Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
& MODERNIZATION
FORECAST
SAMPLE
Table of Contents
Product Support Features
Customer Service Guide
EMarket Alert Newsletter Instructions
Query Service Instructions
Facts About This Market Intelligence Service
Index
Cross Reference Index
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Programs
Tab A - Lead Sheet Aircraft
• AgustaWestland A109 Series
• Airbus A300/A310
• Airbus A320 Series
• Airbus A330 Series
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• AgustaWestland Lynx Series
Table of Contents
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• Northrop Grumman E-2/C-2 Series
• Panavia Tornado
• Rockwell International B-1
• Saab JAS 39 Gripen Series
• SEPECAT Jaguar Strike Aircraft
• Sikorsky H-3 Series
• Sikorsky H-53 Series
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• Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk Series
• Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Series
• Sukhoi Su-27
Market Analyses
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Analysis 1 - The Market for Light Aircraft Retrofit & Modernization
Analysis 2 - The Market for Engine Retrofit & Modernization, Overhaul & Maintenance
Analysis 3 - The Market for Fighter/Attack/Trainer Aircraft R&M
Analysis 4 - The Market for Commercial and Military Transport R&M
Analysis 5 - The Market for Military Rotorcraft Retrofit & Modernization
Appendices
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March 2018
Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast
Outlook
USAF SLEP has increased in scope
USAF AESA upgrades planned
Multiple international billion-dollar F-16V upgrades
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Note: Icons indicate area(s) of current and potential retrofit/modernization activity
Description.
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Single-engine, single-seat tactical
fighter. It is also produced in dual-seat trainer versions.
Current Status. Production.
Orientation
Application. Day/night air-to-air, ground attack, and
close air support.
Price Range. F-16C/D, estimated at $37 million;
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F-16V, estimated at $42 million.
Total in Operation. Through December 2017,
approximately 4,603 F-16s of all models were produced
by Lockheed Martin and its coproducers and licensees.
Contractors
Prime
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Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co http://www.lockheedmartin.com, 1 Lockheed Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76108 United States,
Tel: + 1 (817) 777-2000, Fax: + 1 (817) 777-2115, Prime
Contractors are invited to submit updated information to Editor, International Contractors, Forecast International, 22 Commerce Road,
Newtown, CT 06470, USA; rich.pettibone@forecast1.com
Technical Data
(F-16C/D)
Metric U.S.
Dimensions
Length 15.03 m 49.30 ft
Height 5.09 m 16.70 ft
Wingspan 10.0 m 32.80 ft
Wing area 27.87 sq m 300.0 sq ft
Weight
Empty 8,437 kg 18,600 lb
Max T-O gross weight 19,187 kg 42,300 lb
Performance
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Max speed Mach 2.0 Mach 2.0
Service ceiling 15,240+ m 50,000+ ft
Ferry range(a) 4,215 km 2,276 nm
Propulsion
Thrust
or
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F-16C/D (Block 40/42; delivered to USAF by the end of 1991)
One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 twin-shaft augmented turbofan
128.9 kN
23,770 lbst
28,984 lbst
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Thrust 129.4 kN 29,100 lbst
or
One General Electric F110-GE-129 twin-shaft augmented turbofan
Thrust 131.6 kN 29,588 lbst
F-16E/F
One General Electric F110-GE-132 twin-shaft augmented turbofan
Thrust 144.0 kN 32,500 lbst
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Crew
F-16C/E – One
F-16D/F – Two
Armament. One M61A1 20mm multibarrel cannon in air-to-air missiles, Maverick air-to-surface missiles,
port side wing/body fairing. Mounting at each wingtip Penguin anti-ship missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles,
for air-to-air missile. Mounting provisions on each side rockets, conventional bombs, laser-guided and
of inlet shoulder for sensor pods. One underfuselage electro-optical weapons, gun pods, ECM pods,
and six underwing hardpoints. A wide variety of stores PAVE PENNY laser tracking pods, flare pods,
can be carried, including AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air reconnaissance pods, laser designator pods, and drop
missiles, Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles tanks.
(AMRAAMs), Sparrow air-to-air missiles, Sky Flash
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Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast Page 3
Program Review
Background. The F-16 was selected as the new Recent Deals and Customers
USAF Air Combat Fighter in 1975. Pratt & Whitney
simultaneously received a contract for F100-PW-100 Pakistan ordered 18 Block 52s in 2009 as part of a deal
engines to power the all-new fighter, which was that included upgrades to 45 earlier-model F-16s in its
designed to be lightweight, highly maneuverable, and fleet. Lockheed Martin completed deliveries in
relatively inexpensive compared to the USAF's larger February 2012.
twin-engine McDonnell Douglas F-15. Morocco ordered 24 F-16s in December 2009 (16 Cs
The program was notable in that export customers and eight Ds), in a $2.4 billion deal. Deliveries ran
began selecting the F-16 for their own fighter from August 2011 through August 2012. One aircraft
replacement programs early in the development phase, crashed in May 2015 while operating over Yemen.
well before the aircraft proved itself in service with the Egypt ordered 20 F-16s (16 Cs and 4 Ds) in
U.S. military. In June 1975, the F-16 was chosen by December 2009 under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
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Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway to program. The U.S. government in turn ordered the
replace F-104s. More export customers were to follow aircraft from Lockheed Martin in December 2012.
as the F-16 became widely adopted by U.S. friends and Deliveries began in 2013 but were suspended by the
allies around the world. Obama administration after the military coup against the
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The first preproduction F-16 flew in 1976, and the first
production F-16A flew in 1978. The F-16A/B entered
operational service with the USAF in 1980.
U.S. procurement ended in FY01. By then the USAF
had funded development of the more powerful, highly
upgraded F-16C/D models. The F-16C offers a higher
level of multirole ground attack and strike capability
than the original designers had ever envisioned for the
Morsi government. Lockheed Martin completed
production of the 20 aircraft in 2014. However,
deliveries did not resume until 2015 and were
completed by the end of the year.
Iraq initially ordered 18 F-16C/Ds in September 2011
and then placed a follow-on order for 18 more aircraft in
April 2013.
Oman ordered 12 F-16C/Ds in December 2011 through
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aircraft (the two-seat F-16D is typically used for fighter the FMS program: 10 single-seat C models and two
conversion training). The service has no plans to order dual-seat D models. Oman previously received 12
additional F-16s. F-16s in 2005-2006. Lockheed Martin began deliveries
to Oman in 2014 and delivered the last aircraft in 2015.
Coproduction Deals
Romania will get 12 used F-16s from Portugal under a
Fokker coproduced 300 aircraft, and SABCA/SONACA
$205 million deal signed in September 2013. It signed a
coproduced another 218. The first Belgian-produced
Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the U.S.
and Dutch-built aircraft were delivered in 1979.
