Air Cdr (R) Kaiser Tufail Revisits PAF

[Raider 21]

Not denying they have a wealth of knowledge, but we need to do better than bow down before their greatness. You wouldn't send your children to an enemy who will provide world best education and also turn them against you so they will come back and kill you, then throw you to vultures. Or if you do send them, you will manage their return very carefully, never letting them acquire a position where they can attack you. Common sense really.

Absolutely. I've seen this happen more with me at Pakistan than my times in the USA.

 

[CriticalThought]

Absolutely. I've seen this happen more with me at Pakistan than my times in the USA.

Looks like they groomed you nice and proper then.

 

[Raider 21]

Looks like they groomed you nice and proper then.

Everyone has their own unique experiences. I still consider myself very fortunate.

 

[litman]

PAF is becoming a flying club. PAF chief and other senior serving officers in PAF are putting on more then 30 yrs of service. they themselves know the past and they are also current with the present situation so there is little need to put the retired officers to assess the difference between the past and present. it's most likely a joy ride for some officers. joy ride "operational" mission.

 

[Raider 21]

PAF is becoming a flying club. PAF chief and other senior serving officers in PAF are putting on more then 30 yrs of service. they themselves know the past and they are also current with the present situation so there is little need to put the retired officers to assess the difference between the past and present. it's most likely a joy ride for some officers. joy ride "operational" mission.

That is what it is coming to. There are instructors who have flown over 15 years in the Middle Eastern air forces with their various interactions with different scenarios and technologies. But they'll bring in a couple of legends, who mind you, haven't flown for a while (the youngest being 13 years). So yes I strongly agree....it has become joy ride "operational" missions.

 

[Windjammer]

Reliving the Past - Veterans Fly the F-16
February 6, 2018

A call from the Vice Chief of Air Staff asking me if I wanted to fly the F-16 got an immediate positive response, notwithstanding the fact that I had last flown the F-16 three decades ago. The stated objective was for a few retired veterans to assess the capabilities of the much modified fighter, as well as its young pilots, from a ‘then and now’ perspective – a sort of evaluation by independent auditors. It seemed like a great idea coming from the Chief of Air Staff, and was certainly ‘out-of-the-box.’

Four of us veterans (an Air Marshal, two Air Vice Marshals, and me, an Air Commodore) were flown to an F-16 Base in a special executive jet. Soon after a smart welcome on arrival, we were huddled into the auditorium for a crisp mission briefing by the Squadron Commander of No 9 Squadron, Wg Cdr Yasir Shafiq. The brief was rich in techno-jargon and fancy terms we had never heard before while flying the no-frills Block-15 version. It was quite apparent that the tactics and employment methods had transformed significantly after the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) on the F-16s. We were to be introduced to Beyond Visual Range (BVR) intercepts, as well as Stand-off Laser Guided Bombing (dummy attacks) with the help of the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod. Some flying time was also reserved for us to throw around the aircraft, and assess for ourselves the workings of our aging sinew and muscle.

Some time was spent struggling into our old flying coveralls that we had brought along, though the anti-G suits and helmets were new, as our old ones were either unserviceable, or could not fit over our none-too-slender appendages. When we were all garbed up, we felt an inexplicable transformation that made us feel like the coolest hot rods, no matter that we were all established sexagenarians.

Cockpit procedures and strapping up seemed routine, except for the almost arthritic inability to twist and select the oxygen switch at the extreme rear of the right hand panel. Taxiing out in pairs, we lined up and did the engine run up checks. With the Squadron Commander in the lead, the first F-16 rolled for take-off, with us as No 2 following 10 seconds later. Thoroughly excited as the five stages of the afterburner cut in an unbroken sequence, I was slammed against the seat as the aircraft roared away, with Sqn Ldr Sami at the controls in the front seat. As a special favour, the Squadron Commander had allowed us a rocket trajectory take-off, perhaps recalling my penchant for such astronautics from previous years. Exhilaration knew no bounds as we zoomed up to our exercise altitude, and split up to start an interception.

