9/18/2006

Poland takes keys to new F-16 jets

Poland has taken possession of the first of an eventual 48 U.S.-made F-16 jets equipped with a new reconnaissance package that offers real-time imagery.

Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski was in the United States this week to meet with Bush administration officials and to formally accept delivery of the aircraft under the U.S. Peace Sky foreign military sales program.

The jets, built by Lockheed Martin, are of the F-16C/D, Block 52 version, which carries upgraded electronics and a higher-performance F110-GE-129 engine.

The Fighting Falcons earmarked for Poland are also equipped with a digital, real-time reconnaissance system that gives the Polish air force a long-range surveillance and targeting capability that fits in with potential multi-national missions requiring steady airborne intelligence.

Poland currently has small contingents serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and this week committed additional boots-on-the-ground to the Afghan theatre.

The DB-110 system produced by Goodrich Corp. is currently used on Japan's OP-3C maritime surveillance plane and the Royal Air Force Tornado.

"Delivery of our system will be ... a step-up in the tactical ability of Poland's F-16 fleet," said Ken Luczaj, president of Goodrich's Optical and Space Systems Division. "The delivery of this innovative system to Poland will mark the first use of this technology aboard F-16s."
Source: United Press International, upi.com



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