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The Block 50/52 is the current production version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It features the Improved Performance Engines, either the F110-GE-129 for the Block 50 or the F100-PW-229 for the block 52. The F100-PW-229 is lighter and more powerful than earlier F100s, and had been flying at Edwards AFB since mid-1990 in test ship #81-0816. Both engines are rated at 29,000lbs of thrust (129kN).
Structure & Avionics
The standard avionics fit for the Block 50 includes:
-Honeywell H-423 Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System (RLG INS) for rapid in-flight alignment;
-GPS receiver;
-Data Transfer Cartridge with a larger capacity (128KB) to accommodate the planned avionics growth;
-Improved Data Modem for faster data transmission;
-AN/ALR-56M advanced RWR; (RWR stands for radar warning receiver)
-AN/ALE-47 threat adaptive countermeasure system;
-digital terrain system data transfer cartridge;
-cockpit compatible with night vision systems;
-advanced IFF interrogator;
-Upgraded Programmable Display Generator (UPDG);
-MIL-STD-1760 data bus for programming new-generation PGMs;
-Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) for increased situational awareness and tactical flexibility on all missions.
The Loral AN/ALR-56A RWR is designed to detect incoming radar signals, identify and characterize these signals to a specific threat, and alert the aircrew through the TEWS display. The AN/ALR-56 system features four external antennae mounted on the each fin tip and on both wingtips, with a fifth blade-shaped antenna underneath the forward fuselage. The solid state ALR-56 is based on a digitally-controlled dual channel receiver that scans from 6-20 GHz, while changes in the threat can be accommodated by software modifications.
The AN/ALR-56M Advanced Radar Warning Receiver (ARWR) continuously detects and intercept RF signals in certain frequency ranges and analyzes and separates threat signals from non-threat signals. It displays threat signals to pilot on a priority basis and provides efficient and effective logistical support to the using command activities for the system. It contributes to full-dimensional protection by improving individual aircraft probability of survival through improved aircrew situational awareness of the radar guided threat environment. An RWR processor/memory capacity upgrade was required to allow incorporation of software algorithm enhancements (RAD, etc) to fix known threat ambiguity and false alarm problems.
The ALR-56M includes a fast scanning superhet receiver, superhet controller, analysis processor, low band receiver/power supply, and four quadrant receivers. The ALR-56M is designed to provide improved performance in a dense signal environment and improved detection of modern threat signals, as compared to the version of the ALR-69 which it replaced.
ALR-56 advanced variants (-56C and -56M) can be coupled to several countermeasures systems for optimal performance.
The AN/ALE-47 CMDS provides an integrated, threat-adaptive, reprogrammable, computer controlled capability for dispensing expendable decoys. These include chaff, flares, Radio Frequency (RF) expendables and others. The AN/ALE-47 system enhances aircraft survivability in sophisticated threat environments. The system is designed to provide the capability of automatic or pilot commanded response, and works alone or in coordination with other countermeasures defensive systems to defeat Air Interceptor (AI), Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA), and Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs). The AN/ALE-47 CMDS replaces the aging AN/ALE-39 CMDS on-board a variety of aircraft. It is capable of protecting against RF, infrared (IR), and electro-optical (EO) threats from anti-aircraft artillery (AAA), surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), air-to-air missiles (AAMs), and airborne interceptors (AIs).
The Hazeltine APX-111(V1) Advanced Identification Friend-or-Foe system (AIFF) with increased range performance (100 Nm) will operate via four (rather striking) antennas mounted on the upper forward fuselage in front of the canopy. These "bird slicers", more formally known as Upper Interogator Fuselage Mounted Antenna (FMA) Array, will be the most noticeable exterior change of the Mid Life Update.
The benefits of this AIFF system will be the support for BVR weapons delivery in excess of Radar/Missile limits and the enhanced situational awareness which reduces the chance of a fratricide.
The Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) is one of the most important pages available on your Muti-function display (MFD). It is a moving-map display of the current horizontal situation around you, showing friendly and enemy aircraft, the route you are flying, the area being scanned by your radar, and many other useful pieces of information. The HSD is used to maintain situational awareness of your present location and of what is happening around you.
The AN/APG-68(V5) is currently used in the Lockheed Martin F-16C aircraft. The radar is a direct development of the AN/APG-66 radar that was used in earlier models of the F-16. It is a pulse Doppler radar operating in the I/ J band and can operate four distinct frequencies out of a total of sixteen, and is fully pilot selectable. Within the aircraft systems the AN/APG-68(V5) is referred to as the Fire Control Radar (FCR).
The Block 50/52 also carries the Westinghouse AN/APG-68 V(5) radar, which offers longer range detection against air targets and higher reliability. The radar has a programmable signal processor that employs very high-speed integrated circuit (VHSIC) technology. The latest batches of Block 50/52 carry the same radar, but versions V(7) and V(8), which offer even greater performance envelopes. The VHF/FM antenna is now incorporated into the leading edge of the vertical fin and has an extended operating distance.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) is a fire-and-forget air-to-air missile, and has replaced the AIM-7 Sparrow as the U.S. military's standard BVR (Beyond Visual Range) intercept missile.
The AIM-7 Sparrow is a radar-guided, air-to-air missile with a high-explosive warhead. The AIM-7 Sparrow has been the major medium range air-to-air missile of U.S. fighters until the advent of the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile), and the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow is still a very important short-range air-defense weapon on U.S. and NATO warships.
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile carried by fighter aircraft. It has a high-explosive warhead and an active infrared guidance system.
The Block 50's have the capability to fire the AIM-120 AMRAAM, the new AGM-65G Maverick missile and the PGU-28/B 20mm cannon round. The Block 50/52 is capable of carrying the new JDAM munition, the AGM-154A/B JSOW and is the first F-16 version to integrate the AGM-84 Harpoon antishipping missile. The AGM-137 TSSAM stand-off attack missile was also foreseen in its weaponry, but subsequently cancelled. The aircraft can launch the Harpoon in line-of-sight, bearing-only, and range/bearing modes. The addition of the Harpoon gives the F-16 a significant standoff range anti-shipping capability, especially when combined with optional 600-gallon fuel tanks.
The AGM-65 Maverick is a tactical, air-to-surface guided missile designed for close air support, interdiction and defense suppression mission. It provides stand-off capability and high probability of strike against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, transportation equipment and fuel storage facilities. Maverick was used during Operation Desert Storm and, according to the Air Force, hit 85 percent of its targets.
The standard model offers simple TV guidance (with the seeker logic being able to distinguish on contrast) and requires favorable launching conditions. Less-than-perfect visibility or overwater glint can cause the A-model to break its lock. The optical seeker of the AGM-65A covers a 5 degree cone in front of the missile - roughly the equivalent of a 200mm lens on a standard 35mm camera.
The AGM-65B Scene-Magnification Maverick offers new optics, a stronger gimbal mount and revised electronics. The new optics offer greater magnification (2.5 degree cone, equivalent to a 400mm lens on a 35mm camera), thus allowing the pilot to search for the target with the seeker of the missile and detect it at greater ranges than with the Mark 1 eyeball.
The AGM-65C Laser Maverick was specifically designed for use in the Close Air Support Role again laser-designated targets. The laser designators are either land- or airborne, for example: the infantry ILS-NT200, the airborne Pave Knife, Pave Penny, Pave Spike, Pave Tack or other non-US systems such as the French Atlis-pod used on Pakistani F-16s. By using different illuminating frequencies for different targets, it is possible to ripple-fire multiple missiles at multiple targets.
The AGM-65D Infra Red Maverick uses the Hughes tri-service IIR (Imaging Infra Red) seeker head, which can be slaved to an aircraft-mounted FLIR sensor or a laser pod. It enables the Maverick to lock on at at least twice the range otherwise possible in north-west Europe in adverse weather, since IR wavelengths are less attenuated in clear air. The 65D is the standard Maverick for use in combination with the LANTIRN targeting and navigation pods. Furthermore, the IR seeker allows the Maverick to be employed around the clock.