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Indonesia is also in the market for a new fighter, to time, Indonesia is taking delivery of 25 surplus
replace the F-5E/F jets currently in its inventory. The F-16C/Ds from U.S. Air Force stock to boost its fighter
F-16 is a contender in this competition. At the same fleet.
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Lockheed Martin F-16C
Source: Lockheed Martin
Variants
F-16A. Initial production version. It is powered by
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Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast Page 5
F-16 (ADF). For the U.S. Air Force/Air National Agile Falcon. General Dynamics proposed this effort
Guard air defense fighter (ADF) mission, 270 F-16As to increase the F-16's performance and agility. It
were modified with the following changes: provisions features a larger wing. Lightweight materials would be
for AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, a crash-survivable flight used in the structure. Among the options considered,
data recorder, an ARC-200 HF radio, Navstar GPS one proposal envisioned increasing the aircraft's
provisions, an identification light, and an identification wingspan to 10.98 meters (36 ft) and the wing area to
friend or foe (IFF) interrogator. The APG-66 radar was 37.17 square meters (400 sq ft). In addition to increased
upgraded with an AMRAAM datalink, improved maneuverability, the larger wing area and wingspan
electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), and would provide additional space for weapons, with an
improved capability against cruise missiles. extra station on each wing. However, U.S. Air Force
participation in Agile Falcon was terminated in the
F/A-16. Proposed modification of the Block 30/32
FY90-FY91 budget proposal, likely spelling the end of
F-16C fleet of approximately 300 aircraft to fulfill the
the effort.
U.S. Air Force's close air support mission now
performed by the Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II. It NF-16D. An F-16D aircraft modified as a Variable
was abandoned in 1992. Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA) for
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the U.S. Air Force.
F-16V. Lockheed Martin unveiled a new configuration
for the F-16 at the 2012 Singapore Air Show. The F-16XL. Crank-arrow delta-winged F-16 originally
upgraded model, designated the F-16V, includes a new proposed as a tactical strike replacement for the F-111.
APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) Two prototypes have been used by the U.S. National
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radar (Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam
Radar, or SABR), an upgraded mission computer and
architecture, and improvements to the cockpit – all
capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several
international customers for future improvements.
Taiwan selected the F-16V configuration for an upgrade
program involving 144 Block 20 F-16A/Bs. A test
aircraft converted to the F-16V configuration began
flight testing in October 2015.
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for
testing.
Falcon 2000. Proposed advanced derivative that had
a 65-square-meter delta wing, a 1.4-meter fuselage
extension, and an internal fuel capacity of
7,200 kilograms (15,873 lb).
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Funding
U.S. FUNDING
FY18
FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 (REQ) FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22
Modifications
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F-16 Mods 6.9 9.3 9.0 12.1 257.3 203.9 308.5 322.1 581.9 416.7
RDT&E
F-16
Squadrons
(PE#0207133F) 155.2 112.7 130.4 153.6 147.8 246.6 213.3 143.0 146.2 149.2
Total 162.1 122.0 139.4 165.7 405.1 450.5 521.8 465.1 728.1 565.9
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Milestones
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Month Year Major Development
Apr 1972 General Dynamics awarded contract for two prototypes
Feb 1974 Initial flight of first prototype
Jan 1975 F-16 selected for full-scale development
Dec 1976 Initial flight of first full-scale development aircraft
Aug 1977 Initial flight of first full-scale development F-16B
Aug 1978 First flight of initial production F-16A aircraft
Jan 1979 F-16A enters USAF service
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Worldwide Distribution/Inventories
Country Operator Designation Quantity Average Age
BAHRAIN Bahrain Air Force F-16C 16 23.00
BAHRAIN Bahrain Air Force F-16D 4 27.00
BELGIUM Belgium Air Component F-16A 49 28.50
BELGIUM Belgium Air Component F-16B 10 33.00
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INDONESIA Indonesia Air Force F-16A 7 28.50
INDONESIA Indonesia Air Force F-16B 3 28.50
INDONESIA Indonesia Air Force F-16C 12 27.25
INDONESIA Indonesia Air Force F-16D 5 26.50
IRAQ
IRAQ
ISRAEL
ISRAEL
ISRAEL
JORDAN
JORDAN
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Iraq Air Force
Iraq Air Force
Israel Air Force
Israel Air Force
Israel Air Force
Jordan Air Force
Jordan Air Force
F-16C
F-16D
F-16C
F-16D
F-16I
F-16A
F-16B
17
3
76
45
99
28
18
2.50
3.00
27.00
28.00
12.00
33.40
34.40
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KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Korea Republic of (South)
(SOUTH) Air Force F-16C 122 23.40
KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Korea Republic of (South)
(SOUTH) Air Force F-16D 52 22.73
MOROCCO Morocco Air Force F-16C 14 7.50
MOROCCO Morocco Air Force F-16D 8 7.00
NETHERLANDS Netherlands Air Force F-16A 58 29.25
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UNITED STATES United States Navy F-16A 10 33.00
UNITED STATES United States Navy F-16B 4 34.00
VENEZUELA Venezuela Air Force F-16A 10 31.00
VENEZUELA Venezuela Air Force F-16B 3 33.00
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Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast Page 9
R&M Contracts
Award
Contractor ($ millions) Date Description
Modification to a previously awarded contract for QF-16 full-scale
The Boeing Co 11.3 11/17 aerial target (FSAT) Lot 5B. Work will be performed in St. Louis, MO,
with an estimated completion date of Apr 27, 2021.
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BAE Systems 14.5 9/17
Work will be performed in Greenlawn, NY, and is expected to be
completed by Sep 27, 2021.
8.7
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9/17
9/17
expected to be performed in Totowa, NJ, and is expected to be
completed by Jul 31, 2020.
FFP, IDIQ contract for F-16 cockpit television video system cameras.
This was a competitive acquisition, with one offer received. This is a
EFW Inc 21.0 7/17
five-year contract, with no option periods. Locations of performance
are Texas and Israel, with a Jul 19, 2022, completion date.
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Contract for secondary power systems engineering and R&D
services, with a ceiling of $12 million. The contract’s primary objective
is to improve safety, reliability and maintainability, reduce cost of
Honeywell Int'l Inc 12.0 7/17 ownership, and support Air Force and Navy efforts to improve the
secondary power systems for the F-16, F-15, B-1, A-10, E-3, B-2,
FFP, IDIQ contract for F-16 aircraft maintenance for the Taiwan Air
URS Federal Force. Work will be performed in Arizona, and is expected to be
65.0 4/17
Services Inc completed by Jul 31, 2023. This contract is 100 percent FMS to
Taiwan.
