PAF F-16 mlu specifications and 36 blk 52+ prospects

[Manticore]

ITT Exelis successfully completes AIDEWS testing at Edwards Air Force Base
CLIFTON, N.J., Nov. 19, 2012 - ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) has completed extensive electromagnetic compatibility testing of its Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite, or AIDEWS, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. AIDEWS provides pilots with situational awareness and protection against radar-based threats, including modern surface-to-air and air-to-air weapon systems.

The testing, part of the qualification process for the Pakistan F-16 upgrade program, was conducted to ensure AIDEWS will work with other systems integrated into the aircraft, and verify that the multiple systems will not interfere with one another. This chamber-based testing also helps to reduce the amount of flight testing needed to verify the electronic warfare system’s performance, reducing cost and time to qualify a system.

Six weeks of testing, at Edwards AFB, was performed on multiple radio frequency systems operating simultaneously in an F-16 carrying the AIDEWS pod. The team measured pod antenna patterns on the F-16, as well as system interoperability between the AIDEWS jamming pod, fire control radar and ALR-69 Radar Warning Receiver.

“This milestone speaks volumes about our system’s capability and maturity,” said Stuart Altman, Exelis Electronic Systems business area lead for AIDEWS. “This kind of comprehensive testing shows we already have a well-integrated, effective system to protect the F-16, and we’ll be using the results of this testing to make the system even better.”

AIDEWS is built upon the proven ALQ-211 family of electronic warfare systems now in use to support a broad range of U.S. and allied defense customers on many aircraft. The system is currently in full production with more than 160 systems under contract for six nations as part of the F-16 Foreign Military Sales program.

About ITT Exelis
ITT Exelis is a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense and information solutions company with strong positions in enduring and emerging global markets. Exelis is a leader in networked communications, sensing and surveillance, electronic warfare, navigation, air traffic solutions and information systems with growing positions in cyber security, composite aerostructures, logistics and technical services. The company has a 50-year legacy of innovation and technology expertise, partnering with customers worldwide to deliver affordable, mission-critical products and services for managing global threats, conflicts and complexities. Headquartered in McLean, Va., the company employs about 20,500 people and generated 2011 sales of $5.8 billion. ITT Exelis - The Power of Ingenuity

Media contact:

Courtney Reynolds
973-477-3210
courtney.reynolds@exelisinc.com

ITT Exelis successfully completes AIDEWS testing at Edwards Air Force Base

F-16XL

Detailled rear view of a standard P&W F-100-200 still installed in the LOAN aircraft and the LOAN nozzle in the foreground

Apparent features of the ES are the conformal fuel tanks on the back and the FLIR in front of the cockpit.

Artist impression of the tailless F-16.

FS-X prototype seen from underneath. Note the enlarged wing and tailplanes.

 

[cabatli_53]

TAI OZGUR



Within OZGUR mission computer-avionic suite Program Hv.K.K. completed the ground tests and performed the first flight test of F-16 aircraft for the adoption of TAI.



https://www.tai.com.tr/content/docs/tainin-sesi-94-tam.pdf

Ozgur started in TUBITAK-BILGEM project (like ATAK mission system tested on AH-1S chopper), with out a maiden flight, it had thousands of flight hours in simulation labs. All codes are re-written. Later the project was given to TAI by SSIK to start "avionic suite" integration and flight tests.

For avionic suite ASELSAN was given contract, to develope avionic suite for a single F16 Block30.

In the end when total system was created with in 4 years, OZGUR will be most sophisticated flying F16 and will be more capable than UAE F16 Block60s and Israeli F16I

TAI is also negotiate with several RADAR producers, to integrate new RADAR for OZGUR.

OZGUR also will be baseline for TAI T-X/FX project which conceptual design finalised in 2013. Like we did AH-1S mission suite to T129.


ROKETSAN and TUBITAK SAGE works on very generous air-air/air-ground missile-bomb family for new aircraft

 

[Nishan_101]

Like everyone else I was quite keen for the PAF to demand from US to release their 28 F-16s in 2002 and also allow them to buy 21 F-16s from Venuezvela with permission. Also sell them the upgrade kits for these F-16s upgrade in Turkey which can start in 2004 and end in 2009 for PAF 31+28 as well as for 21 F-16s from Venuezvela and also to buy 50-55 F-16s Block-52s as well in 2003 at $45 Million per piece.

 

[airomerix]

Like everyone else I was quite keen for the PAF to demand from US to release their 28 F-16s in 2002 and also allow them to buy 21 F-16s from Venuezvela with permission. Also sell them the upgrade kits for these F-16s upgrade in Turkey which can start in 2004 and end in 2009 for PAF 31+28 as well as for 21 F-16s from Venuezvela and also to buy 50-55 F-16s Block-52s as well in 2003 at $45 Million per piece.

