Poland takes keys to new F-16 jets (see pictures)

UPI ^ | Sept. 15, 2006

[lizol]

Poland takes keys to new F-16 jets

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Poland has taken possession of the first of an eventual 48 U.S.-made F-16 jets equipped with a new reconnaissance package that offers real-time imagery.

Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski was in the United States this week to meet with Bush administration officials and to formally accept delivery of the aircraft under the U.S. Peace Sky foreign military sales program.

The jets, built by Lockheed Martin, are of the F-16C/D, Block 52 version, which carries upgraded electronics and a higher-performance F110-GE-129 engine.

The Fighting Falcons earmarked for Poland are also equipped with a digital, real-time reconnaissance system that gives the Polish air force a long-range surveillance and targeting capability that fits in with potential multi-national missions requiring steady airborne intelligence.

Poland currently has small contingents serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and this week committed additional boots-on-the-ground to the Afghan theatre.

The DB-110 system produced by Goodrich Corp. is currently used on Japan's OP-3C maritime surveillance plane and the Royal Air Force Tornado.

"Delivery of our system will be ... a step-up in the tactical ability of Poland's F-16 fleet," said Ken Luczaj, president of Goodrich's Optical and Space Systems Division. "The delivery of this innovative system to Poland will mark the first use of this technology aboard F-16s."

[wjcsux]

Here are two of my neighbors. I watch them take off and land every day! Jet noise is music to a FReepers ears!

[B-Chan]

A a child of the "cold war" (World War III) era, the sight of an F-16 in Polish markings is like a peek through the door of the Twilight Zone. It's like seeing Batman wearing Joker makeup.

[Hegewisch Dupa]

"Looks like....Victory"

[gonzo]

Just had to try this: ----- If you're on a dial-up, find something to do for a while after you click the link. It's certainly worth watching, though. This is just awesome! Boy's & their toys..... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Model B-52 This has got to be the most amazing model aircraft ever built by hobbyists. Please download the 9 minute video of its maiden flight. See the hyperlink below the photo. This is an audio-visual presentation, so have your sound turned up. The roar of the jet engines are amazing. From takeoff to landing, it is quite a show. Also, observe the illuminated landing lights in front of the forward gear doors. If you can top this, I'd love to see it. If you are confined to the dial-up section, please be patient, the show is worth the wait. Enjoy! Actually has 8 "real turbines" at about $1500 each! Took over 2 years to build. It has a wing span of about 22 feet. Takes multiple pilots, as there are so many things to control. Think they were nervous during the maiden flight? Unbelievable that someone would make this - all real turbines! Check out the movie link below to see the first flight. B-52 model plane! http://www.mcgirt.net/RC/VIDEOS/Giant_B52/B52_flight2.wmv

[LukeL]

It may be old technology, but it is far surperior to anything Iran or North Korea has.

[gonzo]

Dang!! The URL is OK, but it won't open on Netscape.

It opens on Microsoft Explorer and AOL (which is prolly MS)

Cut and paste 'till it works - it's worth it if you like aircraft.................FRegards

[lizol]

[burzum]

Nice photos!

Is the F-16 being blessed, or is just a service in front of the F-16?

[lizol]

I'd say it's being blessed.

[cmsgop]

Awesome! God Bless POLAND!

[wolficatZ]

That R/C B-52 went kersplat into the ground a while back and is no more.

[wolficatZ]

Beautiful pictures, Lizol, thank you!

[burzum]

I'd say it's being blessed.

Excellent! We probably wouldn't be able to do that in the US (at least publicly). We are still able to christen our ships publicly, but who knows how long before someone files some spurious lawsuit challenging even that!

[Old Student]

"The Polish are a great people...I never could understand the Pollack Jokes when I was a kid????"

Don't know if it's true, but I was told many a year ago that those jokes were started by the Nazis to justify their takeover of Poland during the war.

[lizol]

Take a look at these pictures showing Polish soldiers (posts # 3 and 14)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1701494/posts#3

Poland is a bit ... well ... different than the rest of so called today modern Western world.

Which is great, I think, and I hope it'll remain like it is.

[sukhoi-30mki]

The Eurofighter & F-22 are obviously better aircraft,but are terribly expensive & the Typhoon is still nowhere near complete( integrated air 2 ground capability,AESA radar)-all that matters to an export customer who is not overflowing with cash.