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Elbit Systems Ltd http://www.elbitsystems.com, Advanced Technology Center, PO Box 539, Haifa, Israel,
Tel: + 972 4 831 5315, Fax: + 972 4 831 6944, Email: info@elbitsystems.com
(Modification)
Lahav Division http://www.iai.co.il, Ben Gurion Int'l Airport, Tel Aviv, Israel, Tel: + 972 3 9353163,
Texstars Inc
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Fax: + 972 3 9353687, Email: lahav_marketing@iai.co.il (Modification)
http://www.lockheedmartin.com, 1 Lockheed Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76108 United States,
Tel: + 1 (817) 777-2000, Fax: + 1 (817) 777-2115 (Mid-Life Upgrade; Structural
Enhancement)
http://www.cobham.com, 2734 Hickory Grove Rd, Davenport, IA 52804 United States,
Tel: + 1 (563) 383-6000, Fax: + 1 (563) 383-6430, Email: Info@sargentfletcher.com
(Aerial Refueling Tank/System Development)
http://www.texstars.com, 802 Ave J East, PO Box 534036, Grand Prairie, TX
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75050-2552 United States, Tel: + 1 (972) 647-1366, Fax: + 1 (972) 641-2800,
Email: james.levine@texstars.com (Canopy Transparency Manufacturing)
URS Federal Services Inc http://www.aecom.com, 20501 Seneca Meadows Pkwy, Germantown, MD United States,
Tel: + 1 (301) 944-3100, Fax: + 1 (301) 944-3062 (Taiwan Air Force F-16 Maintenance)
Propulsion
DynCorp International http://www.dyn-intl.com, 3190 Fairview Park Dr, Suite 700, Falls Church, VA 22042
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Electronics
BAE Systems plc http://www.baesystems.com, 6 Carlton Gardens, Stirling Sq, London, United Kingdom,
Tel: + 44 1252 373232, Fax: + 44 1252 383991 (Collaboration)
Boeing http://www.boeing.com, 100 N Riverside, Chicago, IL 60606 United States,
Tel: + 1 (312) 544-2000, Fax: + 1 (312) 544-2082 (QF-16 Conversion)
Hensoldt Sensors http://www.hensoldt.net, Worthstrasse 85, Ulm, Germany, Tel: + 49 731 392 0,
Fax: + 49 731 392 3393 (Delivery)
EFW Inc http://elbitsystems.com/subsidiaries/, 4700 Marine Creek Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX
76136-6969 United States, Tel: + 1 (817) 234-6600, Fax: + 1 (817) 234-6792
(Cockpit Television Video Cameras)
Elbit Systems Ltd http://www.elbitsystems.com, Advanced Technology Center, PO Box 539, Haifa, Israel,
Tel: + 972 4 831 5315, Fax: + 972 4 831 6944, Email: info@elbitsystems.com,
(Modification)
FAAC Inc http://www.faac.com, 1229 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, MI United States,
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Tel: + 1 (734) 547-6843, Fax: + 1 (734) 761-5368 (Software Updates)
Hellenic Aerospace Industry SA http://www.haicorp.com, PO Box 23, Schimatari, Greece, Tel: + 30 22620 5 2000,
(HAI) Fax: + 30 22620 5 2170, Email: marketing@haicorp.com (System Installation)
Honeywell Aerospace, Defense & http://aerospace.honeywell.com, 9201 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM
Space Electronics Systems
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co
Armament
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace http://www.kongsberg.com/en/kds/, Kirkegårdsveien 45, PO Box 1003, Kongsberg,
AS Norway, Tel: + 47 32 28 82 00, Fax: + 47 32 28 86 20, Email: kda.office@kongsberg.com
(Marketing )
PAE Aviation Services https://www.pae.com/capabilities/aviation-services, 1320 N Courthouse Rd, Ste 800,
Arlington, VA 22201 United States, Tel: + 1 (888) 526-5416 (F-16 A2A Missile Aerial
Target Development)
Raytheon Co http://www.raytheon.com, 870 Winter St, Waltham, MA 02451-1449 United States,
Tel: + 1 (781) 522-3000, Fax: + 1 (781) 860-2520
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Opportunities
Additional qualitative and quantitative data and analyses regarding specific countries and regions mentioned in this
report can be found in FI's International Military Markets (IMM) services.
Any additional qualitative and quantitative information and analyses regarding new-build airframe platforms,
electronics, or armament can be found in FI's Platinum Forecast System.
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cracks in the cockpit sill longerons between the front The USAF, European and Thai fleets have already
and rear pilot seating. In both fleets, the damage was received Falcon STAR structural upgrades. Midlife
found to be widespread though not universal, and both updates (MLUs) are coming to a close, and the
nations affirmed that most of the aircraft remained safe Structural Life Enhancement Program (SLEP) is on the
to fly following fleetwide inspections. Norway did not block. Most likely the SLEP will be the final effort to
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disclose how many aircraft were affected, and the
United States grounded less than 10 percent of the
overall fleet.
A total of 157 aircraft were inspected, and 82 were
found to have cracks, which were repaired by July 2015
with longeron fasteners supported by a steel "beef-up"
strap to help strengthen the cracked area. Finally,
high-strength fasteners were installed, and an
increase the operational life of the aircraft before their
retirement. However, it is possible that even with
implementation of the SLEP, structural deficiencies will
be found toward the end of the forecast period that call
for airframe modifications to push the aircraft through
to retirement. Less likely is the need for structural
modifications to enhance the performance of F-16
Fighting Falcons, although, depending on technology
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developments and requirements for new weapons or
aerodynamic smoothing compound was applied. avionics, such upgrades are possible. Future F-16
The new SLEP will determine the engineering structural modifications will be detailed in this report as
solutions necessary to resolve structural issues in information emerges.
order to extend the service life of 296 F-16C/D
Block 40-50 aircraft from 8,000 equivalent flight hours PROPULSION
to 12,000 EFH. Procurement funding under the
Portuguese Aftermarket Sales
$891 million program began in 2017 following the 2016
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SLEP "kit-proof" and the planned release of a Request In 2013, Romania purchased 12 F-16s from Portugal for
for Proposals (RFP). $203 million, including nine F-16AM single-seaters and
three F-16BM two-seaters. The first was delivered in
In 2015, Lockheed Martin completed 25,000 hours of
September 2016 and the second was planned for
simulated flight time on an F-16C Block 50 aircraft.
delivery in December 2016. Three more were delivered
Further testing is being conducted to identify a
in 2017. Romania has since requested another 12 F-16s.
definitive, safe flight-hour limit for the aircraft. Life-
limited components and required installation dates will The deal includes overhaul of the engines, two years of
vary by aircraft block and will be determined via the on-site support, and an update to M5.2R operational
F-16 Full Scale Durability Test (FSDT) and in the flight program (OFP) development software.
engineering and manufacturing development (EMD)
phase. Because of potential variation in modification In 2016, Bulgaria requested information regarding nine
F-16s that may follow the same modernization path as
requirements and installation schedules among aircraft
blocks, the quantity and unit cost of kit procurement and Romania's purchase.
hardware installation will differ from year to year, The F-16s acquired by Romania are not in fact
depending on the mix of aircraft involved. Portuguese F-16s, but made available by the
In June 2017 it was announced that the program would United States through its Excess Defense Articles
(EDA) program, or aircraft of allied nations that are
increase in scope to extend the service life of 841
Block 40-52 aircraft to 13,856 EFH. This would
replacing F-16s with the F-35. Portugal will, however, Aerospace Industrial Development Corp (AIDC) will
modernize the aircraft. begin retrofitting the Air Force's F-16A/Bs on
January 16, 2017. The first four F-16Vs were completed
ELECTRONICS at the end of 2017, with 25-28 F-16s to be completed
each year thereafter through the scheduled completion
F-16V date of 2023.