The AGM-65G is used by the USAF and has the IIR seeker and the 300lb warhead.
The AGM-84 Harpoon is an all weather, over-the-horizon, anti-shipping missile system produced by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). Its low-level, sea-skimming cruise capability, active radar guidance and warhead design assure high survivability and effectiveness. The missile is capable of being launched from aircraft, surface ships, submarines, and shore batteries.
The Harpoon/F-16 combination is used as an anti-shipping platform by a limited number of international F-16 customers.
The AGM-84E Harpoon/SLAM [Stand-Off Land Attack Missile] is an intermediate range weapon system designed to provide day, night and adverse weather precision strike capability against high value land based assets and shipping. This version filled a late 1980s need for a land-attack missile. Rather than design one from scratch, the US Navy took a large proportion of the existing Harpoon -excluding the guidance and seeker sections- and added a Global Positioning System receiver, Walleye optical guidance system and a Maverick data-link to create the Stand-off Land Attack Missile (SLAM).
The AGM-84E uses an inertial navigation system with GPS, infrared terminal guidance, and is fitted with a Tomahawk warhead for better penetration. SLAM can be launched from land-based or aircraft carrier-based F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. It was employed successfully in Operation Desert Storm and UN relief operations in Bosnia prior to Operation Joint Endeavor.
The projected ship launched RGM-84E was tested but never passed this stage of development.
Integration of the AGM-84 with the F-16 required two main changes: (i) addition of Harpoon-specific weapon control algorithms to the Stores Management System, and (ii) development of an interface adapter kit. The interface adaptor is basically an electronic component that converts weapons control instructions from the F-16 Stores Management System into instructions that can be interpreted by the weapon (Harpoon in this case).
The work started during Operation Desert Storm on Korea-based USAF Block 30G aircraft. Two factors complicated the actual development of the interface adaptor and algorithms. First of all, the "heavy stations" (hardpoints 3 and 7, capable of carrying a heavy weapon such as the Harpoon) did not offer access to the 1553 data bus. Second, there were some initial software problems with the jet as well. To circumvent the limitations, the AGM-65 Maverick interface was re-used initially. The Maverick interface did not require the F-16 SMS to do anything extra, as all control software was in the adapter kit. Weapon modes and targeting were all selected on the video provided in lieu of the normal Maverick video.
As the Storm wound down, USAF lost interest and the initial effort was cancelled. The project was picked up again later when foreign F-16 customers expressed interest in the Harpoon. By that time, the software problems had been solved and the Harpoon was properly integrated. The AGM-84 Harpoon was officially cleared on the F-16 on August 11th, 1994.
All recent F-16 aircraft (block 20, 30/32, 40/42, 50/52, and 60) can be made Harpoon-capable. It requires the installation of the interface adapter, plus installation of system software that supports the Harpoon.
The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance tail kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurate, all-weather guided bombs. The JDAM kit consists of a new tail section containing an inertial navigational system and a global positioning system (GPS) guidance control unit. JDAM can be launched from approximately 15 miles from the target and each is independently targeted. JDAM was jointly developed by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, is built by Boeing, and can be fitted to the standard Mk.80 series of free-fall bombs. Each kit costs around $18,000 (FY 1999).
The JDAM kit is a rather simple modification, which explains its low cost. It consists of a tail section and a jacket which is wrapped around the body of the free-fall bomb. Different tails and jackets are available for different bombs.
DAM can only be launched by F-16s that have a digital INS/GPS system with the proper software upgrades to integrate with the weapons management system. Aircraft using JDAM require a 1760/1553-capable pylon. JDAM is or can be carried by the following F-16 models: MLU aircraft, block 30/32, block 40/42, block 50/52, block 52+, and block 60. JDAM capability can be added to older models (block 30/32/40/42) by installing a digital INS/GPS system, and installing the required software upgrades. Newer models already have the digital GPS/INS when they roll off the production line. These models can also use their radar to refine the target coordinates. Based on radar returns from the target, target coordinates are determined and fed back into the JDAM guidance section.
