Wed, Dec 18, 2002
'Private' F-16s to Fill Security Gap
AeroGroup International Corporation has received
an acceptance of offer from the Netherlands Government for the
purchase of F-16 Falcon fighter aircraft that were in service with
the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). AeroGroup's purchase
consists of the acquisition of (7) two-seat training version F-16
"B" models, spares and support equipment and the option to exercise
the First Right of Refusal on an additional package of (12)
single-seat F-16 "A" version models.
AeroGroup CEO, Mark Daniels said, "The details of the final
contract are being worked through with the attorneys on both sides
and all looks great. We have been working on this project for quite
some time, going through the process of getting clearance and
approval with the U.S. State Department, U.S. Air Force and the
Netherlands Government.
"We will be the first civilian company to own and
operate the F-16. In my opinion, it is an historical event and a
huge successful step in AeroGroup's future. Our customer, the U.S.
Military agencies that we support, want a fourth-generation type
aircraft with current up-to-date technology that can provide
advanced presentations of threats to meet their training
requirements and this is the ultimate aircraft to perform the
mission. This expands AeroGroup's capabilities in its first and
primary business case of supporting the United States Military in
Electronic Warfare (EW) training. However, with the operation of
two-seat F-16 aircraft, AeroGroup will also focus on a completely
untapped and desperately needed service in providing required
flight training in the F-16 to U.S. approved NATO countries. The
opportunities in this area of training are incredible, as the F-16
is operated by 22 countries currently and is expected to
expand."
Bridges US military's 'shortfalls.'
AeroGroup International Corporation is tactical aviation
company created in 2001, it says, "to capitalize on the
shortfalls in aviation support assets within the U.S. Military."
AeroGroup has a staff of aviation professionals and an available
inventory of tactical aircraft capable of subsonic and supersonic
flight. The Company says it "...is well positioned to fly combat
fighter support missions each year that go unmet by military
training personnel."
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