A number of militaries, including the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin will oversee AIDC's upgrade of
are upgrading their F-16 fleets to the F-16V aircraft in Taiwan. A total of 144 aircraft are expected
configuration – either in part or in full. to be upgraded, at a cost of around $3.45 billion,
The international Viper variant is roughly equivalent to although one aircraft recently suffered a catastrophic
the Block 60, fitted with AESA radar, a modern crash.
COTS-based avionics subsystem, a large-format Singapore
high-resolution display, and a high-volume, high-speed
databus. It is also equipped with a Sniper advanced In 2015, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded
targeting pod, a Link 16 theater datalink, and an auto Lockheed Martin a $914 million contract to upgrade
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ground collision avoidance system. F-16 aircraft for Singapore in order to enhance the
aircraft and extend their service life beyond 2030.
Greek Upgrade Phased installations were scheduled to start in 2016.
Greece plans to upgrade its F-16C/D fleet to the latest Upgrade work is expected to take place over a period of
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F-16V version. The $1.7 million to $2 billion upgrade
will be spread over many years due to Greece's
constrained national budget. This would appear to be a
sound alternative to new-build F-35s, but it is a difficult
balancing act for Greece because it has no money yet
Turkey outpowers Greece militarily.
Taiwan – Phoenix Rising
Despite protests from the government of China,
five or six years.
The program includes an extensive avionics refresh on
60 aircraft. Specifically, aircraft will be upgraded with
LN-260 GPS/INS, APX-125 advanced ID friend or
foe (AIFF), a Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS),
modular mission computers (MMCs), helmet-mounted
displays, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems,
Link 16 datalinks, and Northrop Grumman APG-83
Scalable Agile Beam AESA radar. Singapore has
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the USAF awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.85 billion requested integration of the AIM-9X Sidewinder,
contract in late 2012 to begin the retrofit and upgrade of GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), the
145 F-16A/B Block 20 fighters operated by the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, the CBU-105 Sensor
Republic of China Air Force to the F-16V Fuzed Weapon, and GBU-49/50 Enhanced Paveway II
configuration. Originally this upgrade was valued at dual-mode guided bombs.
$5.1 billion and included new F100-PW-229 engines,
but budget constraints forced the Taiwanese government
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AESA upgrade as part of its Combat Avionics
Programmed Extension Suite (CAPES) program. That
program was later cut in the face of increasing
budgetary constraints.
UAE
RKAF F-16 PL
Source: Republic of Korea Air Force
Northrop Grumman's APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam
Radar (SABR) AESA system is derived from R&D
performed for the F-22 and F-35 and the UAE's F-16
Block 60, and was designed to fit inside early-model
F-16s and trainer or light combat aircraft, such as the
Aermacchi M-346. This is what the USAF has selected
for its upgrade program.
The AP-83 can detect, tack, and identify more targets
than older AP-68 radar, and at a faster rate and longer
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The United Arab Emirates recently reached an
agreement with Lockheed Martin to upgrade its fleet of range. It also has higher resolution. This will mitigate
80 F-16s. The deal, which may be worth up to the dangers of new Russian cruise missiles and very
$1.6 billion, will most likely entail F-16V upgrades. The capable fighters such as the Su-35S Flanker-E.
UAE hopes to maintain its F-16 fleet through The Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) is an
2030-2040. The UAE is currently using its F-16 fleet at AESA radar having a modular design. It is advertised
a relatively high tempo in Syria and Yemen. as a "drop-in" upgrade for F-16 and F/A-18 aircraft that
Bahrain can be installed with little modification to the fighter's
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Receiver will be initiated. In addition, efforts regarding
requirements set forth in the USAF Radar non-recurring engineering (NRE) Group A and Group B
Modernization Program (RMP) Capability Description hardware will begin, as will updates to digital RWR
Document (CDD) issued in 2012. Phase 3 also provides software.
for the fielding of AESA radars on up to 300 more
ACC/ANG/AFRC aircraft.
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To facilitate the most expedient operational capability,
during Phases 1 and 2 integration of the JUON
requirements will be accomplished via the 1553 legacy
interface with minimal changes to the core OFP for the
F-16.
A good number of F-16s will need the new AESA radar
as the fleet transitions to replacement by F-35s.
This RDT&E program is funded at $54.6 million in
FY18.
Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) Upgrade
The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) awarded
Lockheed Martin a contract to deliver Sniper ATPs for
the KF-16 in December 2013. In November 2015, the
ROKAF declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC)
of the KF-16 equipped with the Sniper. Deliveries under
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Although 298 aircraft are planned to undergo the the contract were expected to be completed in 2017.
USAF's SLEP, not all of those aircraft will necessarily
In May 2015, the Romanian Air Force (RoAF) and
need AESA upgrades to remain functional. Still, in the
Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) selected the pods for their
years before sequestration, the USAF had intended to
F-16 fleets. Lockheed Martin will integrate and field
retrofit more than 300 F-16s with AESA.
Sniper ATPs on existing RoAF and RTAF aircraft. Pod
However, in line with the divestment delays seen with deliveries began in early 2015 to meet operational
the A-10, the F-16's operational life may get pushed out requirements.
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In 2016, the U.S. government authorized Egypt's order
of 65 LANTIRN targeting pods from the United States
under the EDA program.
LANTIRN ER PL
Source: Lockheed Martin
kits consist of line replaceable units (LRUs) that will be likely be launched on Danish F-16s in 2018.
installed in fielded ATPs. Deliveries of pods and
upgrade kits were to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016. Netherlands ECM Upgrade
The upgrade is applicable on multiple aircraft, including In December 2016, Northrop Grumman was awarded a
the F-15, F-16, B-1, and B-52. It is at the discretion of contract by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF)
the USAF to choose which aircraft receive the upgrade. to upgrade the ALQ-131 electronic countermeasure
As further information emerges, it will be included in (ECM) pods that equip its F-16 aircraft fleet. The
this report. upgrade, Northrop Grumman's digital receiver/exciter,
includes new threat detection and jamming capabilities
Indonesia's F-16A/B Block 15 aircraft will receive the to allow the aircraft to operate safely in the modern
ATP, with a projected completion date of April 2018. threat environment.
