General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon | |
|---|---|
| Pays | Usa |
| Rôle | Chasseur multirôle, chasseur de supériorité aérienne |
| Premier vol | Le 20 janvier 1974 |
| Construit | 4573 |
Lla General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon est un avion de chasse multirôle supersonique monomoteur développé à l’origine par General Dynamics (aujourd’hui Lockheed Martin) pour l’US States Air Force (USAF). Conçu comme un chasseur de jour de supériorité aérienne, il a évolué en un avion multirôle tous temps réussi. Plus de 4 500 appareils ont été construits depuis l’approbation de la production en 1976. Bien qu’elles ne soient plus achetées par l’US Air Force, des versions améliorées sont encore en cours de construction pour les clients à l’exportation. En 1993, General Dynamics a vendu ses activités de fabrication d’avions à Lockheed Corporation, qui à son tour est devenue une partie de Lockheed Martin après une fusion en 1995 avec Martin Marietta.
Un grand nombre de variantes du General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon ont été produites par General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin et divers fabricants sous licence.
| F-16BM MLU « Orange Jumper » test aircraft Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Meindert de Vreeze |
| Localisation | Inconnu |
| Photos | 117 |
| F-16BM MLU Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Cees Hendriks |
| Localisation | Inconnu |
| Photos | 58 |
| F-16C Block 50 Plus Viper FACh Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Michael Benolkin |
| Localisation | Inconnu |
| Photos | 27 |
Voir aussi :
| General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Vladimir Yakubov |
| Localisation | Salon du Bourget 2008 |
| Photos | 111 |
| Lockheed F-16C Viper Aggressor Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Vladimir Yakubov |
| Localisation | Salon de l’air MCAS Miramar |
| Photos | 88 |
| F-16 Fighting Falcon Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Burhand Donke |
| Localisation | Inconnu |
| Photos | 47 |
| General Dynamics F-16N Fighting Falcon Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Burhand Donke |
| Localisation | Inconnu |
| Photos | 14 |
| F-16C Block 40E | |
|---|---|
| Photographe | Unknow |
| Localisation | Inconnu |
| Photos | 44 |
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
Lla F-16BM MLU (Mid-Life Update) is the two-seat trainer/combat version of the original F-16A/B Block 15. In the 1990s, five European nations (The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and later Portugal) undertook a massive upgrade program. The goal was to bring their aging airframes up to the electronic standard of the F-16C Block 50/52. The result was a lightweight airframe with a heavyweight punch, capable of firing the latest beyond-visual-range missiles and precision-guided bombs.
| Attribute | Technical Specification (F-16BM MLU) |
|---|---|
| Rôle | Multi-role Fighter / Advanced Trainer |
| Crew | 2 (Student/Pilot and Instructor/Weapon Systems Officer) |
| Modernization Period | Late 1990s – Early 2000s (M1 through M7 tapes) |
| Groupe motopropulseur | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E turbofan |
| Afterburning Thrust | 23,770 lbf (105.7 kN) |
| Vitesse maximale | Mach 2.0+ at altitude |
| Radar | Northrop Grumman AN/APG-66(V)2A |
| Primary Armament | AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, 20mm M61A1 Vulcan |
Lla « Brains » of the Viper
- The Modular Mission Computer (MMC): The heart of the MLU is the MMC, which replaced multiple older computers. It allows the F-16BM to use modern « M-tapes » (software updates) that add compatibility for new weapons like the JDAM (en anglais seulement) Et Iris-T.
- « Bird Slicers » (AIFF): A key visual identifier for the MLU are the four blade-like antennas in front of the canopy. These are part of the Advanced Identification Friend or Foe system, crucial for long-range missile engagements.
- The Glass Cockpit: The old analog dials were replaced with two 4×4 inch Color Multi-Function Displays (MFDs). It also features a Wide-Angle Head-Up Display (WAC HUD) and is compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
- Link 16: This digital datalink allows the F-16BM to « talk » to AWACS (like the E-3 Sentry), ships, and other fighters, sharing a real-time map of the battlefield without saying a word over the radio.
Lla « B » Variant: Trainer and Combatant
- Two Seats, No Compromise: Unlike many trainers, the « BM » is fully combat-capable. While it carries slightly less internal fuel than the single-seat « AM, » it is often used for complex missions where a second set of eyes is an advantage, such as Forward Air Controlling (FAC).
- Operational Excellence: European MLU Vipers have seen extensive combat in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently, are being prepared for transfer to Ukraine to modernize their air defense.
- Structural Reinforcement (PACER SLIP): As part of the MLU, the airframes underwent structural work to extend their fatigue life, allowing these 1980s-built jets to fly well into the 2020s.
- The Tail Parachute: Most European F-16s feature a large fairing at the base of the vertical stabilizer containing a drag parachute for landing on short, icy runways—a feature not usually found on American Vipers.
Vues : 7682
Vous pouvez voir aussi :
General Dynamics F-111C – Photos et vidéos
General Dynamics FB-111A Aardvark – Photos et vidéo
Mitsubishi A6M Zero – Promenez-vous
Hawker Hurricane – Promenez-vous
Bell P-39N Airacobra - WalkAround
Consolidated B-24M Liberator – WalkAround
P-47D Thunderbolt - WalkAround
A-20 Havoc – WalkAround
TBM-3E Avenger – Walk Around
Fiat G-55 Centauro – Walk Around