspiracy was hatched in secret all-night meetings in Washington, D.C.-area hotel rooms that would have a profound impact on military aviation and Fort Worth.

A handful of people were at the meetings: two rebel Air Force colonels, a Pentagon analyst and a General Dynamics engineer. Their goal was to create a fighter jet -- a relatively simple, inexpensive plane that could be sold by the hundreds.

Fortunately, the conspirators succeeded, probably beyond any of their wildest dreams.

On Tuesday, Lockheed Martin will celebrate delivery of the 4,500th F-16, the direct result of those late-night meetings.

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Update: Lockheed Martin to celebrate delivery of 4,500th F-16 -- Star Telegram

My Comment: A truly great accomplishment. For a great photo gallery on the F-16, go here.

The F-16V

F-16s, A-to…V? -- Time

The F-16A first flew in 1975, followed by the F-16B (Battleland once sat in a B-model backseat for a stomach-tickling ride), F-16C. F-16D, F-16E, F-16F, F-16I, F-16IN, F-16N, F-16Q, and now: the F-16V. Manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced the V-model – for Viper, the plane’s pilot-generated nickname (officially it’s the Fighting Falcon, but c’mon, admit it: Viper is a cooler name) – on Wednesday at the Singapore Air Show. Like a ’57 Chevy that keeps getting better with age, the V version will feature an active electronically-scanned array radar and upgraded avionics (new variants generally indicate an improved plane, one that can carry two people, or one optimized for a specific mission or sale to a specific country).

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Update: Singapore: Lockheed Unveils F-16 Viper Variant -- Defense News

My Comment: And they are now being "built in China" .... what was unthinkable 36 years ago is now .... normal.

The Passing Away Of The "Father Of The F-16"

At the Fort Worth International Airshow in 2002, Mr. Hillaker talks about the aircraft he designed while working for General Dynamics in Fort Worth. F-16s used by the Air Force Thunderbirds are in the background. "Harry’s legacy is an incredible aircraft that . . . continues to be in demand today after 30 years of production," said Ralph Heath, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. STAR-TELEGRAM ARCHIVES/IAN McVEA

F-16’s Developer, Harry J. Hillaker, Dies At 89 -- Star Telegram

General Dynamics engineer helped design the legendary fighter jet

It was a chance meeting in a bar with a loudmouthed Air Force fighter pilot that set Harry J. Hillaker on a path that led to the design of the F-16 fighter jet, arguably the best military airplane of the jet age.

Mr. Hillaker, an aeronautical engineer at General Dynamics for 44 years and known to many as the "Father of the F-16," died Sunday at his home in Fort Worth. He was 89.

As a senior engineer at General Dynamics’ Fort Worth aircraft plant in the 1960s, Mr. Hillaker led a design team that worked, secretively at first, with a small group of Pentagon insurgents to turn a collection of ideas, theories and concepts into what would become the F-16.

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My Comment: The plane that he designed will still be flown in aeronautical shows decades from now.

The F-16 -- News Updates For Fenruary 5, 2009

F-16C (Photo from Flight Global)

Pilots Cannot Kill It -- Strategy Page

February 4, 2009: The U.S. F-16 is the most numerous post-Cold War jet fighter, with over 4,200 built, and more to come. During The Cold War, Russia built over 10,000 MiG-21s, and the U.S over 5,000 F-4s. The F-16 can also function as a bomber and ground attack aircraft, although not as effectively as the air force folks would have you believe. It can carry four tons of bombs. In air-to-air combat, it has shot down 69 aircraft so far, without losing anything to enemy warplanes. It was originally designed as a cheaper alternative to the heavier F-15.

The F-16 are sturdy, and one has spent 7,000 hours in the air before being retired. The F-16C was originally designed for a service life of 4,000 hours in the air. But advances in engineering, materials and maintenance techniques have extended that to over 8,000 hours. The F-16 is used by 25 different countries. The aircraft is still in production, and is to be replaced in U.S. service by the F-35. But with delays in getting F-35 production going, and trouble keeping the F-35 price down, it appears that the F-16 will remain in production for another decade. Part of the reason for that is the adaptability of the F-16. It's one of those aircraft that is easily upgraded.

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More News On The F-16

AFRC marks quarter-century with F-16s -- F-16.net
F-16 Still Competitive in Fighter Market -- Defense Professionals
Air Force neglects domestic mission, faces shortfall of fighters, GAO finds -- the Hill
F-16 pilots chosen as first F-35 instructors -- Air Force Times