Core Avionics of the F-16I Airplane are based on a Development
Core Avionics of the F-16I Airplane are based on a Development by the Israel Air Force
(Source: Israel Defense Forces; issued Feb. 19, 2004)
The F-16I (or Sufa by its Hebrew name) aircraft, an enhanced version of the F-16, is produced by the American company Lockheed Martin, and is one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world.
It will become the leading aircraft of the Israel Air Force (IAF) within the coming years. The F-16I represents a dramatic increase in operational capabilities; this is due to the advanced and varied combat systems that were integrated into the F-16I.
One of the unique attributes of the F-16I is that it is the first American fighter aircraft which has core avionics based upon an Israeli program developed written by the IAF computer unit.
This unit is also responsible for the integration of combat systems within the aircraft, like for example; the weapons system, which is designed to launch AMRAAM missiles via a sophisticated radar, the attack and navigational systems, satellite communication and anti-missile electronic warfare systems. Israelis also developed the Python 5 air-to-air heat-seeking missile, which is a development of Rafael, and an improved pilot’s helmet with a number of sophisticated systems including a night vision system.
Something else that makes this project unique is the aerial table trainer. This allows the pilots of the F-16I to practice operating the aircraft without using a real expensive airplane, and without a full and expensive flight simulator. This also allows for better accessibility. (ends)
Elbit to Supply Avionics Systems for Israel’s F-16I
(Source: Elbit Systems; issued Feb. 19, 2004)
HAIFA, Israel — Elbit Systems Ltd. today announced that Lockheed Martin’s F-16I aircraft, now being delivered to Israel Air Force (IAF), are equipped with major avionics systems developed by the Elbit Systems Group. The systems are supplied within the framework of orders received from Lockheed Martin.
The IAF’s F-16I are equipped with the following systems developed and manufactured by the Elbit Systems Group:
— Mission Computer: Supplying information necessary for performing the operational mission, including navigation data, weapon delivery data and other relevant data for optimal mission performance during day and night and in all weather conditions. The Mission Computer interfaces with all aircraft avionics including communication, navigation and other systems.
— Head-Up Display (HUD): Developed by Elop Electro-Optics Industries Ltd. (El-Op), a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, the F-16I HUD is based on advanced technologies and extensive experience gained from the development and manufacture of over 2000 Head-Up Display Systems for a variety of aircraft.
— Display Processor and Digital Map: Enabling advanced color presentation on the cockpit displays. For the first time on F-16s, the advanced computer of the F-16I includes a Digital Map freeing the pilot from the need to rely on paper maps. These displays allow the pilot to view all existing sensors in the aircraft, thus improving situational awareness.
— Dash IV Display and Sight Helmet: The advanced Helmet Mounted System supplied by Vision Systems International, LLC (VSI), a company jointly owned by Elbit Systems and Rockwell Collins, incorporates over 15 years of operational experience of Elbit Systems’ DASH Helmet Mounted systems, flying in the IAF and several leading Air Forces worldwide.
— Stores Management System: Manages all the armament systems in the aircraft including standard weapons, smart weapons, missiles, gun and others. Additionally, the system’s computer manages data transfer and launching priority with optimal accuracy and reliability.
— Structural Assemblies: Cyclone Aviation Products Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, manufactures the following structural assemblies using advanced composite materials technology: horizontal stabilizer, rudder, ventral fin and access doors.
Joseph Ackerman, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, commented: “The advanced systems which we are providing to the IAF’s F-16I aircraft are based on the extensive capabilities and technologies of the Elbit Systems Group and reflect our long-term cooperation with the Israel Air Force and Lockheed Martin.”
The Elbit Systems Group has developed, manufactured and supplied advanced avionics for generations of Israel Air Force F-16s, and is a long-term established supplier to Lockheed Martin for its F-16 programs.
The cooperation between Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems started in the 80s with the first F-16 program for the IAF. Since then, the cooperation between the two companies has resulted in a variety of business activities with a total scope that exceeds $1 billion.
EFW Inc., an Elbit Systems subsidiary based in Fort Worth, Texas, serves as a major supplier of avionics systems for Lockheed Martin’s F-16s and also as the Elbit Systems Group’s primary base in the U.S. International Enterprise, Inc. (IEI), a subsidiary of EFW, is a major F-16 avionics maintenance facility serving the U.S. Air Force and other customers worldwide.
VSI, a company jointly owned with Rockwell Collins, was selected by Lockheed Martin to supply Helmet Mounted Systems for its Joint Strike Fighter F-35 program. VSI also supplies Helmet Mounted Systems for the F-16 aircraft of the USAF and other customers.
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of defense-related programs throughout the world, in the areas of aerospace, ground and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I), advanced electro-optic and space technologies. The Company focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms and developing new technologies for defense and homeland security applications.
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