It was my polite way of saying to you that this is the Mirage 2K-9 thread, not the V-upgrade thread for the F-16.
Well, seeing is believing, my friend. We know the EAF F-16's all have conventional IFF, just like any aircraft flying around the skies all over the world and the F-16 have several options with the conventional system from the 5 modes that exist in that system. They go through mode 1, 2, 3, C and 4. Mode 1 being basically specific to the squadron and relates to the aircraft's serial number and is set by the maintenance crew. Mode 2 identifies the pilot himself (not the aircraft) and he sets it himself every time he gets into the jet. Mode 3 is identical to civilian aircraft which operates by using transponders and it gives a 4 digit code when asked by either ground control or another aircraft. Mode C gives more detail as to the other aircraft's altitude for location and used more in that sense than actual friend or foe, location & altitude. Mode 4 is the most precise of the built-in IFF functions that come with all F-16s, but it's still not the advanced IFF (AIFF) that includes the actual sensors (bird shredders) on the nose of the aircraft and also uses the interrogator to send a signal and requests a specific signal return. It also has compatibility with the radar and the weapons systems on the aircraft which gives the pilot a lot of information quickly which gives him a quick and much easier reaction to a possible threat. It also lessens the chances of shooting a friendly bird. So it's the best of the IFF systems. We know the EAF F-16's have and use all the built-in modes, but they don't all have the AIFF. Only their last batch of 24 Block 52's have the AIFF as we've seen the obvious sensors. We haven't seen anything that resembles any type of homemade sensors to know for sure if they've built their own or installed them. Until we see some semblance of sensors/antennas, I can't help but remain skeptical that only the last batch of 52's have the AIFF.
Of course, long time ago. Never could understand why they refused to sign it. There was never a valid reason since it really didn't require Egypt to give up any security as far as the fighters are concerned. What is more alarming is that the primary reason for signing the CISMOA is to agree on the US' strict rules of transfer of technology. Why on earth would the Egyptian army not want to assure the US that it would not give up or expose any of the important aspects or weapon's systems to other countries? There were other minor conditions that came with signing the CISMOA but sharing US made technology was the primary focus of that treaty which resulted in the denial of the AIM-120. They shot themselves in the foot. Granted there wouldn't have been any assurance that the US would've supplied Egypt with AMRAAMs, especially if Israel would've most likely jumped up and down complaining and tried to block it. But to outright refuse to sign it was inexplicable.
This is where they should devote a lot of resources on. We've been saying this for a very long time since it was very obvious 20+ years ago that unmanned aircraft technology was going to be the thing of the future. So much can be done with UAV's from recon/surveillance to combat to ECM & EW to decoy warfare and many other possibilities. I hope they really invest in this technology aspect and get going with domestic applications. I know they've started on that a while ago but they really need to step it up further, beyond ToT with other nations.
Screw that! You or I deserve them more than him. lol