Instead of the single Radar Electro-Optical scope of the older version, the MLU aircraft has two Multi-Function Displays that can show radar and navigation-map data. The display was hard to interpret without proper ground schooling, as it had all kinds of target data available. Radar information from AWACs, ground radars and other formation members can be shared through data link, providing the pilot with a complete three-dimensional all-around coverage or the ‘God’s eye view.’ Situational awareness of pilots has never been better, but requires exceptional abilities to interpret the plethora of symbols and numbers usefully. Those skills were evident as Sami gave me a running commentary of the target (leader’s aircraft), as we ran through the intercept geometry. Used to shooting aircraft in visual ranges, I was amazed to learn that the fight was over not long after the aircraft appeared on the radar scope! It had been ‘knocked’ out by a simulated BVR missile far beyond the eyes could see. The fire control computer was constantly providing information on the shrinking and expanding ‘dynamic launch zone’ as the target tried to out-turn the missile, which of course, was a futile effort. If somehow, an enemy aircraft were to sneak into visual ranges, the radar-coupled helmet-mounted sight would require the pilot to just look at the target and press the missile launch button. Instead of having to manoeuvre the aircraft like old times, one ‘dirty look’ by the pilot can do the needful. The 20 mm Vulcan cannon remains a backup weapon and can discharge a fusillade at a ripping rate of 100 rounds per second. I was doubly convinced that coming out alive after a hostile encounter with the MLU F-16 would be a miracle, so this is a beast best avoided by any adversary.

Demonstration of a dummy attack against a ground target with the Sniper electro-optical pod was the
next item on the agenda. The Sniper pod allows aircrews to detect, identify and engage targets outside the range of most enemy air defences. It also allows engagements beyond jet noise range for counter-insurgency operations.
The pod incorporates a high definition Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) seeker, as well as visible-light HDTV, laser spot tracker, laser marker, video data link, and a digital data recorder. The pod’s FLIR allows observation and tracking through smoke and haze, and in low light or no light conditions. The CCD camera supports the same operations in visible light for most daylight conditions.
It being a hazy day, FLIR mode was selected, and a target was identified and immediately tracked. Zooming in from far-off ranges helped resolve the target down to fine details that were unimaginable with the older ATLIS pod, that we had flown in the eighties. More importantly, the standoff range from the target had improved considerably, and targeting could be done safely from further off. The video of the target could be shared by formation members or army ground liaison staff in real time through data link. Sensor fusion was the key to this lethal game, and this could not have been more evident during the slick attack sequence we went through.
Time came for throwing the aircraft around, so the leader of the formation announced some mild tail chase. Not ready for the sudden onset of Gs, I strained my neck, which is a not an uncommon problem afflicting those who have stayed away from the F-16 for a while. The flight controls were driven by the same old right hand electric joystick, but the functions of the buttons on the stick (and throttle) had increased manifold. The facility and confidence with which Sami was handling the aircraft and its sensors was a marvel, and bespoke of his experience on the type that was past the 1,500 hours mark.
Landings were uneventful, and we taxied back to the aircraft shelters with ground crew eager to welcome us back after a unique experience. Soon afterwards, media teams emerged with their video cameras and mikes for short interviews regarding our experience. Here is what the veterans had to say:

Air Marshal Qazi Javed: “Fantastic! After 25 years, when you sit in an F-16, it is absolutely fantastic. The number of sensors these aircraft have is unbelievable; the situation awareness they provide is out of this world. I wish in our times, we had one-tenth of what we saw today. I wish the PAF good luck. Everyone is doing a fantastic job.”
Air Vice Marshal Hamid Khawaja: “It was a great experience. I returned after 20 years, which is a long time. The things I have seen today are very encouraging. The aircraft that I flew today has been modified so much – so much gadgetry – it makes you very happy to see that. I was very glad to see the pilots who are very comfortable with the aircraft. The level of experience of the younger pilots is very good too.”

Air Vice Marshal Faaiz Amir: “It reinforces my belief in the quality of today’s air force … more so the quality of pilots, although there is great improvement in the equipment as well. I was very pleased to see the competency of the pilots during the air-to-air exercise that we flew today. The technicians too are maintaining a very high standard of maintenance, and the aircraft are in very good shape. Godspeed to the Pakistan Air Force.”

Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail: “I was flying the F-16 after 30 years, and the last I flew any fighter was in 2004. It was a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed it. This aircraft is absolutely different from what we flew three decades ago. It is a completely changed aircraft, full of avionics, full of gadgetry. However, the best part I liked was the professionalism of the pilots. Everyone is very dedicated. I think everything has transformed. It is a very powerful punch-packed air force. I am very impressed.”

