Unveiling the Revolutionary F-16 Viper: South Carolina’s Inaugural Manufacturing Achievement
The First F-16 Viper in Advanced Block 70 Configuration Takes Flight Soon
Lockheed Martin has unveiled the inaugural F-16 Viper fighter to roll off its assembly line in South Carolina, marking a significant milestone in the company’s production of advanced military aircraft. This aircraft, part of a batch of 16 designated for Bahrain, is not only the first of its kind to emerge from the production facility, but also the maiden new-production F-16 in the Block 70/72 configuration. It is expected to undergo its inaugural flight in the early months of the coming year.
The completion of the final assembly and checkout phases, along with the aircraft’s paint job, has recently been confirmed by Lockheed Martin. The aircraft is now being prepared for its maiden flight, a moment eagerly awaited by aviation enthusiasts and defense stakeholders alike.
O.J. Sanchez, the Vice President and General Manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, took to LinkedIn to celebrate the achievement, referring to it as an “outstanding accomplishment” for the Greenʋille, South Carolina plant. Sanchez also hinted at more exciting developments to come in the future.
This achievement comes after Lockheed Martin’s strategic decision in 2017 to relocate F-16 production from its primary facility in Fort Worth, Texas to a smaller plant in Greenʋille, South Carolina. This move was prompted by a shifting focus toward the F-35 and concerns about the declining demand for the F-16. However, subsequent interest in the advanced Block 70/72 variants of the F-16 has breathed new life into the production line, leading to substantial orders from various countries.
The Block 70/72 configuration, based on a sophisticated upgrade package, introduces a range of enhancements to the F-16 platform. These enhancements include the integration of Northrop Grumman’s AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR), updated digital multi-function displays, advanced mission computers, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and provisions for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), among other features.
Lockheed Martin’s Greenʋille production line is already booked with orders, including the batch for Bahrain, as well as additional aircraft for Slovakia, Bulgaria, Taiwan, and other undisclosed customers. The company foresees the backlog growing further, with plans to fulfill orders for Jordan and Bulgaria’s second tranche of fighters.
Notably, the Block 70 and 72 sub-variants differ primarily in terms of their engines, with the former featuring the General Electric F110 and the latter powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100. Moreover, Lockheed Martin is exploring various options for customization, including two-seat configurations with expanded avionics capabilities and range-extending conformal fuel tanks.
Lockheed Martin anticipates a substantial increase in Block 70/72 F-16 production in the coming year, maintaining a busy production schedule through the mid-to-late 2020s. The first aircraft destined for Bahrain is scheduled for delivery to the U.S. government in the first quarter of 2023, followed by flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base and eventual handover to the customer through the Foreign Military Sales process.
There’s speculation that Monessa “Siren” Balzhiser, Lockheed Martin’s first female test pilot, could pilot the Bahraini Viper on its maiden flight. Having an extensive background in F-16s, Balzhiser’s involvement would mark another historic moment for the aircraft’s legacy.
In summary, Lockheed Martin’s F-16 production line, which seemed uncertain just a few years ago, now stands as a testament to innovation and adaptability. With the impending inaugural flight of the advanced Block 70 configuration, the F-16 continues to evolve and remain a critical asset in modern military aviation.
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