UAE F-16 aircraft will see flight control upgrades from BAE Systems
NewsJuly 20, 2018
ENDICOTT, N.Y. Lockheed Martin officials selected BAE Systems to deliver flight controls in order upgrade the next-generation F-16 aircraft for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Under contract, BAE Systems will provide the F-16s with its advanced Digital Flight Control Computer, which receives demand inputs from the pilots’ control stick and rudder pedals, and monitors current flight conditions from on-board sensors. It also rapidly computes and transmits commands to all actuators throughout the aircraft, including rudders, stabilizers, and spoilers to maintain controlled flight.
The initial order from Lockheed Martin includes a range of services such as design, qualification, integration, flight test, and certification for the flight control computer. Production orders for approximately 100 units are then expected in 2020 and 2021, for up to a total of 315 units through 2028. Additional orders may be exercised in the future under the terms of the agreement for upgrades and potential new builds of F-16s.
Development and production for this contract will take place at BAE Systems’ site in Endicott, New York.