Posted by Kaiser Tufail .

 

[Raider 21]

Reliving the Past - Veterans Fly the F-16
February 6, 2018

A call from the Vice Chief of Air Staff asking me if I wanted to fly the F-16 got an immediate positive response, notwithstanding the fact that I had last flown the F-16 three decades ago. The stated objective was for a few retired veterans to assess the capabilities of the much modified fighter, as well as its young pilots, from a ‘then and now’ perspective – a sort of evaluation by independent auditors. It seemed like a great idea coming from the Chief of Air Staff, and was certainly ‘out-of-the-box.’

Four of us veterans (an Air Marshal, two Air Vice Marshals, and me, an Air Commodore) were flown to an F-16 Base in a special executive jet. Soon after a smart welcome on arrival, we were huddled into the auditorium for a crisp mission briefing by the Squadron Commander of No 9 Squadron, Wg Cdr Yasir Shafiq. The brief was rich in techno-jargon and fancy terms we had never heard before while flying the no-frills Block-15 version. It was quite apparent that the tactics and employment methods had transformed significantly after the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) on the F-16s. We were to be introduced to Beyond Visual Range (BVR) intercepts, as well as Stand-off Laser Guided Bombing (dummy attacks) with the help of the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod. Some flying time was also reserved for us to throw around the aircraft, and assess for ourselves the workings of our aging sinew and muscle.

Some time was spent struggling into our old flying coveralls that we had brought along, though the anti-G suits and helmets were new, as our old ones were either unserviceable, or could not fit over our none-too-slender appendages. When we were all garbed up, we felt an inexplicable transformation that made us feel like the coolest hot rods, no matter that we were all established sexagenarians.

Cockpit procedures and strapping up seemed routine, except for the almost arthritic inability to twist and select the oxygen switch at the extreme rear of the right hand panel. Taxiing out in pairs, we lined up and did the engine run up checks. With the Squadron Commander in the lead, the first F-16 rolled for take-off, with us as No 2 following 10 seconds later. Thoroughly excited as the five stages of the afterburner cut in an unbroken sequence, I was slammed against the seat as the aircraft roared away, with Sqn Ldr Sami at the controls in the front seat. As a special favour, the Squadron Commander had allowed us a rocket trajectory take-off, perhaps recalling my penchant for such astronautics from previous years. Exhilaration knew no bounds as we zoomed up to our exercise altitude, and split up to start an interception.

Instead of the single Radar Electro-Optical scope of the older version, the MLU aircraft has two Multi-Function Displays that can show radar and navigation-map data. The display was hard to interpret without proper ground schooling, as it had all kinds of target data available. Radar information from AWACs, ground radars and other formation members can be shared through data link, providing the pilot with a complete three-dimensional all-around coverage or the ‘God’s eye view.’ Situational awareness of pilots has never been better, but requires exceptional abilities to interpret the plethora of symbols and numbers usefully. Those skills were evident as Sami gave me a running commentary of the target (leader’s aircraft), as we ran through the intercept geometry. Used to shooting aircraft in visual ranges, I was amazed to learn that the fight was over not long after the aircraft appeared on the radar scope! It had been ‘knocked’ out by a simulated BVR missile far beyond the eyes could see. The fire control computer was constantly providing information on the shrinking and expanding ‘dynamic launch zone’ as the target tried to out-turn the missile, which of course, was a futile effort. If somehow, an enemy aircraft were to sneak into visual ranges, the radar-coupled helmet-mounted sight would require the pilot to just look at the target and press the missile launch button. Instead of having to manoeuvre the aircraft like old times, one ‘dirty look’ by the pilot can do the needful. The 20 mm Vulcan cannon remains a backup weapon and can discharge a fusillade at a ripping rate of 100 rounds per second. I was doubly convinced that coming out alive after a hostile encounter with the MLU F-16 would be a miracle, so this is a beast best avoided by any adversary.

