F-16V Undertaker F-35A?

During fairs and air shows Singapore Air Show 2012 Lockheed Martin officially announced the initiation of development of the F-16V, which is to be a cheaper alternative to the F-35.


F-16V will be more advanced than the F-16E submitted / F Block 60, created on request of the United Arab Emirates. Due to the funding of the country's development of the E / F, retain the right to charge in case of potential export transactions, made by Lockheed Martin. For now, the only attempt to sell - to India - have failed.

F-16V to be equipped with a radar station with a new antenna with electronic scanning phase, upgraded mission computer and cockpit equipment. At the same time will receive an information exchange system, compatible to those used in the F-22A Raptor and F-35. According to the manufacturer, the latest version of the Sixteen is therefore offer far greater operational capabilities than the older models currently used fighter, and yet get the opportunity to fulfill combat tasks together with machines fifth generation.


The new jet will be offered first of all current users of older versions of F-16. Representatives of the manufacturer hoping that it will enable to extend the existence of a line of popular aircraft. At the same time, it seems that the version of V is a response to their initial demand for the supply of air force modernization package for the currently used American fighter.


Employees of Lockheed Martin's also no secret that it has to be a cheaper alternative to expensive F-35A, also plagued by delays and cuts development program contracts with the Pentagon.


This situation calls into question the ability to export Lightningów II previously assumed sizes. Head of the F-35 continues to argue that the total production of these fighters reached 4500-6000 copies, however, a few years ago - based on reducing the purchasing plans of many countries - these figures were contested. Meanwhile, just based on them all the financial calculations.


The open admission that the F-16V will be offered as a cheaper substitute for the F-35, seems to be indirect evidence that even the authority of the manufacturer - Lockheed Matina - no longer believe in the possibility of achieving previously planned export success.