The digital receiver/exciter adds fifth-generation
electronic warfare technology to the ALQ-131,
providing the flexibility to remain ahead of emerging
threats.
Israeli S-300 Defense System units for Morocco, Egypt, and Iraq under a $70 million
contract. Work was expected to be completed in 2017.
In April 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted
the S-300 ground-to-air missile ban on Iran. In The contract includes the provision of eight full ACES
July 2015, the Iranian nuclear agreement gave Iran units to serve as in-country spares, three full units to
further freedom to modernize its air force. Shortly after support software sustainment activities, 13 ACES LRUs
the agreement, in August, a Syrian S-300 fired from a to create a spares pool, and 21 ACES LRUs to support
Syrian Republican Guard base shot down an Israeli the operation of ACES reprogramming benches at
F-16. Warner Robins and Eglin air force bases, plus a lifetime
supply of "diminishing manufacturing source" parts to
Although in 2014 Israel completed its Barak 2020 support future repairs.
program to upgrade its fleet of F-16C/Ds to more
closely match the F-16I standard, S-300 deliveries to Moroccan ACES Replacement
Iran are a serious worry for Israel, which received two
The Royal Moroccan Air Force decided in 2016 to
new F-35s at the end of 2016. Even so, the relatively
replace the ACES of Block 52 aircraft with the Harris
low number of F-35 deliveries will force reliance on the
ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic
E
nation's current fighter inventory.
Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) via a $91 million contract.
Although technical details have not been specified, Although the number of systems to be bought was not
Israel plans to upgrade its F-16Is with equipment to disclosed, a minimum of 10 percent of the systems
counter ground-to-air missile attacks. This equipment procured will be used as spares.
PL
will be able to engage up to six enemy targets at once by
directing two missiles in the direction of each target.
AIDEWS detects radar-guided missiles and disables
them using frequency jamming or by cueing chaff
dispensers. If integrated with sensors, the system can
detect laser and infrared guided missiles. The system is
already installed on F-16s operated by Chile, Oman,
Pakistan, Poland, and Turkey.
QF-16 Full-Scale Aerial Target (FSAT)
Conversion
M
Due to a dwindling supply of F-4 airframes for QF-4
target drone conversion, the USAF has contracted
Boeing to develop an optionally manned QF-16 aircraft.
The QF-16 would be used for testing and equipment
evaluation and as a remotely operated target.
The initial EMD contract was valued at approximately
S-300VM
SA
February 2018
Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast Page 19
pilot is in the cockpit or on the ground. The first The GEN VI radios will feature cryptographic
unmanned flight took place in September 2013, and modernization (CM), a Mobile User Objective System
testing of all six aircraft continues at Holloman Air (MUOS), and a second-generation Anti-Jam Tactical
Force Base in New Mexico. UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN). Also under this
upgrade, the KY-58 secure voice module used on the
Note that Boeing's contract does not include the Air
F-16 to encrypt radio communication will be replaced
Force's cost for initial refurbishment. Our forecast
by the new KY-58M. The aircraft's radio control unit
figures are based on cost per aircraft post-refurbishment,
(RCU) high-power amplifier (HPA) and low noise
as paid to Boeing.
amplifier (LNA) will also be replaced. This update will
The first Lot 1 aircraft was delivered in March 2015, to result in all F-16 aircraft having two ARC-210 GEN VI
the USAF 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron. This was the radios. This modification updates pre-Block F-16
first of 13 low-rate initial production (LRIP) deliveries aircraft.
that are believed to have been made by the end of 2015.
This program is funded at $45.9 million in FY18.
Full-rate production was planned to commence in RDT&E is funded at $12.4 million in FY18.
mid-2015, with four lots of 25 jets each to be delivered.
ADS-B Out
E
Air Combat Command declared IOC for the QF-16 on
September 23, 2016. Lot 2 was finished in September The Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
2017. Boeing is converting aircraft at a rate of about (ADS-B) Out program accommodates the FAA mandate
two per month. for ADS-B by providing improved altitude, airspeed and
PL
In March 2017, Boeing received a $24.7 million
contract modification for an additional 18 QF-16
conversions. An $11.3 million contract modification
awarded in November 2017 most likely covers
associated costs of in-operation QF-16s, along with
those to be converted.
Additional conversions are likely to be ordered by the
United States and other countries to satisfy a growing
location information to ground stations and
appropriately equipped aircraft in vicinity.
In FY18, development efforts will begin and a contract
will be awarded for hardware and software updates to
the Combined Interrogator Transponder (CIT) and GPS
card on F-16 Block 25/30/32 aircraft.
Although the U.S. military may have some leeway with
the 2020 FAA deadline for ADS-B compliance, there
M
need for full-scale aerial targeting. will certainly be some expediency to the program.
This RDT&E program is funded at $3.1 million in
FY18.
HFLCC AGCAS
The Hybrid Flight Control Computer (HFLCC) Auto
Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS)
SA
The Comm Suite Upgrade is a FY18 new start that Improved Nighttime Capabilities
modernizes equipment and provides enhanced security
Two Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 Block 15s have
for tactical networks. Under this upgrade, existing
been upgraded with night-vision-compatible cockpits by
ARC-201 RT-1851 GEN IV radios will be replaced
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Under the
with ARC 210 RT-2036 GEN VI radios.
$75 million deal, TAI will provide the PAF with 43 kits,
which will allow the upgrades to be conducted in terminal. The new cards will be installed in all
Pakistan. terminals, and spare cards will also be purchased.
Aggressor Upgrade Installations under this $39.4 million program are
expected to run through 2022.
The FY17 new start Aggressor Software Capability
Upgrade (SCU) 8 program will upgrade F-16 Aggressor Modular Mission Computer (MMC)/Display
aircraft located at Eielson and Nellis air bases Generator Upgrade
(39 aircraft) to an SCU 8 configuration. These upgrades
will include the Common Fire Control Computer This $313.4 million upgrade resolves shortfalls in
(CFCC), an Ethernet XMUX (multiplex bus), a mission computer memory and throughput brought on
Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL), an ALQ-213 by the addition of incremental combat capability. The
advanced processing unit (APU), and Secure Line of addition of an Ethernet port facilitates the integration of
Sight (SLOS). future increments of combat capability with the OFP
(e.g., the digital targeting pod video).
In addition to these capabilities, the Aggressor SCU 8
program will allow these aircraft to receive other The display generator upgrade is a fully integrated
E
upgrades in the future, including the Central Display multifunction solution. It includes hands-on
Unit (CDU), Helmet-Mounted Integrated Targeting throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) integration with the "sensor
(HMIT), and a third radio. of interest"; enables format swapping; provides
high-definition video on 4x4 displays; provides
The program is funded at $13.4 million from improved display formats during dynamic maneuvers;
FY17-FY19.