The USAF F-16 fleet only uses the GBU-31 and GBU-38. Stations 3 and 7 have been wired to carry a single JDAM. Other stations are not fully equiped for the JDAM. With the addition of the BRU-57/A Multiple Carriage, "Smart" Bomb Rack, two GBU-38's can be carried on stations 3 and 7.
The Block 50/52 Plus is a version which has special provisions for the adverse weather delivery of the Boeing JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition). The update includes an add-on tail unit containing a synthetic aperture radar, providing guidance to 1,000lbs Mk.83, 2,000lbs Mk.84 and the 2,000lbs BLU-109 warhead. Other features include passive missile warning, terrain-referenced navigation, and provisions for the 600 US gal (2,271 litre) external fuel tanks and conformal fuel tanks.
Other features of the aircraft include an on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS), the AN/APX-113 advanced electronic interrogator/transponder IFF system, helmet-mounted cueing system (HMCS), ASPIS internal electronic countermeasures suite (full provisions), the Northrop Grumman APG-68(V)9 radar, which is the latest version of the F-16C/D radar. This radar features significant improvements in detection range, resolution, growth potential, and supportability. Furthermore, application of advanced processing techniques enhances the radar's ability to operate in dense electromagnetic environments and resist jamming better than all previous models.
The V(9) version of the AN/APG-68 radar provides both improved air-to-air capabilities and air-to-ground capabilities. These include:
-30 percent increase in detection range;
-Improvements in false alarm rate and mutual interference;
-Four versus two tracked targets in the Situation Awareness mode (a search-while-track mode);
-Larger search volume and improved track performance in Track While Scan mode;
-Improved track performance in Single Target Track mode;
-Two-foot resolution in new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode, which allows autonomous delivery of precision, all-weather, standoff weapons;
-Increased detection range in Sea Surveillance mode;
-Improved target detection and map quality in Ground Moving Target Indication mode.
-In general, this radar offers a 5X increase in processing speed and 10X increase in memory compared to the current AN/APG-68 radar and provides large growth potential.
@Bludgeon, would you mind separate the specifications and post them separately! That way, it will be easy for others to read and comment.
Unit cost of F-6 Block 52: ~$50 million
Operating cost/hour: ~$4,500
Generally speaking, single-engined aircraft are cheaper and easier to maintain than twin-engined ones.
The Sukhoi Su-30M is a multi-role two-seater fighter, broadly comparable to the American F-15E. The Su-30MK is the export version of the aircraft. The fighter is a development of the Su-27 (Flanker) family, designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau of Moscow and is manufactured by the Irkut Corporation.
The aircraft is equipped with similar avionics and thrust vectoring as the Su-37, for superior combat agility and manoeuvrability. The aircraft is armed with precision anti-surface missiles and has a stand-off launch range of 120km.
Su-30M (MK-export version) is a standard Su-30 with the air-to-ground missiles which can carry twice the armament (8 tons) compared to the baseline Su-27. The Su-30 'export variant' of the formidable Su-27 'Flanker', can carry the latest Russian air-to-air missiles, including the medium-range R-27 family, the short-range R-73 and the new medium-range R-77 'AMRAAM-ski'. The Sukhoi-30K has a range in excess of 3,000km, which means it can easily patrol offshore installations without requiring aerial refuelling.
Derived from the famous Sukhoi aircraft family - Su-27UBK, Su-30K, Su-35, Su-37 - the Su-30MK epitomises a "universal air warrior", capable of accomplishing a wide variety of combat missions at significant distances from the home base, in any weather conditions and severe jamming environment, both by day and night.
