Elbit Systems of America provided more detail on the center pedestal display (CPD) that it is providing to Lockheed Martin for the F-16V upgrade. Along with a new AESA radar, the CPD is a key element of the upgrade, which is proceeding for 150 Taiwanese F-16A/Bs, while the U.S. Air Force struggles to fund the improvements for its own fleet.

The CPD replaces old electro-mechanical instruments, improving the presentation of data and reducing pilot workload, according to Elbit. It also provides a high-resolution display for sensor imagery and for tactical situational awareness, and provides emergency backup to flight instruments if the air data computer should fail. Elbit embedded the air data module into the CPD, allowing it to connect with the existing infrastructure of the F-16.

Elbit has previously provided the Israeli and other air forces with various F-16 avionics, such as the display generator, stores management system, color multifunction displays, upfront controls processors, mission computers, head-up displays, electronic warfare solutions and interference blanker units. For the F-16V upgrade, Elbit is also delivering an updated common data entry electronic unit (CDEEU), having previously delivered more than 2,000 of these to Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force since 2000.

“Many of our engineers are current or recent F-16 operators and maintainers, bringing unequalled passion to the solutions,” claimed Raanan Horowitz, president and CEO of Elbit Systems of America.