MIDS-JTRS
PL
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended
that the National Security Agency (NSA) modernize
and provide enhanced security (via CM) for Link 16
tactical networks. Likewise, a radio frequency spectrum
Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of
and resolves symbol freezing issues that result from
throughput constraints. In addition, it addresses
growing concerns with the current Programmable
Display Generator.
U.S. installations will most likely start in FY21 and
continue through FY25. The MMC and display
generator will be included in international upgrades,
including for Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore.
M
Defense and the Department of Transportation mandates
that internal frequency remapping be conducted for the Future F-16 Avionics Upgrades
Link 16 family of terminals to avoid conflict with
next-generation U.S. FAA radio navigational aids. As the F-16 continues to age, it will require regular
These two mandates will be satisfied by replacing avionics modernization in order to stay current and
existing Link 16 Multifunctional Information combat ready in an evolving global environment.
Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminals Details on new programs will be provided in this report
(LVTs) with MIDS-Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) as information becomes available.
SA
February 2018
Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast Page 21
standard. In addition to the PBU, Rafael's 2,000-pound F-16 MLU. In July 1991, the U.S. Air Force awarded
guided glide bomb, Spice, was certified on the Korean General Dynamics, Fort Worth, Texas, a $370 million
fleet in 2017. contract to begin full-scale development of the MLU.
Originally, a total of 533 F-16A/Bs (including 403
JASSM-ER (Extended Range) European aircraft) were to be upgraded. However, in
This upgrade integrates the advanced weapon on F-16 1993, the total number of kits to be acquired by the EPG
Block 40/42/50/52 aircraft that will be fielded in countries was reduced to 301. The total was later
conjunction with a future OFP delivery. Operational increased to 360, distributed as follows: Belgium, 110;
flight programs are required to integrate new precision Denmark, 61; the Netherlands, 139; and Norway, 50.
weapons, advanced targeting pods, improved avionics, The U.S. Air Force decided to retrofit F-16C/Ds with
and hardware and software mods to meet DoD mandates the MLU's modular mission computer (MMC) instead
and keep the F-16, and the respective training of upgrading F-16A/Bs with the full modification kits.
simulators and other hardware systems, current. Dates
pertaining to this upgrade have not yet been finalized. Besides the MMC, modifications in the MLU include a
Details will be included in this report as information Northrop Grumman APG-66(V)2 radar with enhanced
range and additional modes, a digital terrain navigation
E
becomes available.
system, GPS equipment, a new cockpit layout, an
In 2016, the U.S. DoD approved Poland's request to advanced IFF system, and provisions for a
purchase 70 JASSM-ERs for integration onto its F-16 forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system and a
fleet under a $200 million deal. microwave landing system (MLS). Some countries also
Recently Completed Programs
APG-68(V)9/10 Upgrade
PL
In 2001, Northrop Grumman launched its new
APG-68(V)9 radar, formerly called the APG-68(V)XM.
This radar can be retrofitted to existing F-16s. It
replaces older APG-66 and APG-68 models on the
F-16. The (V)9 retrofit options are known as the
include a helmet-mounted display.
The MMC is produced by Raytheon. It consists of data
processor modules based on the R3000 32-bit Reduced
Instruction Set Computer (RISC) architecture, multiplex
bus modules, an avionics display processor module, an
advanced display driver module, and power supply
modules. These are mounted in a one-piece chassis that
allows the modules to be serviced without removal of
M
the chassis from the aircraft. The MMC uses an Ada
APG-66(V)X for F-16A/B Block 15 to 20 aircraft and
software compilation system.
for ADF and MLU F-16 versions, and the APG-68(V)X
for F-16C/D Block 30 to 50 aircraft. Enhanced radar capability is provided by a new
Northrop Grumman APG-66(V)2A system. This
In August 2004, Northrop Grumman received a
version of the F-16 radar has a new signal processor, a
$22 million contract to develop a radar upgrade kit for
higher-power transmitter, and low-power RF reliability
USAF F-16C/Ds. In July 2005, the company received a
and maintainability improvements, including a new
three-year, $52 million contract to complete
frequency multiplier, greater sensitivity, and wider
SA
The Royal Jordanian Air Force received 17 ex-USAF cost to itself, a possibility of which India is acutely
Block 15 F-16A/Bs in 2003-2004. The aircraft were aware.
upgraded with the MLU modifications plus the
The first converted airframe was test-flown in
Falcon UP and Falcon STAR upgrades. Modifications
November 2011, with initial work performed by
were performed at TAI facilities in Ankara, Turkey,
Lockheed, while the remainder of the fleet was to be
with initial delivery in October 2007.
upgraded by TAI in Ankara. By 2014, TAI had
Forty Portuguese F-16A/Bs received MLU delivered 41 MLU aircraft to Pakistan.
modifications, with additional upgrades for the aircraft
The MLU update will most likely be replaced in
including a night identification light, a dedicated
demand by the F-16V option, which offers a more
electronic warfare MUX bus, additional chaff/flare
competitive edge against newer advanced fighters.
dispensers, and provisions for an internal missile
Foreign Military Sales of the USAF SLEP may also
warning system and a flight analyzer/air combat
gain interest with operators looking to expand the
evaluation/voice and data recorder.
operational service life of their aircraft.
In 2015, Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal
As more newly built aircraft age, they too may need an
(OGMA) started MLUs on three F-16 Block 15 aircraft.
E
upgrade similar to the current MLU but more advanced
They were to be brought up to the F-16AM standard by
than even the current F-16V upgrade.
2017.
For years Thailand has desired participation in a similar Missile Launch Detection System
MLU program known as Falcon Up. Falcon Up would (MILDS) F Upgrade
PL
have covered 57 aircraft (the full fleet at the time), but
the effort was delayed by budgetary concerns and an
unclear vision for the future of the nation's F-16 fleet.
Thailand later prioritized procurement of new Gripens
and therefore dramatically scaled back its plans for the
F-16, though a 2012 contract with Lockheed Martin
calls for an upgrade worth an estimated $700 million.
Upgrades to 18 aircraft were planned. However,
The AAR-60(V)2, an Airbus system, passively detects
the UV radiation emitted by an approaching missile.
Integrated with defensive countermeasures systems, the
MILDS-F upgrade allows quick detection and reaction
with few false positives. The system is optimized for
installation on Terma's Pylon Integrated Dispenser
System Plus (PIDS+). It is the only missile warning
system cleared through the U.S. Air Force's Seek Eagle
M
sources indicated that after six aircraft were upgraded, aircraft stores certification process to fly on the F-16.
the Thai Cabinet granted approval for upgrades to only
In 2014, Exelis signed a teaming agreement with Airbus
10 more. These were completed in 2017.
