The F-16 Operational Flight Program M-series 7.2+ was released in April 2020 to more than 600 Block 40/42/50/52 F-16s delivering a wide range of new capabilities to the Fighting Falcon.
The $455 million program fielded major capability upgrades such as the Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (NORTHCOM’s number one priority Joint Urgent Operational Need), integration with the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range as well as the latest Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, an Integrated Communication Suite, and 42 other modernization enhancements.
Altogether, the upgrades bring reduced pilot workload, enhanced close air support weapons accuracy, increased lethality, and improved projected mission effectiveness rates, according to Capt. Justin R. Marsh, F-16 OFP Lead Engineer.
The F-16 System Program Office, located at both Hill AFB, Utah, and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is responsible for development and sustainment of capabilities throughout the lifecycle of the aircraft. The F-16 SPO, the 309th Software Engineering Group, the OFP Combined Test Force including the Air Force Test Center Developmental Test, 53rd Wing Operational Test, and the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Test Center are partnered to develop and field software capability upgrades.
OFP M7.2+ development encompassed over 300 personnel at 7 locations. The 100 percent organic, in-house development met all requirements while also increasing the reliability of the F-16s Modular Mission Computer. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the logisticians at Hill AFB were able to safely overcome restrictions through the combined use of remote telework, plus mission essential use of base facilities and were able to complete all documentation to release the upgrade to the field.
Read More @ https://www.aerotechnews.com/blog/2020/04/29/software-innovations-makes-f-16-more-capable/
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