[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-01-03 AT 02:24 PM (GMT)]On December 17th the Spanish Air Force and the Israeli Company IAI signed a contract for the upgrade of all F-5B twin-seat aircraft, of which EADS CASA Military Aircraft is the main sub-contractor. The total value is more than 31 million Euros.
The contract will last two years and during this period of time 18 aircraft, used to instruct the Spanish combat pilots, will pass through EADS CASA Military Aircraft facilities at Getafe, where the upgrade will be carried out. The first F-5B aircraft, registration number AE.9-029, has already been delivered to EADS CASA Military Aircraft.
“This upgrade is particularly important for the Spanish Air Force and it will allow them to be ahead in training systems, until the entry into service of a new generation trainer” said Fernando Plaza, EADS CASA Military Aircraft, Programme Director.
The upgrade concerns the incorporation of advanced avionics, including a new mission computer, head-up display, multifunction display, electronic engine display, embedded GPS/INS, radio altimeter, stick and throttle grips control system (HOTAS). The upgrade also foresees the installation of virtual radar for training and of a new video recorder system. The Israeli Company IAI will supply the new equipment.
The contract also establishes that EADS CASA Military Aircraft will carry out a structural modernisation consisting in the replacement of the cockpit upper and lower spars.
The first aircraft will be delivered to Wing 23, based at Talavera la Real Air Base (Badajoz) within nine months.
In July 2002 the first contract concerning 4 F-5B aircraft, used as prototypes, was terminated. This contract covered the design of the avionics modification and the installation of the new systems and the related flight tests.
Source: EADS Casa (January 21st, 2003)
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Photos below taken by myself at Talavera la Real AB in March 2001.
Steve ~ Touchdown-News
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January 22, 2003 at 2:10 pm