Group to provide advanced missile warning capabilities
Pakistan had intended to procure a number of F-16s, for U.S. and international F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
both new and updated, but an earthquake forced the Exelis provides maintenance and sustainment for all
government to pare down its order from 55 new (with U.S. MILDS-F customer requirements, as well as for
another 20 as an option) to 18 new (and an option future Foreign Military Sales. It will also assume
SA
for 18) and 60 MLU kits. responsibility for the manufacture of system
components in the United States.
In July 2006, the U.S. government decided to allow
Pakistan to buy up to 36 new aircraft in a deal that could Denmark ordered the MILDS for its fleet of 30 F-16s in
be worth more than $5.1 billion, including the aircraft, 2004 and Norway ordered 100 units in 2011; these are
the update kits, the overhaul of 14 F100-PW-220E all believed to have been installed.
engines, and $650 million worth of weapons: 700
In March 2016, the Netherlands ordered the system for
missiles, 500 JDAM guidance kits, and 3,000 bombs.
its F-16 fleet. The system was installed on the fleet by
In December 2006, Lockheed Martin was awarded
the end of 2016.
$161 million to upgrade 34 Pakistani F-16s, with work
to be completed by December 2010. The first engine No additional contracts had been announced as of press
was delivered in November 2009. time.
Tensions between the Bush administration of the
United States and Pakistan put strains on this and other
military deals. The United States still officially
considers Pakistan to be an ally in the global war on
terror, and the Obama administration made no major
changes to this paradigm. It may be that Pakistan is MILDS-F
using this opportunity to upgrade its F-16 fleet at little Source: Exelis
February 2018
Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast Page 23
Turbine Blade Failure that one of the turbine blades had broken loose,
damaging other blades within the engine. As of press
In March 2016, an F-16CM suffered an engine time, there had been no indications that this is a
hardware malfunction, resulting in minor injuries to the systemic problem. Any information regarding similar
pilot. At least one turbine blade caused the engine to problems will be added in future editions of this report.
provide inadequate thrust, and later evaluations found
Forecast Rationale
The F-16 remains a very popular aircraft, both in the similar to if not at the V standard, depending upon
U.S. and internationally. Most operators will continue budgetary constraints as related to F-35 purchases. The
to fund retrofit and modernization efforts, particularly USAF is already planning an AESA upgrade for its
those that do not plan to switch to the F-35 in the near fleet, which will bring the platform even closer to the
term or at all. F-16V standard.
Although the F-35 program is running strong, delays in The new billion-dollar F-16 Service Life Extension
E
the program will continue to push some nations to Program (SLEP) and related avionics upgrades to the
invest more heavily in their F-16 fleets so as to avoid a USAF's F-16C/D fleet can safely and effectively
capability gap. This is, of course, exacerbated by augment the current fighter force structure as U.S. and
countries like Greece, with significant funding allied combat air fleets are recapitalized with a variable
shortfalls, that veer their military strategy toward number of F-35 Lightning IIs.
new aircraft.
PL
extending the service life of legacy fighters in lieu of
Status Thru 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total
Estimated
900 SLEP <> F-16 C/F-16 D
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 0 4 13 35 33 0 0 0 0 0 85
Speculative 0 0 0 0 11 40 61 76 94 113 395
SA
ELECTRONICS
High Confidence Good Confidence Less Confidence
Status Thru 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total
Estimated
2900 Missile Launch Detection System (MILDS) Upgrade <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 130 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Speculative 6 6 3 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 20
Estimated
2900 QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) Conversion <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 31 24 24 24 24 15 0 0 0 0 0 111
Speculative 0 0 0 0 9 24 20 16 12 8 89
ELECTRONICS
High Confidence Good Confidence Less Confidence
Status Thru 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total
Estimated
2900 F-16V Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 20
Estimated
2900 F-16V Targeting System <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 20
E
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management System
Potential Candidates
<> F-16
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 81 72 24 25 16 15 559
Speculative 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 20
Estimated
Potential Candidates
2900
Planned/In Progress
Speculative
Estimated
Potential Candidates
2900
PL
F-16V Upgrade APX-125 advanced ID friend or foe (AIFF)
4 51
0
90
0
96
0
89
0
91
0
<> F-16
15
0
569
0
M
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 20
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
SA
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade LANTIRN AN/AAQ-13 Terrain Following Radar <>
Potential Candidates
F-16
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade LANTIRN AN/AAQ-13 Thermal Camera <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade LN-260 GPS/INS <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
February 2018
Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast Page 25
ELECTRONICS
High Confidence Good Confidence Less Confidence
Status Thru 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade Link-16 <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade MMC <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
E
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade Misc Computer <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated
Potential Candidates
Estimated
Potential Candidates
2900
Planned/In Progress
Speculative
69
Planned/In Progress
PL
APG-68(V)9/10 Upgrade
126 0
10
0
5
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
25
0
M
Speculative 15 15 15 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 60
Estimated
2900 Advanced Countermeasures Electronic System (ACES) Upgrade
Potential Candidates
ALR-69A Radar Warning Receiver <> F-16
Planned/In Progress 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Speculative 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 12
SA
Estimated
2900 Advanced Countermeasures Electronic System (ACES) Upgrade
Potential Candidates
Countermeasures Dispenser System <> F-16
Planned/In Progress 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Speculative 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 12
Estimated
2900 Advanced Countermeasures Electronic System (ACES) Upgrade
Potential Candidates
Jammer <> F-16
Planned/In Progress 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Speculative 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 12
Estimated
39 Aggressors Upgrade ALQ-213 <> F-16 C
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 20 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 39
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ELECTRONICS
High Confidence Good Confidence Less Confidence
Status Thru 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total
Estimated
39 Aggressors Upgrade Communications <> F-16 C
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 20 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 39
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated
39 Aggressors Upgrade Computer <> F-16 C
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 20 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 39
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
E
Estimated
615 Display Generator Upgrade <> F-16 <> United States <> Air Force
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 0 0 0 20 40 95 100 100 100 0 455
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated
Potential Candidates
Estimated
Potential Candidates
2900
Planned/In Progress
Speculative
275
Planned/In Progress
PL
Future F-16 Avionics Upgrades
0 0
0
36
0
0
51
<> F-16
0
0
63
<> F-16
0
10
63
0
10
0
0
15
0
0
15
0
0
20
0
0
20
0
0
90
254
M
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated
615 MIDS-JTRS Upgrade <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 34 194 300 62 20 0 0 0 0 0 610
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
SA
Estimated
615 Modular Mission Computer (MMC) Upgrade <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 0 0 0 20 40 95 100 100 100 0 455
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated
22 Moroccan ACES Replacement <> F-16 C/F-16 D <> Morocco <> Air Force
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 8 8 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated
372 USAF AESA Upgrade <> F-16 <> United States <> Air Force
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 10 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24
Speculative 0 0 20 28 40 40 40 40 40 40 288
February 2018
Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast Page 27
ELECTRONICS
High Confidence Good Confidence Less Confidence
Status Thru 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total
Estimated
2900 Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) Upgrade <> F-16 C/D
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 40 35 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 65
Speculative 0 0 30 20 20 10 10 15 15 0 120
Estimated
2900 F-16V AESA Radar <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 4 51 90 96 89 91 72 24 25 16 15 569
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
E
Estimated
99 Israeli S-300 Defense System <> F-16 I <> Israel <> Air Force