Demonstration of a dummy attack against a ground target with the Sniper electro-optical pod was the
next item on the agenda. The Sniper pod allows aircrews to detect, identify and engage targets outside the range of most enemy air defences. It also allows engagements beyond jet noise range for counter-insurgency operations.
The pod incorporates a high definition Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) seeker, as well as visible-light HDTV, laser spot tracker, laser marker, video data link, and a digital data recorder. The pod’s FLIR allows observation and tracking through smoke and haze, and in low light or no light conditions. The CCD camera supports the same operations in visible light for most daylight conditions.
It being a hazy day, FLIR mode was selected, and a target was identified and immediately tracked. Zooming in from far-off ranges helped resolve the target down to fine details that were unimaginable with the older ATLIS pod, that we had flown in the eighties. More importantly, the standoff range from the target had improved considerably, and targeting could be done safely from further off. The video of the target could be shared by formation members or army ground liaison staff in real time through data link. Sensor fusion was the key to this lethal game, and this could not have been more evident during the slick attack sequence we went through.
Time came for throwing the aircraft around, so the leader of the formation announced some mild tail chase. Not ready for the sudden onset of Gs, I strained my neck, which is a not an uncommon problem afflicting those who have stayed away from the F-16 for a while. The flight controls were driven by the same old right hand electric joystick, but the functions of the buttons on the stick (and throttle) had increased manifold. The facility and confidence with which Sami was handling the aircraft and its sensors was a marvel, and bespoke of his experience on the type that was past the 1,500 hours mark.
Landings were uneventful, and we taxied back to the aircraft shelters with ground crew eager to welcome us back after a unique experience. Soon afterwards, media teams emerged with their video cameras and mikes for short interviews regarding our experience. Here is what the veterans had to say:

Air Marshal Qazi Javed: “Fantastic! After 25 years, when you sit in an F-16, it is absolutely fantastic. The number of sensors these aircraft have is unbelievable; the situation awareness they provide is out of this world. I wish in our times, we had one-tenth of what we saw today. I wish the PAF good luck. Everyone is doing a fantastic job.”
Air Vice Marshal Hamid Khawaja: “It was a great experience. I returned after 20 years, which is a long time. The things I have seen today are very encouraging. The aircraft that I flew today has been modified so much – so much gadgetry – it makes you very happy to see that. I was very glad to see the pilots who are very comfortable with the aircraft. The level of experience of the younger pilots is very good too.”

Air Vice Marshal Faaiz Amir: “It reinforces my belief in the quality of today’s air force … more so the quality of pilots, although there is great improvement in the equipment as well. I was very pleased to see the competency of the pilots during the air-to-air exercise that we flew today. The technicians too are maintaining a very high standard of maintenance, and the aircraft are in very good shape. Godspeed to the Pakistan Air Force.”

Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail: “I was flying the F-16 after 30 years, and the last I flew any fighter was in 2004. It was a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed it. This aircraft is absolutely different from what we flew three decades ago. It is a completely changed aircraft, full of avionics, full of gadgetry. However, the best part I liked was the professionalism of the pilots. Everyone is very dedicated. I think everything has transformed. It is a very powerful punch-packed air force. I am very impressed.”

Posted by Kaiser Tufail .

Just for side info: All 4 gentlemen are standing in front of a Viper that has a kill on an another Viper. All of the above veterans flew with No.9 squadron as F-16 pilots, exception of Q.Javed....he flew F-16s mostly as GIBS during his tenure as base commander of PAF Kamra with No.14 squadron (just before they were disbanded from their jets).

Here is a link to the above article :
http://kaiser-aeronaut.blogspot.com/2018/02/reliving-past-veterans-fly-f-16_6.html

 

[litman]

PAF's obsession with F-16 is very obvious. i am sure this jet will prove to be a failure in any future war when US will impose sanctions and supply of spares will be stopped.

 

[araz]

PAF's obsession with F-16 is very obvious. i am sure this jet will prove to be a failure in any future war when US will impose sanctions and supply of spares will be stopped.

I would contest this for 2 reasons. If our confrontation is with a Non Nato country US would use our experience for the purposes of propaganda so a positive outcome say against the SU 30 would be used to portray the utility of the aircraft. Lockmart and US would be fools to not do so.
Secondly when we bought the ACs we accumulated 5 yrs worth of spares. PAF would try and keep a significant store of spares in reserve. This would be the only sensible way of doing things. So a reduction in flight would not be for lack of war time reserve.
Lastly the next full war in the subcontinent would be shortlived and devastating. So it is unlikely we will run out of spares. I also have a hunch that Turkish AF and Govtt will help us in times of war.
This is my take on the matter and I could be totaly wrong. All that happens from Pak perspective is that if the 16 get grounded we lower our threshold for nuke exchange.

