Lockheed Martin Unveils First F-16V Block 72 Fighter Jet for Morocco

Introduction of the F-16V Block 72 Fighter Jet

Lockheed Martin has introduced the latest version of the F-16, the F-16V, available in two engine options: the Block 70 equipped with a General Electric engine and the Block 72 powered by Pratt & Whitney’s F100-PW-229. Recently, the first F-16V Block 72 successfully took to the skies in Greenville, marking a significant milestone in the storied history of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Significance of the Maiden Flight

The inaugural flight occurred on Tuesday, October 6, in Greenville, South Carolina, where the aircraft donned the colors of its future home, Morocco. This dual-seat fighter represents a leap forward for the U.S. defense giant, as it now has both variants of the latest F-16 generation airborne. The Royal Moroccan Air Force is the first customer for the F-16 Block 72, having placed a firm order for 25 units at an estimated cost of around $3.8 billion. However, before the Moroccan forces can receive their first dual-seat fighter, it must complete mandatory flight tests in Greenville.

From a technical standpoint, this new generation of the F-16 outshines previous models, most notably with its advanced AN/APG-83 AESA radar, which is derived from Northrop Grumman's AN/APG-81 used in the F-35 Lightning II. Additionally, upgrades include new mission computers, enhanced navigation systems, and an optional helmet-mounted display. The introduction of the Center Pedestal Display (CPD), a six by eight-inch high-resolution LCD screen, enhances the pilot's situational awareness by providing all critical parameters during operations.

Technically, the Block 70 and Block 72 variants are identical except for their engines. While the F-16V Block 70, currently in service with several customers, is powered by the F110-GE-129 from GE Aerospace, the Block 72 variant utilizes the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine. Both engines deliver nearly identical performance metrics, with the GE engine providing 78.9 kN of dry thrust and 131.6 kN of maximum afterburner thrust, while the Pratt & Whitney engine offers 79.2 kN of dry thrust and the same 131.6 kN of afterburner thrust.

So far, Lockheed Martin has delivered only F-16V Block 72 jets, including shipments to Bulgaria. Morocco currently operates a fleet of 15 F-16C/D Block 52 jets, also equipped with the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine. Thus, opting for the new Block 72 version seemed logical, as it allows for maximum fleet standardization. There are plans to upgrade the older Moroccan jets to meet the Block 72 standard.

To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered around 40 newly built F-16V Block 70 aircraft to various countries, including Bahrain, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. The existing backlog of orders exceeds 100 aircraft, indicating strong ongoing demand for this iconic fighter jet.

As reported by flugrevue.de.