Survitec, a global leader in aviation safety equipment, has obtained approval of its Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) system for the F-16 Viper Block 70/72. The company is now transitioning to serial production for Taiwan and Morocco, marking a major step forward in the program.
The newly developed AFE ensemble, designed to integrate with the Martin Baker US18E ejection seat and pilot life support systems, offers enhanced safety and comfort for F-16 pilots. Leveraging design principles from the F-35 program, the system represents a significant upgrade over legacy AFE systems.
With the approval secured, Survitec is ramping up production to meet the growing demand for the F-16 Viper AFE. The company’s Ohio facility, one of four Survitec Berry compliant manufacturing facilities in the U.S., will be responsible for producing the systems.
The first production assets are scheduled for dispatch in January 2025, ahead of the planned first flight of the new configuration jets at Greenville, South Carolina. This marks a significant milestone for the program as a fully qualified AFE system is delivered, specifically designed for the F-16 Viper and approved by Lockheed Martin.
“Securing approval for our next generation F-16 system is a reflection of our commitment to redefine AFE performance standards,” said Nick Mulhall, Commercial Director – Aerospace and Defence at Survitec. “We are proud to expand our reach and continue our mission to protect the lives of pilots worldwide.”
The F-16 Viper AFE program represents a significant investment in pilot safety and comfort. Survitec’s expertise in designing and producing AFE systems ensures that F-16 pilots will be equipped with the latest technology to enhance their mission effectiveness.
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