UAE Air Force's future fighter to thrill Dubai 2003
One of the world’s most renowned fighter jets – Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Fighting Falcon - will demonstrate its prowess to aviation professionals attending Dubai 2003 - the eighth international aerospace exhibition which opens tomorrow. (Sunday).
The UAE Air Force is due to take delivery of the first of 80 of the “latest and greatest” Block 60 F-16s next year. The distinctive, highly manoeuverable multi-role fighter has been around for more than 20 years, but the UAE order has given the Lockheed Martin production line in Texas a new lease of life.
"The Block 60 is the world's most capable multi-role fighter. It is both powerful and precise, incorporating the most advanced systems and breakthrough technology ever assembled in an F-16. We are proud to offer this superior product to the United Arab Emirates," said John Bean, vice president for F-16 programmes at Lockheed Martin.
The F-16 is one of 85 aircraft so far registered for Dubai 2003 and one of the 20+ due to take part in the daily flying display at the Airport Expo.
“Though the F-16 has taken part in previous Dubai air shows, it never fails to impress,” said Clive Richardson, Aerospace Group Chief Executive of the show’s organiser’s Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E).
More than 4,400 F-16 aircraft have been bought by 24 countries – Oman among recent customers.
The UAE’s new aircraft incorporate an advanced Agile Beam Radar, advanced Electronic Combat System, higher thrust engine, upgraded avionics and the precision weapons.
“The 80 aircraft in this programme extended our F-16 production and provided a solid continuing production base. This programme also involved major development of new capabilities that allowed the F-16 to remain technologically superior to the international competitors such as the Swedish Gripen, the French Rafale and the multi-national Eurofighter Typhoon. Some of these technologies will be shared among other F-16 programmes and next-generation fighters,” Bean added.
Until the next generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is in production, the aging but still effective F-16 will remain Lockheed Martin’s only export fighter. Existing orders will keep the production line in Fort Worth open until 2008 - the 30th anniversary of the international F-16 programme.
Dubai 2003 is being organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in co-operation with the UAE Armed Forces. To date, exhibitors from 36 countries have contracted for Dubai 2003, which has, in total, pavilion commitments from 13 nations, including, for the first time, Jordan and Ukraine.
-Ends-
For further information:
Barbara Saunders/Nathalie Visele,
MCS/Action,
PO Box 20970,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tel: +9714 390 2961;
fax: +9714 390 8161.
Email: barbara@mcsaction.com or
nathalie@mcsaction.com
Or visit Dubai 2003 online at: www.dubaiairshow.org
© Press Release 2003
