Lockheed Martin Aeronautics has shipped the first eight modification kits for the U.S. Air Force's Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP).

CCIP is the most extensive retrofit of the F-16 and involves major changes to the aircraft avionics and cockpit. Approximately 650 USAF Block 40/50 F-16C/Ds are scheduled to be upgraded. Development began in June 1998, and flight testing is currently under way at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

The first eight kits were shipped on June 29, fulfilling both the July and August contractual requirements. The kits were shipped early at the request of the Ogden Air Logistics Center, Utah. Ogden ALC is the prime depot for the F-16 and the location of the F-16 CCIP modification line.

"We are glad to be able to accelerate delivery of these initial kits to accommodate the customer's schedule needs," said Donald W. Jones, vice president of F-16 Programs at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "The CCIP upgrade will provide the Air Force major benefits in capability and supportability for its Block 40/50 fleet."

CCIP is being implemented in phases, based on subsystem availability. The first kits include the Modular Mission Computer and color cockpit features to only the Block 50/52 version. The first aircraft is scheduled for completion in January 2002.

Starting in March 2002, the Block 50/52 kits will include the combined electronic interrogator/transponder, which gives the F-16 an autonomous beyond-visual-range air-intercept capability. These aircraft also will be capable of alternate carriage of the advanced FLIR targeting pod (currently in source selection), in addition to the High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting System pod. This will give these aircraft a capability to fully employ Maverick missiles and laser-guided bombs, not only in suppressing enemy air defenses, but also in destroying them. The first aircraft with this capability will deliver in September 2002.

The next phase in 2003 adds Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System, the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), and an electronic horizontal situation indicator. Link 16 is the new NATO-standard data link network that will dramatically enhance information exchange among all users. JHMCS provides a quick "look-shoot" capability for off-boresight target acquisition and launch of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.

Block 40/42 aircraft will receive the modification all at one time, starting in 2005.

CCIP will bring commonality to the USAF Block 40/50 fleet. There is also a large degree of hardware and software commonality with other F-16 upgrades. These include the F-16A/B Mid-Life Update retrofit, new production USAF F-16s (starting in spring 2003), international production F-16s (such as the Block 52+ for Greece starting in late 2002), and potentially others.

"Even though F-16s are tailored to suit the unique requirements of many customers, we have been able to achieve a high degree of commonality among these different configurations," Jones said. "This is providing significant cost benefits. Non-recurring costs are shared by customers, and there are economies of scale in the recurring costs."

CCIP is employing many Department of Defense acquisition reform initiatives -- the most significant being extensive use of commercial components in avionics subsystems. This helps to avoid parts obsolescence and availability problems in the future.

Total contract value of USAF CCIP development and kit production to Lockheed Martin is approximately $1 billion. Some international F-16 users have expressed interest in a similar upgrade to their F-16C/D aircraft.

The F-16, the world's most sought-after fighter, is the choice of 23 countries, counting the announcements by Chile and Oman. More than 4,000 aircraft have been delivered; hundreds more will be delivered to Egypt, the United States, Israel, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Korea and Singapore; 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 and U-2. 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/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company