14 out of those 28 jets have already been released. The rest of 14 F-16a are under Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) where they are pitched against US Navy pilots. And Admirals of the US are not ready to release these 14 jets.

 

[SQ8]

14 out of those 28 jets have already been released. The rest of 14 F-16a are under Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) where they are pitched against US Navy pilots. And Admirals of the US are not ready to release these 14 jets.

There's also no point in getting those jets, They have undergone severe stress due to their usage at Fallon and have less airframe life in them. Its the PAF that has said no to these jets first and wants airframes from either AMARC or EDA articles.

 

[airomerix]

There's also no point in getting those jets, They have undergone severe stress due to their usage at Fallon and have less airframe life in them. Its the PAF that has said no to these jets first and wants airframes from either AMARC or EDA articles.

I heard a different story. It stated that US wasnt ready. Anyhow it pretty much makes sense as those jets would be flying every single day.

 

[SQ8]

I heard a different story. It stated that US wasnt ready. Anyhow it pretty much makes sense as those jets would be flying every single day.

The US is not ready to spare airframes from its Block-25 fleet just yet and is not ready to bear the costs of "refurbishing" AMARC articles as compared to jets that are already in operational status.

 

[Nishan_101]

Although far better to place the order for about 50 F-16s Block-52s in 2004 when they were about $45.5 Million per piece...

 

[HAIDER]

(Bits and pieces in this forum, but this report is much organized manner).

On June 28/06, the US DSCA notified Congress via a series of releases of its intention to provide Pakistan with a $5.1 billion Foreign Military Sales package to upgrade the F-16s that serve as the PAF’s top of the line fighters. Some of these items had been put on hold following the October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan & Kashmir, but the request for 36 new F-16 Block 50/52s is now going ahead, along with new weapons, engine modifications, and upgrade kits for Pakistan’s older F-16 A/Bs. The buy went through, and was accompanied by the supply of 26 older F-16s from USAF surplus stocks.

These items are detailed below, along with controversies the proposed sales have created, and some of the conditions attached to the sale by the US government:

Item 1: 36 New F-16 Block 50/52s – $3 billion
Item 2: Weapons for the New F-16s – $650 Million
Item 3: F-16A/B Mid-Life Update Modification Kits – $1.3 billion
Item 4: F-16A/B Engine Modifications & UP/STAR – $151 Million
Deal Updates and Progress [updated]
Potential Controversies (July 2006)
Additional Readings [updated]

Item 1: 36 New F-16 Block 50/52s – $3 billion

Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of up to 36 F-16C Block 50 and F-16D Block 52 two-seater aircraft – a buy of 18 jets, with an option for another 18. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $3 billion.

The planes will be equipped with the APG-68(V)9 radars, which are the most modern F-16 radar except for the UAE’s F-16E/F Block 60 “Desert Falcons” and their AN/APG-80 AESA. The engine contract was less certain. Pakistan’s existing F-16s use the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, the new planes involved a competition between Pratt & Whitney’s F100-PW-229 or General Electric’s F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines (IPEs). Pratt & Whitney kept their customer, and supplied the new F-16s with their F100-PW-229 EEP variant.

The package for Pakistan’s new F-16s also includes:

7 spare F100-PW-229 EEP or F110-GE-129 IPE engines (F100-PW-229 EEP selected)
7 spare APG-68(V)9 radar sets
36 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS)
36 AN/ARC-238 SINCGARS radios with HAVE QUICK I/II
36 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs) that fit along the aircraft’s sides to give them extra range
36 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals; see tactical uses of MIDS-LVT Link 16 systems
36 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems
36 APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe Systems
36 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare (ALQ-211 AIDEW) Suites without Digital Radio Frequency Memory (picked); or AN/ALQ-184 Electronic Counter Measures pod without DRFM; or AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Counter Measures pod without DRFM; or AN/ALQ-187 Advanced Self-Protection Integrated Suites without DRFM; or AN/ALQ-178 Self-Protection Electronic Warfare Suites without DRFM
1 Unit Level Trainer
Associated support equipment, software development/integration, modification kits, capability to employ a wide variety of munitions, spares and repair parts, flight test instrumentation, publications and technical documentation, CONUS-personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related requirements to ensure full program supportability.

The principal contractors under Pakistan’s “Peace Drive” buy will be:

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, TX
Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Dallas, TX
BAE Advanced Systems Greenlawn, NY
Boeing Corporation Seattle, WA
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems: St Louis, MO; Long Beach, CA; San Diego, CA
Raytheon Company: Lexington, MA; Goleta, CA
Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ
Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems in Garland, TX
Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems in Baltimore, MD
United Technology Company subsidiary Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT; or
General Electric Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati, OH

There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Pakistan involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical review/support and program management of the aircraft. See DSCA release [PDF].

