sir jee after MLU kits , aren't they becoming block 40 ? just a question
The details of the MLU components for the PAF F-16A/B Block-15 are copy pasted below from ...
Link:
Billions to Upgrade and Up-arm Pakistan’s F-16s
This clearly shows that the PAF F-16AMs/BMs will be similar to the F-16C/D Block-52s w.r.t. Radar, JHMCS, Missiles etc.
However the Block-52s will remain superior in terms of Range, Payload, Engine Power, Loitering Time and CFTs.
The copy pasted stuff ...
Item 3: F-16A/B Mid-Life Update Modification Kits – $1.3 billion
According to the US DSCA, Pakistan intends to purchase the Mid-Life Upgrade (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 total value, if all options are exercised, is estimated as high as $1.3 billion, and subsequent Pentagon releases peg it at that figure.
The Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 60
F-16A/B
MLU and Falcon Star Structural Service Life Enhancement kits consisting of:
- APG-68v9 with Synthetic Aperture Radar (option for cheaper less capable APG-66-2 is also available)
- 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.
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
Item 4: F-16A/B Engine Modifications & UP/STAR – $151 Million
The 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.