DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin’s Fighting Falcon Evolves With New F-16V

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Lockheed Martin’s Fighting Falcon Evolves With New F-16V
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 17, 2012: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] unveiled a new version of the F-16 today at the Singapore Airshow. The F-16V will feature enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, 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.

With nearly 4,500 F-16s delivered, this is a natural step in the evolution of the world’s most successful 4th generation fighter.  The Fighting Falcon program has continually evolved as it began with the F-16 A/B as the lightweight fighter then transitioned to F-16 C/D and Block 60 versions as customers’ requirements changed. 

AESA radars offer significant operational capability improvements. Lockheed Martin has developed an innovative solution to affordably retrofit this key technology into existing F-16s.  The F-16V configuration is an option for new production jets and elements of the upgrade are available to most earlier-model F-16s. The “V” designation is derived from Viper, the name fighter pilots have called the F-16 from its beginnings.

“We believe this F-16V will satisfy our customers’ emerging requirements and prepare them to better interoperate with the 5th generation fighters, the F-35 and F-22,” said George Standridge, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ vice president of business development.

The F-16 is the choice of 26 nations. The F-16 program has been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among governments, air forces and aerospace industries.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Lockheed Martin
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Pratt & Whitney Eyes Asia Growth To Offset F-35 Delays

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS:  Pratt & Whitney Eyes Asia Growth To Offset F-35 Delays
--Pratt & Whitney seeks to increase its post-sales operations, especially in Asia
--Company plans to expand other business segments, including securing more maintenance and repair tie-ups
--It sees headcount in Asia Pacific growing significantly in the next five to 10 years
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Chun Han Wong - Dow Jones Newswires / WSJ
 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada / SINGAPORE - February 15, 2012: U.S. aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney seeks to increase its post-sales operations, especially in Asia, to mitigate the impact of the U.S slowing its procurement of the F-35 fighter jets, President David Hess said Tuesday.

The maker of engines for the F-35 jet and a unit of conglomerate United Technologies Corp. (UTX), Pratt & Whitney is also experiencing slowing engine sales for older aircraft models, but "we've got other opportunities out there to try and fill the gap," such as by increasing after-sales repair and engineering work, and original equipment manufacturing, Hess told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview.

The U.S. intends to slow the pace of its F-35 procurement program as part of plans to slash a burgeoning deficit, even as some foreign buyers of the fighter--such as the U.K. and Italy--have signaled reductions to their orders. At the same time, Pratt & Whitney is "seeing engine delivery rates declining for some of the legacy programs, like the F-22 (fighter jet), C-17 (transport aircraft), and the F-15s and F-16s (fighters)," Hess said on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow.

The company also plans to expand its other business segments, including securing more maintenance and repair tie-ups with airlines and military clients.

It announced Tuesday at the Singapore Airshow a number of such deals, such as one with Asiana Airlines Inc. (020560.SE) to maintain engines for three of the carrier's jets, and another to provide engine maintenance for the Royal Jordanian Air Force's F-16 fighters. Pratt & Whitney also secured a contract to provide engines for Korean Air Lines Co.'s (003490.SE) five new Airbus A330 aircraft.

"We see our headcount in Asia Pacific growing significantly in the next five to ten years, particularly as we start to deliver our next generation engines and need more support here," Hess said.

The company has about 4,000 employees in Singapore, China and India, and Hess said headcount growth for this region would be "disproportionately" higher compared to that in North America, declining to give specific figures.

Commercial aviation will be Pratt & Whitney's main well of growth in this region, although military spending could also tick higher amid shifting geopolitical stakes as China expands its armed forces.

"I don't think (growth in military expenditure) will be to the same extent as we see in commercial aviation, as the military opportunities are distributed across the world," Hess said.

"But certainly we're seeing opportunities in Asia, with Japan ordering the F-35, and Singapore being a security partner on the program, and with South Korea and possibly other Asia-Pacific countries looking at acquiring aircraft," he added.

-By Chun Han Wong, Dow Jones Newswires; +65 64154 160; chunhan.wong@dowjones.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Chun Han Wong - Dow Jones Newswires / WSJ
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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