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 30 30 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 60
Speculative 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Status
Estimated
Potential Candidates
2900
PL
Thru 2017 2018
ARMAMENT
High Confidence
2019 2020
2022 2023
<> F-16
2024
Less Confidence
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade GBU-49/50 Enhanced Paveway II <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 10 10 10 10 10 10 0 0 0 0 60
Speculative 41 80 86 79 81 62 14 15 6 5 469
SA
Estimated
615 JASSM-ER <> F-16 <> United States <> Air Force
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 35 85 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 520
Speculative 0 0 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 0 70
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade CBU-105 <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 10 10 10 10 10 10 0 0 0 0 60
Speculative 41 80 86 79 81 62 14 15 6 5 469
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade GBU-38 <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 10 10 10 10 10 10 0 0 0 0 60
Speculative 41 90 86 79 81 62 14 15 6 5 479
ARMAMENT
High Confidence Good Confidence Less Confidence
Status Thru 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total
Estimated
2900 F-16V Upgrade GBU-39 <> F-16
Potential Candidates
Planned/In Progress 0 10 10 10 10 10 10 0 0 0 0 60
Speculative 41 80 86 79 81 62 14 15 6 5 469
E
PL
M
SA
February 2018
Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast
Analysis 3
The Market for
Fighter/Attack/Trainer Aircraft R&M
2017-2026
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................. 3
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Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Fighter/Attack/Trainer Upgrades ............................................................................................................................ 6
Trends .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
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AIRFRAMES ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
LIFE EXTENSION ....................................................................................................................... 9
RELIABILITY AND MAINTAINABILITY ............................................................................... 9
ENHANCEMENTS .................................................................................................................... 10
Airframe Upgrades ............................................................................................................................................... 11
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PROPULSION ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
RE-ENGINING........................................................................................................................... 13
MODIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 14
Propulsion Upgrades ............................................................................................................................................ 15
ELECTRONICS ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
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TARGETING .............................................................................................................................. 17
AESA .......................................................................................................................................... 17
CNS/ATM ................................................................................................................................... 18
COCKPIT DISPLAY.................................................................................................................. 18
COMPUTERS............................................................................................................................. 18
DRONE CONVERSION ............................................................................................................ 19
ELECTRONIC WARFARE ....................................................................................................... 19
HELMET-MOUNTED TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................... 19
OTHER RADAR ........................................................................................................................ 19
SENSORS ................................................................................................................................... 20
Electronic Upgrades ............................................................................................................................................. 20
Analysis 3
ARMAMENT .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
Armament Upgrades............................................................................................................................................. 24
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................................... 25
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April 2017
Airborne Retrofit & Modernization Forecast Page 3
Analysis 3
Executive Summary
This analysis seeks to identify areas of opportunity in Nations must decide whether they wish to go all-in on
the coming 10-year period, with particular attention paid the F-35 or instead purchase cheaper, more readily
to the most promising programs within the available, though older and less advanced, aircraft.
fighter/attack/trainer aircraft R&M market. In general,
Recent developments have seen multibillion-dollar U.S.
the programs most likely to succeed are those that both
and international programs aimed at extending the life
are affordable and are effective solutions to modern
of legacy fighters, all while enhancing their capabilities
military concerns.
to meet fifth-generation capabilities.
Forecast International estimates the four primary sectors
Nations for which the F-35 is not an option must make a
of the fighter/attack/trainer market (electronics,
similar choice between developing their own
propulsion, armament and airframes) will be worth
fifth-generation aircraft or settling for a fleet of
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$47.158 billion over the 2017-2026 forecast period.
upgraded legacy aircraft. China is developing the J-20,
The fighter fleet is a vital asset for the modern military Japan the X-2, and South Korea the Korean Fighter
that serves a wide variety of roles both in combat and in Xperiment (KF-X), while Russia and India are
peacetime, from surveillance to precision engagement, collaborating on the T-50, with all aircraft featuring the
airframe. PL
air defense, and armed escort. But a dominant fighter
fleet comes with a price. As technology rapidly
advances, increasingly complicated systems must be
designed to fit into a relatively small and stealthy
fend off nearly any foe? Either option has its Whereas relatively recent upgrades concentrated on
advantages and drawbacks, financially, militarily, and precision ground engagement against an
often politically. At the same time, some may opt for amorphous, asymmetrical foe, new modernization
simply the bare minimum required to bridge the gap efforts must also maintain air superiority against a
until new modern fighters arrive. structured, opposing air power. Eastern Europe must
match the air power of Russia, Eastern Asia that of
The rise of the F-35 has had a profound impact on the
China, and Middle Eastern nations that of Iran, which
shape of the fighter market. The United States has
has recently been freed of many international sanctions.
already spent a great deal of resources on its fleet,
Nations now favor multirole aircraft, which are suitable
which was developed to replace many mainstays of the
for conventional missions like air superiority and
U.S. Air Force, from the F-16 to the A-10. Many allied
ground support but also for precision engagement with
nations have placed orders for the F-35 as well, though
limited collateral damage.
the program has suffered from constant bad press, an
ever-growing price tag, and delays that have spurred The electronics sector continues to dominate the market,
service life extensions and enhancement upgrades for due to this need for precision targeting systems as well
legacy fighters. As the United States continues to as the steady advance of weapons and avionics
produce the aircraft while it's still under development – technology. The United States in particular is funding a
a controversial practice called "concurrency," it could number of sensor and radar upgrades, led by the
still be years before the F-35 fleet works as advertised. maturation of active electronically scanned array
Analysis 3
(AESA) technology which is standard on a viable, cost-effective way to maintain such capabilities
fifth-generation aircraft and available as a retrofit on without the time and expense of investing in an entirely
most fourth-generation aircraft. new fleet.
Although airframe upgrades have risen impressively due The airframe modification sector will also be ripe with
to newly launched Service Life Extension Programs opportunities, as the simple necessity to keep legacy
(SLEPs), the electronics systems sector still offers the fleets airborne to bridge the gap until the arrival of
greatest number of opportunities. Because so many fifth-generation fighters will become a priority.
non-Western nations are increasing the capabilities of Multibillion-dollar SLEPs populate the landscape for
their armed forces to retain their technological edge, the fleets that nations intend to utilize for an extended time
need to modernize both the offensive and defensive period – possibly to the end of their service lives.
electronics systems of aircraft remains. Retrofit is often
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