Bahrain to get F-16 Block 70 sims from Lockheed

The kingdom’s defence force will have a fleet of 16 of the new Block 70 aircraft. Bahrain was the first Gulf country to fly the F-16.

With Lockheed Martin manufacturing both the F-16 and producing the full mission trainers, there is increased fidelity in the aircraft’s flight simulators, according the American manufacturer. In addition to flight training, Lockheed Martin has provided F-16 maintenance training globally for more than 25 years to fully support all aspects of the aircraft.

“The latest generation Lockheed Martin F-16 training suite allows aviators to train in a holistic, realistic environment, which ensures mission readiness,” said John Nicholson, Lockheed’s chief executive for Lockheed Martin in the Middle East.

Since 2001, aviators from 16 allied nations have trained with Lockheed Martin F-16 training systems. To prepare F-16 pilots, the training suites will provide a simulation-based training environment that replicates all systems, sensors and weapons for a total training solution that can be networked together so pilots can train in various scenarios, aligning technologies to deliver advanced training while meeting affordability goals.

Bahrain’s  Block 70 aircraft, feature advanced avionics, a proven Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, a modernised cockpit, advanced weapons, conformal fuel tanks, the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS), an advanced engine and an industry-leading extended structural service life of 12,000 hours.

To-date, more than 4,500 F-16s have been produced, with approximately 3,000 F-16s operating today in 25 countries, including with the U.S. Air Force. Worldwide, the F-16 has flown an estimated 19.5 million flight hours and more than 13 million sorties.