The first order for 80 F-16 Block 60, which has been designated the F-16E/F version, was received from the air Force of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in early 2000. First production deliveries of the UAE aircraft are slated for April 2004. The F-16E/F resembles earlier F-16 aircraft in appearance only. Internally, the new model has an all-new cockpit that features all-digital instruments and three 5x7-inch color displays, HUD and helmet mounted sight and display. Additionally, the F-16E/F features a new avionics suite with highlights including a revolutionary Electronic Warfare (EW) system, the new APG-80 Agile Beam Radar (ABR) and a new Integrated FLIR Targeting System (IFTS), all provided by Northrop Grumman.

The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F110-GE-132 engine that produces 32,500 pounds of thrust. The new engine was flight tested on modified USAF F-16C at the Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The new engine version features “blisks” (bladed-disks) in the three-stage modular fan section in lieu of traditional blades to improve performance and maintainability. The engine also incorporates an enhanced durability radial augmentor (afterburner) and exhaust nozzle, plus control software modifications to optimize engine performance at all flight conditions. The Block 60 aircraft and engine also will feature an auto-throttle capability.