The R-27P1 and R-27EP1 unified medium-range air-to-air missiles with passive radar homing heads are intended for round-the-clock engagement of radio-emitting air targets in fair and adverse weather conditions, in the front hemisphere, against diverse underlying backgrounds and in cases when the enemy targets protect their aircraft with anti-radar active jamming.
Both missiles are intended for arming MiG/Su-type combat aircraft. They feature “fire-and-forget” covert attack capability.
The R-27P1 missile is powered with a fixed-thrust solid-fuel engine, the R-27EP1 – with a dual-thrust solid-fuel engine. The fusing system includes a radar fuse and an impact target sensor. The warhead is of a load-carrying rod type. The missile layouts are characterized by modular design.
The Ovod-ME airborne missile system with Kh-59ME missile is designed to engage ground and surface targets visually observed by operator in fair weather conditions. The system employs the Kh-59E airborne missile in the APK-9ME suspension pod. The missile is equipped with a navigation and automatic control system, as well as a TV/command guidance system ensuring high engagement precision of up to 2-3 metres (in manual mode). Operator can re-target the missile on its flight trajectory.
The KAB-500-OD is designed to engage ground targets, such as fire emplacements, and manpower hidden in mountainous terrains.
The KAB-1500Kr is designed to engage various stationary ground/surface small-sized hardened targets, such as reinforced concrete shelters, military industrial installations, depots, and seaport terminals.
The KAB-500Kr, KAB-500-OD, KAB-1500Kr air bombs are fitted with TV/terrain-matching homing heads and various types of warheads. TV homers with target data processing correlation algorithm can “remember” target location and correct bomb’s flight trajectory until the impact on the target, thus realizing the “fire and forget” principle. Such homing heads can help defeat low-contrast and masked targets provided that terrain reference points and target coordinates related to them are available. The KAB-500Kr, KAB-500-OD, KAB-1500Kr corrected air bombs make part of weapon systems of such front-line aircraft types as Su-27, Su-30, Su-34, Su-24M, MiG-29, and others.
80mm S-8KOM Aviation Unguided Rocket
The S-8KOM rocket is with a shaped fragmentation effect. It is designed for destroying ground armoured targets as well as the manpower of the enemy. It is equipped with the V-5KP fuze.
The S-13 unguided aircraft rockets are classified as airto-ground rockets. The basic rocket is a concretepiercing rocket, type S-13, comprising an extended high-energy solid-propellant rocket motor and penetrating warhead.
The S-13 rocket boasts a number of modifications with
different warheads:
- S-13T with two-module HE fragmentation concrete-piercing warhead;
- S-13-OF with HE fragmentation warhead;
- S-13D with fuel-air explosive warhead;
- S-13DF with enhanced power fuel-air explosive warhead.
The S-13 is intended to destroy aircraft in reinforced concrete shelters, as well as war materiel and manpower in hardened shelters. The S-13T is intended to destroy aircraft in different types of shelters, including reinforced ones, demolish runways and defeat command, control and communications posts and other objects. The S-13T rocket is developed from the S-13 to enhance its lethality owing to employment of two separable autonomous warheads: the first warhead is a penetrating type (analog of the S-13 rocket warhead), while the second one is a HE fragmentation warhead.
Main-purpose rockets are designed to engage single small targets (soft, hard, armored) and enemy manpower. The purpose of a rocket is dictated by the destructive effect of the warhead.
ZB-500PT is designed to inflict damage upon manpower on a land or water surface, highly inflammable buildings, easily vulnerable materiel as well as forests and crops during the dry season of the year.
500-kg SIZE RBK-500 SPBE-D CLUSTER BOMB LOADED WITH HOMING ANTITANK SENSOR-FUZED SUBMUNITIONS WITH DUAL-MODE IR TARGET SEEKERS
This bomb is designed to defeat all modern tanks and other armor materiel in the clutter and jamming environment. It can simultaneously defeat up to six tanks. It is dropped from altitudes of 400 to 5,000 m at a speed of 500 to 1,900 km/h.
^^^Genocidal.Number of submunitions 15