F-16 Software Upgrade

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The F-16 fleet began receiving the M3+ (M3 is the designation forĀ  European Air Forces) software version upgrade in the summer of 2004. The joint software development was carried out by the USAF and European Air Forces since 2000. The follow-on release (M4/M4+) is scheduled for 2007 and 2009 (M5/5+).

Software upgrades are being implemented in the field, on 200 USAFĀ Block 50 F-16C/D‘s already equipped withĀ Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP)Ā modifications. Software upgrades for some 400 Block 40 F-16C/Ds is scheduled to begin in 2006 during depot maintenance cycles. The M3 software will be installed on approximately 350 EPAF F-16A/Bs that have already undergone theĀ F-16A/B Mid-Life Update modificationĀ and are now receiving hardware changes associated with the M3 upgrade. The M3 modification will take place at depot facilities in each country.

A major new capability offered with the M3+ are Link 16 data link and theĀ helmet-mounted cueing systemĀ (HMCS). The USAF F-16s also will be receiving a capability to deliver the Lockheed MartinĀ AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). The software is also compatible with the Lockheed MartinĀ Sniper XRĀ targeting pod recently certified on the F-16 for the USAF and Norway. The European F-16s will gain the capability to deliver theĀ Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).

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