Image source: topwar.ru
On August 29, the Polish company PZL Mielec demonstrated the first part of the fuselage of the F-16 fighter released by it – one of the elements of the rear part of the aircraft body.
As explained in the company's management, it currently produces 50% of the parts for the fuselage structure on its own; however, localization will be increased to 70-80%.
- the company explained.
In order to prepare production, the entire workshop with an area of 14 thousand square meters was thoroughly modernized. 200 people now work in it, of which 70 are directly employed in production. The rest work in logistics, technical and transport spheres. At the moment, about 50 hull structures have been ordered for the F-16.
- the company predicts.
PZL Mielec plans to put into operation new facilities intended for the production of parts for the Black Hawk helicopter [purchased from the USA to replace the Mi-17] and the M28 aircraft [Polish modification of the An-28].
The Polish Air Force has 48 F-16C/D in service. At the same time, the production of parts for the fuselage structure is the lowest technological niche in aircraft construction and will not give the country any opportunities to maintain American fighters in service on its own. Despite this, the Polish press talks about plans for a gradual transition to the production of a national combat aircraft.
