Honeywell Details Proposals to Upgrade Indonesian F-16s

10 Februari 2018

Honeywell has revealed a suite of upgrade options available for Indonesia’s F-16s. The upgrades will enhance a pilot's situational awareness, and maintain load capacity (photo : Honeywell)

Honeywell has revealed its suite of proposals to upgrade the Indonesian Air Force’s (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU’s) fleet of 24 ex-US Air Force (USAF) F-16 fighter jets.

In response to questions from Jane’s at the Singapore Airshow 2018, Tim Van Luven, the company’s vice-president of aftermarket sales for defence in the Asia-Pacific region pointed to Honeywell’s advanced central air data computers (ACADC), which provides reading of the aircraft’s environment, as a key component that is being offered for the platform. The system computes mission-critical parameters, including speeds and altitude.

Honeywell is also offering its enhanced programmable display generator (ECPDG), which features 4x4-inch multifunction display, and has been designed to operate under harsh mission environments.

TNI AU's F-16C/D (photo : Sid Mitchell)

The combination of the ACADC and the ECPDG provides TNI-AU pilots with better situational awareness under all lighting conditions, including in operations that require night-vision goggles, said Van Luven.

Besides an upgrade of the computer and display systems, Honeywell is also offering to improve the platform’s air cycle machine. This upgrade will reduce contamination in airflow, and maintain the F-16’s load capacity, Van Luven said, adding that the company is constantly in discussion with the Indonesian defense ministry on these possible upgrades.

When asked whether there will be opportunities for technology transfer arrangements in its proposals, Van Luven described Indonesia as one of its important markets in Southeast Asia, and that the company is committed to creating opportunities to help to strengthen local defence industry capabilities through both technology and skills transfers.

(Jane's)