General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon | |
|---|---|
| Paese | Usa |
| Ruolo | Caccia multiruolo, caccia di superiorità aerea |
| Primo volo | 20 gennaio 1974 |
| Costruito | 4573 |
Le General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon è un caccia multiruolo supersonico monomotore originariamente sviluppato dalla General Dynamics (ora Lockheed Martin) per la United States Air Force (USAF). Progettato come caccia da giorno di superiorità aerea, si è evoluto in un aereo multiruolo per tutte le condizioni atmosferiche di successo. Oltre 4.500 aerei sono stati costruiti da quando la produzione è stata approvata nel 1976. Sebbene non vengano più acquistati dalla U.S. Air Force, le versioni migliorate sono ancora in fase di costruzione per i clienti di esportazione. Nel 1993, la General Dynamics vendette la sua attività di produzione di aerei alla Lockheed Corporation, che a sua volta divenne parte della Lockheed Martin dopo una fusione nel 1995 con Martin Marietta.
Un gran numero di varianti della General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon sono state prodotte dalla General Dynamics, dalla Lockheed Martin e da vari produttori autorizzati.
| F-16BM MLU “Orange Jumper” test aircraft Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Fotografo | Meindert de Vreeze |
| Localizzazione | Inconsapevole |
| Foto | 117 |
| F-16BM MLU Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Fotografo | Cees Hendriks |
| Localizzazione | Inconsapevole |
| Foto | 58 |
| F-16C Block 50 Plus Viper FACh Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Fotografo | Michael Benolkin |
| Localizzazione | Inconsapevole |
| Foto | 27 |
Vedi anche:
| General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Fotografo | Vladimir Jakubov |
| Localizzazione | Capital City Air Show 2008 |
| Foto | 111 |
| Lockheed F-16C Viper Aggressor Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Fotografo | Vladimir Jakubov |
| Localizzazione | MCAS Miramar Air Show |
| Foto | 88 |
| F-16 Fighting Falcon Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Fotografo | Burhand Donke |
| Localizzazione | Inconsapevole |
| Foto | 47 |
| General Dynamics F-16N Fighting Falcon Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Fotografo | Burhand Donke |
| Localizzazione | Inconsapevole |
| Foto | 14 |
| F-16C Block 40E | |
|---|---|
| Fotografo | Unknow |
| Localizzazione | Inconsapevole |
| Foto | 44 |
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
Le 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) |
|---|---|
| Ruolo | Multi-role Fighter / Advanced Trainer |
| Equipaggio | 2 (Student/Pilot and Instructor/Weapon Systems Officer) |
| Modernization Period | Late 1990s – Early 2000s (M1 through M7 tapes) |
| Motopropulsore | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E turbofan |
| Afterburning Thrust | 23,770 lbf (105.7 kN) |
| Velocità massima | Mach 2.0+ at altitude |
| Radar | Northrop Grumman AN/APG-66(V)2A |
| Primary Armament | AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, 20mm M61A1 Vulcan |
The “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 e 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.
The “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 Ucraina 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.
Punti di vista: 7682
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