Fri, Mar 17, 2006
One Of 48 Aircraft Ordered By PAF
Lockheed Martin
announced this week the successful completion of the maiden flight
of the first Polish F-16 aircraft. The flight took place in Ft.
Worth, TX, and involved one of 48 aircraft ordered by the
Government of Poland.
The pilot for the first flight was Paul Hattendorf, a company
test pilot for Lockheed Martin. He performed numerous system
checks, including engine throttle transients at various altitudes
and radar checks using a photo chase F-16 as a simulated target.
Hattendorf also took the aircraft to supersonic speeds and
performed high-g maneuvers during the flight, which lasted just
over an hour.
After several additional check flights by both company and US
Air Force test pilots, this first Polish F-16 is scheduled to be
ferried to Edwards AFB, CA in April for more system-specific
testing. The aircraft will be delivered to the Polish Air Force in
November 2006.
"The Poland Peace Sky program continues to progress right on
schedule," said Irma Sippel, director of the Poland F-16 program.
"First flight is a significant milestone and the first of several
leading to the planned arrival of the aircraft in Poland later this
year. We continue to be excited about our progress and about
meeting our customer's expectations."
When delivered, Polish F-16s will be the most advanced in NATO.
Features of the Block 52+ include an AN/APG-68(V) 9 radar fire
control system and a Sniper Extended Range pod, which is an
advanced targeting pod designed with an infrared pointer, laser,
day TV, forward looking infrared, laser spot tracker and advanced
algorithms. The pod delivers superior tracking performance and
reliability.
Additionally, the multi-role fighter developed for Poland is
equipped with a helmet-mounted cueing system used for directing
precision guided munitions and off-boresight missiles as well as
for increasing pilot situational awareness.
The aircraft is designed to be fully interoperable with NATO and
European Union missions.
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