42 Lockheed Martin F-16V Viper (Block 70) RBAF
The latest iteration of the F-16 is the Block 70/72, unveiled at the 2012 Singapore Airshow. Known as the F-16V “Viper” (the “V” suffix is a company term, not an official USAF designation), the new aircraft will feature enhancements over the Block 60, including an AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) all-weather radar, an upgraded modular mission computer (MMC) and architecture intended to complement fifth generation fighters, the ability to fit conformal fuel tanks, and cockpit improvements including colour multifunctional displays, a large high-resolution centre pedestal display (CPD), helmet-mounted cueing system, and a high-volume, high-speed data bus. The Viper uses the F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 turbofan engine, with both generating similar output of around 29,000 lbf (129 kN) on full afterburner. The F-16V will be able to carry a wide variety of air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground munitions.
Lockheed Martin received several contracts from other countries currently operating the F-16 for upgrading to the new Block 70 standard. These include the Royal Bahraini AF, Hellenic AF, Republic of Korea AF, Royal Moroccan AF, and Turkish AF. In addition to these upgrades, the Royal Bahraini AF, Royal Moroccan AF, and Turkish AF are purchasing new Block 70 aircraft. The Slovak AF and Bulgarian AF have chosen the F-16V to replace their aging MiG-29s. In this image, the first Block 70 F-16V (serial number: 18-0011, RBAF 1611) for the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) rolls out of the Lockheed Martin plant in Greenville, South Carolina. The RBAF will purchase 16 new F-16Vs and upgrade its existing Block 40 F-16Cs to F-16V standards.
42 Lockheed Martin F-16V Viper (Block 70) RBAF
The latest iteration of the F-16 is the Block 70/72, unveiled at the 2012 Singapore Airshow. Known as the F-16V “Viper” (the “V” suffix is a company term, not an official USAF designation), the new aircraft will feature enhancements over the Block 60, including an AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) all-weather radar, an upgraded modular mission computer (MMC) and architecture intended to complement fifth generation fighters, the ability to fit conformal fuel tanks, and cockpit improvements including colour multifunctional displays, a large high-resolution centre pedestal display (CPD), helmet-mounted cueing system, and a high-volume, high-speed data bus. The Viper uses the F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 turbofan engine, with both generating similar output of around 29,000 lbf (129 kN) on full afterburner. The F-16V will be able to carry a wide variety of air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground munitions.
Lockheed Martin received several contracts from other countries currently operating the F-16 for upgrading to the new Block 70 standard. These include the Royal Bahraini AF, Hellenic AF, Republic of Korea AF, Royal Moroccan AF, and Turkish AF. In addition to these upgrades, the Royal Bahraini AF, Royal Moroccan AF, and Turkish AF are purchasing new Block 70 aircraft. The Slovak AF and Bulgarian AF have chosen the F-16V to replace their aging MiG-29s. In this image, the first Block 70 F-16V (serial number: 18-0011, RBAF 1611) for the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) rolls out of the Lockheed Martin plant in Greenville, South Carolina. The RBAF will purchase 16 new F-16Vs and upgrade its existing Block 40 F-16Cs to F-16V standards.