The U.S. Air Force has placed an order with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for four additional F-16 aircraft that were funded in the Fiscal Year 2001 Defense Appropriations Act. The contract was finalized on Dec. 26, 2000.

The aircraft will deliver at one per month between October 2002 and January 2003. Contract value for Lockheed Martin is $47.5 million.

"The USAF continues to buy F-16s for force sustainment and modernization," said Don Jones, vice president of F-16 Programs. "These aircraft will also help us to smooth the ramp up to the higher production rates scheduled in 2003."

The aircraft will be Block 50 F-16C models in the same configuration as the 10 ordered earlier last year in the FY 00 buy. Distinguishing features include modular mission computer, color displays and recording equipment, on-board oxygen generating system, and the APX-113 advanced electronic interrogator/transponder. These aircraft will also be common to the initial deliveries in the USAF's Block 40/50 fleetwide retrofit program called the F-16 Common Configuration Implementation Program.

With this latest purchase, there were 234 F-16s ordered worldwide during calendar year 2000. The total number of F-16s delivered and on firm order now stands at 4,285. In addition, Chile recently announced selection of the F-16 for its New Combat Aircraft program and will be the 21st country to operate the F-16.

The F-16, the world's most sought-after fighter, is the choice of 21 countries. More than 4,000 aircraft have been delivered; hundreds more will be delivered to Bahrain, Egypt, the United States, Israel, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Korea, Singapore and Chile; and production is expected to continue beyond 2010. Major upgrades for all F-16 versions are being incorporated to keep the fleet modern and fully supportable over the aircraft's long service life.

The F-16 is playing a major role as the durable and versatile "workhorse" in allied peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and Iraq.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company is a leader in the design, development, systems integration, production and support of advanced military aircraft and related technologies. Its customers include the military services of the United States and allied countries throughout the world. Products include the F-22, F-16, F-117, C-5, C-27J, C-130, P-3, U-2 and X-33. The company leads a team competing for the development and production of the Joint Strike Fighter.

LM Aeronautics is a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp. , headquartered in Bethesda, Md. Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics and technology services.

F-16 is a registered trademark of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

For information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/.

For information on Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, visit: http://www.lmaeronautics.com/.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company