Producer of F16 Block 70 fighter aircraft presented it in Plovdiv

Lockheed Martin, the producer of the fourth-generation F16 Block 70 fighter aircraft, presented it in Bulgaria’s second largest city of Plovdiv on 11^th of March. Bulgaria is expected to buy 8 aircrafts.

The F-16 fighter manufacturer predicts negotiations between Bulgaria and the United States may end by July. If the governments reach an agreement within this deadline, the new aircrafts could arrive in Bulgaria in 2023.

The manufacturer has emphasized that the F-16 Block 70 has improved airfrmae strength, latest generation weapon systems, increased lifting capacity and a radar system that tracks at least 20 air and ground targets. The aircraft also has a unique system for avoiding collision with the ground when the pilot is unable to operate the fighter.

Production of the F-16 Block 70 fighter jets is to begin within a few months at the South Carolina plant.

Lockheed Martin representative James Robinson said that the package price for the deal, being negotiated by the two governments, could include the training of the Bulgarian Air Force pilots.

Training of the pilots could start as soon as the two governments reached a deal, he said. It would last between nine and 12 months. The pilots will first be trained to fly the aircraft, and then to serve as instructors to train other pilots on their return to Bulgaria.

The manufacturer guarantees 8000 hours of use before service, Robinson said.