PAF's obsession with F-16 is very obvious. i am sure this jet will prove to be a failure in any future war when US will impose sanctions and supply of spares will be stopped.

I would contest this for 2 reasons. If our confrontation is with a Non Nato country US would use our experience for the purposes of propaganda so a positive outcome say against the SU 30 would be used to portray the utility of the aircraft. Lockmart and US would be fools to not do so.
Secondly when we bought the ACs we accumulated 5 yrs worth of spares. PAF would try and keep a significant store of spares in reserve. This would be the only sensible way of doing things. So a reduction in flight would not be for lack of war time reserve.
Lastly the next full war in the subcontinent would be shortlived and devastating. So it is unlikely we will run out of spares. I also have a hunch that Turkish AF and Govtt will help us in times of war.
This is my take on the matter and I could be totaly wrong. All that happens from Pak perspective is that if the 16 get grounded we lower our threshold for nuke exchange.

 

[Army research]

PAF's obsession with F-16 is very obvious. i am sure this jet will prove to be a failure in any future war when US will impose sanctions and supply of spares will be stopped.

The army has stock piled Alot of spares, ALOT, besides turkey produces spare parts , Jordan has spare parts , Indonesia, they can easily be bought or smuggled in

 

[PakShaheen79]

Well, I have a suggestion for PAF. After the arrival of JF-17B/ Block-III, the same team must be invited again to have an experience on them to see how Thunder fares in modern times. (not against F-16s because that would be futile practice as Vipers are still technologically more advanced.)

 

[litman]

The army has stock piled Alot of spares, ALOT, besides turkey produces spare parts , Jordan has spare parts , Indonesia, they can easily be bought or smuggled in

there are spares and systems (as mentioned in AFM few years back) which are sent to US for repair and maintenance. we dont have the expertise or permission to look into those systems so we will remain dependent on them forever.

I would contest this for 2 reasons. If our confrontation is with a Non Nato country US would use our experience for the purposes of propaganda so a positive outcome say against the SU 30 would be used to portray the utility of the aircraft. Lockmart and US would be fools to not do so.
Secondly when we bought the ACs we accumulated 5 yrs worth of spares. PAF would try and keep a significant store of spares in reserve. This would be the only sensible way of doing things. So a reduction in flight would not be for lack of war time reserve.
Lastly the next full war in the subcontinent would be shortlived and devastating. So it is unlikely we will run out of spares. I also have a hunch that Turkish AF and Govtt will help us in times of war.
This is my take on the matter and I could be totaly wrong. All that happens from Pak perspective is that if the 16 get grounded we lower our threshold for nuke exchange.

F-16 is no more US main export fighter. its production lines are being converted for the production of latest F-35 which has hue demand and countries which are phasing out their older vipers are going for the f35 so US is not very much interested in the global image of the f-16. it is a thing of the past. in case of ind-pak scenario i think the US strategic interests in ind will be so great that they can afford to let the falcon tarnish its image. US needs india in afghanistan and also against china so there are chances of US jets on indian air bases in case of a global military conflict.

 

[araz]

there are spares and systems (as mentioned in AFM few years back) which are sent to US for repair and maintenance. we dont have the expertise or permission to look into those systems so we will remain dependent on them forever.


F-16 is no more US main export fighter. its production lines are being converted for the production of latest F-35 which has hue demand and countries which are phasing out their older vipers are going for the f35 so US is not very much interested in the global image of the f-16. it is a thing of the past. in case of ind-pak scenario i think the US strategic interests in ind will be so great that they can afford to let the falcon tarnish its image. US needs india in afghanistan and also against china so there are chances of US jets on indian air bases in case of a global military conflict.

OK. Lets agree to disagree. However I would say that no amount of strategic interests will let US allow its fighteds to be beaten by Non US entities. It will reflect badly on their image of invincibility which they have created so carefully. However we just have differing view points.
A

 

[khanasifm]

Singapore air show Lm exec forecasting additional 400 f-16 market in 7-10 years mostly who cannot afford f-35 or will not be cleared for it