Lockheed Martin’s newest fighter jet the F-16V “Viper” took flight for the first time on Wednesday. The F-16V is the most advanced fourth generation on the market today, according to UPI.
The F-16 fighter jet is not a new plane, but the “Viper” model comes with several new features. One of the new features is a new cockpit featuring a modernized mission computer. The F-16V also used the new Northrop Grumman’s advanced APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Scalable Agile Beam Radar, which has never been used in any version of any kind of F-16 before. (RELATED: US Military Displays New Vehicle And It’s Absolutely Amazing)
Rod McLean, Lockheed Martin’s F-16/F-22 Integrated Fighter Group vice president and general manager, feels that this represents a significant advancement for the F-16V calling the flight and equipment upgrades.
“This flight marks a historic milestone in the evolution of the F-16. The new F-16V configuration includes numerous enhancements designed to keep the F-16 at the forefront of international security, strengthening its position as the world’s foremost combat-proven 4th Generation fighter aircraft,” McLean said in a statement,
Lockheed Martin produced and sold more than 4,000 F-16 fighter jets.