GE F110 engines to power Royal Air Force of Oman F-16 Block 50 Aircrafts

The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) has purchased F110-GE-129D engines to power its 12 new Lockheed Martin advanced F-16 Block 50 aircraft. Engine deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2013.

"Oman first selected F110 power for its F-16 aircraft in March 2002. We are honored by the RAFO's selection of F110 power," said Joe Guenther, general manager of the F110 program. "This follow-on buy is indicative of the RAFO's confidence in the F110 and the capabilities it can deliver for Oman's demanding missions."

The F110-GE-129D engine configuration is designed for lowest possible cost of ownership and unsurpassed single-engine safety. Incorporating the latest Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) engine technologies, the propulsion system will also provide the RAFO with 6,000 Total Accumulated Cycle interval capability for scheduled maintenance - a 40% increase over previous designs. Qualified in 2011, the F110-GE-129D engine also provides longer time on wing and improved spares levels for enhanced mission readiness.

More than 3,000 F110 engines have been ordered worldwide since initial selection by the United States Air Force (USAF) in 1984, making it the best-selling engine for Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighter aircraft. In addition to the USAF, 11 international forces fly F110-powered aircraft.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.

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Lockheed Martin Receives $23 Million Contract To Deliver Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods To Royal Air Force Of Oman

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 10, 2012 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has received a $23 million contract from the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) to provide additional Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) for their F-16 fleet.

In addition to the new Sniper pod deliveries, the contract also includes upgrades to the RAFO’s existing pods and support.

“Sniper ATP is known worldwide for keeping aircrews out of harm’s way by detecting and identifying targets while maintaining safe standoff ranges,” said Hugh Woods, Sniper international program manager in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business. “The outstanding reliability and performance of the Sniper pods delivered to Oman under the first contract was a key factor in their decision to acquire these additional pods.”

Sniper ATP provides critical long-range, positive target identification, enhancing an aircrew’s ability to detect and analyze ground targets while dramatically decreasing the risks posed by enemy air defenses. The system’s stable, automatic tracking and laser designation of targets, along with a video datalink with metadata, ensure pilots can visually identify threats in day/night conditions and share imagery with ground troops.

Sniper’s interoperability enables coalition air forces to use the pod across multiple platforms. Its plug-and-play technology provides a common software and hardware configuration across the aircraft fleets. Sniper pods provide advanced targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability on U.S. Air Force and multinational F-16, F-15, B-1, F-18, Harrier, A-10 and B-52 aircraft.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.


Source: By Agencies and Lockheed Martin News - 10 July 2012
Photo: The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) Advanced F-16C Block 50 Fighter Aircrafts (Photo by John A. Sheets / lockheedmartin.com)

(10.07.2012)