The new aircraft will supplement the existing fleet of Hellenic Air Force (HAF) F-16s and continue the modernization of the HAF. The total program value for the initial 30 aircraft is approximately $2 billion, with Lockheed Martin's portion estimated at about $1.2 billion.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole, jet fighter manufactured in the United States with more than 4000 built to date. The F-16 is the first American fighter to be concurrently deployed domestically and abroad. Though no longer manufactured for the U.S. Air Force, it is still produced for export. Regarded as a superb dogfighter, the F-16's innovations include its bubble canopy, side-mounted control stick and a reclined seat, to help the pilot deal with high G forces.

Initially, the F-16 was manufactured in two models: A (single-seat combat version) and B (combat-capable two-seat trainer). The B model is a trainer version with an extended canopy to accommodate a second pilot. Typically, the student pilot sits in the front cockpit with the instructor pilot behind. The F-16 has been continually upgraded throughout its production history. In the 1980s the F-16A/B was superseded by the F-16C/D series with improved avionics and engine.

RSS    Save to Del.icio.us  Digg This