Item 2: Weapons for the New F-16s – $650 Million

To equip those new F-16s, the Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of:

500 AIM-120C5 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM)
12 AMRAAM training missiles – these have seeker warheads but lack engines
200 AIM-9M-8/9 Sidewinder Short-Range Air-Air Missiles; they are the version before the fifth-generation AIM-9X.
240 LAU-129/A Launchers – these support AMRAAM or Sidewinder missiles.
500 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) Guidance Kits: GBU-31/38 Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) kits
1,600 Enhanced Paveway GBU-12 (500 lb.) and GBU-24s (2,000 lb.) with dual laser/GPS guidance
800 MK-82 500 pound General Purpose (GP) and MK-84 2,000 pound GP bombs
700 BLU-109 2,000 pound bunker-buster bombs with the FMU-143 Fuse
Associated support equipment, software development/integration, modification kits, capability to employ a wide variety of munitions, spares and repair parts, flight test instrumentation, publications and technical documentation, CONUS-personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related requirements to ensure full program supportability will also be provided.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $650 million. The principal contractors will be:

BAE Advanced Systems in Greenlawn, NY
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, TX
Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control in Dallas, TX
Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems in Garland, TX
Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems in Baltimore, MD

There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Pakistan involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical review/support, program management, and modification of the aircraft. See DSCA release [PDF format].

Item 3: F-16A/B Mid-Life Update Modification Kits – $1.3 billion

The Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 60 F-16A/B Mid-Life Update (MLU) modification and Falcon Star Structural Service Life Enhancement kits consisting of:

APG-68v9 with Synthetic Aperture Radar or the APG-66(V)2 radar, which is a much smaller improvement on earlier F-16s. The APG-68 with SAR is far better at air to ground work, and can be used to monitor ground activity.
Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS)
AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe Systems
AN/ALE-47 Advanced Countermeasures Dispenser Systems
Have Quick I/II Radios
Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT)
SNIPER (formerly known as AN/AAQ-33 PANTERA) targeting pod capability
Reconnaissance pod capability
Advanced Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation Units (used for training exercises)
MDE included in the MLU modification and structural upgrade kits
21 ALQ-131 Block II Electronic Countermeasures Pods without the Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM); or ALQ-184 Electronic Countermeasures Pods without DRFM;
60 ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management Systems;
1 Unit Level Trainer; and
10 APG-68v9 spare radar sets.
Radars, modems, receivers, installation, avionics, spare and repair parts, support equipment, CONUS-personnel training and training equipment, technical assistance, publications and technical documentation, system drawings, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, and other related logistics elements necessary for full program support.

JHMCS Visor
JHMCS

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $1.3 billion.

According to the US DSCA, Pakistan intends to purchase the MLU Program equipment “to enhance survivability, communications connectivity, and extend the useful life of its F-16A/B fighter aircraft. The modifications and upgrades in this proposed sale will permit Pakistan’s F-16A/B squadron to operate safely, and enhance Pakistan’s conventional deterrent capability. Pakistan’s air fleet can readily use these updates to enhance and extend the life of its aircraft.”

The principal contractors will be:

BAE Advanced Systems in Greenlawn, NY
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, TX
Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control in Dallas, TX
Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems in Garland, TX
Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems in Baltimore, MD

Turkish Aerospace Industries isn’t mentioned here, but they ended up with a contract to perform the upgrades on 36 F-16A/B aircraft. They’ve been doing similar work for Turkey, and for other F-16 customers in the Middle East.

There are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Pakistan involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives. See DSCA release [PDF].

InsideDefense.com makes the interesting observation that Pakistan doesn’t have 60 F-16s to upgrade. The clear implication is that the Pakistani government is interested in buying used F-16s and upgrading them, which proved to be the case. As part of the deal for new planes, in Sept 30/06 the USA also agreed to deliver 26 of the “Peace Gate III/IV” F-16A/B Block 15OCUs that had been ordered in 1988-1989, then embargoed when Pakistan tested nuclear weapons. After the embargo, the planes had been diverted for use as aggressor combat training aircraft by USAF and the US Navy.

Item 4: F-16A/B Engine Modifications & UP/STAR – $151 Million

he third contract involves Engine Modifications and Falcon UP/STAR Structural Upgrades as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $151 million.

More specifically, the Government of Pakistan has requested engine improvements and structural modifications to its F-16 fleet, which includes a possible sale of:

14 F100-PW-220E engines
14 Falcon UP/STAR F-16 structural upgrade kits
De-modification and preparation of 26 aircraft
Support equipment, software development/integration, modification kits, spares and repair parts, flight test instrumentation, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related requirements to support the program.

The principal contractors will be:

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, TX
United Technology Company subsidiary Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT.

There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale, but implementation of the engine modifications and UP/STAR repairs will require multiple trips to Pakistan involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical review/support, program management, and modification of the aircraft. See DSCA release [PDF].

Deal Updates and Progress

April 3/12: EW. ITT Exelis announces that $54 million has finalized a contract to provide Pakistan with some of its AIDEWS electronic warfare pods (vid. March 19/08, June 26/08, July 5/11, and July 20/11 entries). The 2008 contract had been for $78.2 million, and the July 2011 contract added $49.1 million, creating a current total of $181.3 million, plus over $9 million to integrate them with their F-16s’ AN/ALQ-231 central electronic warfare systems.

The ALQ-211 based Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare System (AIDEWS) integrates digital radar warning receivers and advanced jamming countermeasures systems against radar-based threats, including modern surface-to-air and air-to-air weapon systems. It can be carried on a pod, as Pakistan is doing, or internally as the AN/ALQ-211v4.

Feb 6/12: New deliveries done. The PAF receives its 18th and final new F-16 Block 52, and its its first 2 Mid-Life Upgrade F-16s, at PAF Shahbaz airbase. The last new F-16 was an F-16D that had remained in the US for testing & trials

$5.1B Proposed Sales, Upgrades, Weapons Pakistan’s F-16s

 

[fatman17]

^sirjee posted long timeeeeeee agoooooooooo

 

[shanixee]

When is MLU is expected to finish for our F16...??

Because as far as i remember it is to complete in Sep 2013....but i dont see it finish on time because no new news of receiving further MLU F16 from Turkey..

 

[Najam Khan]

When is MLU is expected to finish for our F16...??

Because as far as i remember it is to complete in Sep 2013....but i dont see it finish on time because no new news of receiving further MLU F16 from Turkey..

The date is late 2014 (Decemeber may be?). The next two batches of MLUs (some 5/6 aircraft) will be delivered soon.

 

[araz]

One thing that i have asked repeatedly and not been answered is whether there is any commonality between Bl 20-30-40 and our current in house stock. if there isnt will we have to setup new infrastructure to cater for them. If so it would only make sense if we had 2-3 squadrons. Any helpwould be appreciated.
Araz

 

[trident2010]

I think it is wise to upgrade all the F-16's to best possible configuration available to Pakistan. F-16 will be PAF's most trusted and capable fighter for atleast a decade. This will give PAF much needed breathing space for develop on Chinese planes which they are inducting/will induct.

May be PAF won't be able to use F-16's in case of war, but who knows? This confusion is good enough to keep enemy airforce not doing any misadventures.

 

[Manticore]

Lets hope the f16s bought from jordan go through the mlu - I wonder what specs they have atm

Modifications & Armament
Mid-life Update
For a number of years the Royal Jordanian AF recognized the need to give the leased aircraft a mid-life update in the next 2 or 3 years. It was unclear for a long time whether reference was made to the MLU-program, or just to updates in general.

In January of 2004 however a LOA for an $87 million contract was signed between Jordan and Lockheed-Martin for the update of the 17 Peace Falcon II aircraft. This modification consists of enhancements to the cockpit, avionics, sensors and weapons. These upgrades also improve system reliability and supportability. Together with this upgrade this package also includes Falcon UP and Falcon STAR structural upgrades. These structural upgrades will extend the service life to 8,000 flight hours with these aircraft being able to remain in service for another 20 years. The upgrades will be performed by Turkish Aerospace Industries in its Ankara fascilities.

Armament and Stores
Main armament of the RJAF F-16s is the AIM-9 Sidewinder, although the RJAF was hoping to acquire the AIM-120 AMRAAM for a long time. On November 24th, 2004 a deal was announced in which Jordan would receive up to 50 AIM-120C missiles and associated equipment in a deal worth $39 million.

F-16 Air Forces - Jordan :: F-16.net



F-16 Units - RJAF 1st squadron :: F-16.net
F-16 Units - RJAF 2nd squadron :: F-16.net
F-16 Units - RJAF 6th squadron :: F-16.net

------
so, which squadron did we get?

2 sqn (RJAF)
Status:
Active
Version:F-16A/B block 15 ADF
Although envisioned to be upgraded as well, the F-16s of 2 squadron remain unmodified. Therefore they retain their specific air defence duties without being truly multirole capable.

''
The 13 aircraft are of F-16 A/B Block-15 and the PAF has similar aircraft in its fleet which are flying satisfactorily. The deal about 12 A models and one B model aircraft has been authenticated by the manufacturing company and the US government has also given its nod for the sale/purchase of the planes.
Well-placed defence sources told The News here the other day that the purchased aircraft were in good condition since they had attained Mid-Life Update (MLU)
PAF acquires F-16s from Jordan - thenews.com.pk