First of all, I would like to thank dear Muhammed AYYILDIZ for writing a compilation on this subject, where the informations in the open sources is quite scattered. In another respect, the article also sheds light on the current ready to use capabilities on F-16 modernization, along with what the next possible steps will be.
For more, please click
https://aveonj.com/f-16-ozgur-modernizasyonu
Signing of the ÖZGÜR Project:
The "Özgür Project" Contract covering national avionics system development and weapon integration for F-16 aircrafts was signed on March 6, 2012 between SSM and TUSAŞ. At the ceremony on 6 March 2012, the subcontract between TUSAŞ-ASELSAN and the triple implementation protocol between HvKK-SSM-TUSAŞ were also signed.
Let's look at the subsystems that stand out in the ÖZGÜR project:
-NATIONAL MISSION COMPUTER:
National Mission Computer (MCS) is a new generation mission computer that provides the management of integrated avionics systems from a single center and supports the pilot with improved processing and graphics capabilities during the mission. By using two MCS, double redundant tactical mission management architecture can be created.
Abilities:
• Avionic System Management
• Platform Interface Management
• Operator Interface Management
• Symbology Production and Multifunction Display Management
• Head Up Display Management
• Communication and Identification Management
• Navigation Management
• Tactical Reconnaissance Management
• Emergency Mode and Reset Management
• Task Planning, Task and Test Data Upload / Download Management
• Synthetic Image Creation (3D Terrain) and Digital Sliding Map Management
SYSTEM INTERFACE UNIT:
The system interface unit reads many analog system parameters, converts them to numbers and makes them available to pilots. It produces analog driving signals in accordance with the commands of mission equipment. SIU meets all the tough environmental requirements of the combat aerial platform thanks to its reliable and robust design
• Internally Redundant
• Analog Interface with Aircraft Systems
• Digital Interface with Mission Systems
COLOR MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY:
CMFD- Multifunctional Cockpit Center Screen is designed using Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display (AMLCD) technology. Designed specifically for mission computer applications with digital video display, digital input / output processing capabilities
-FUEL HYDRAULIC DISPLAY:
Compact, platform-specific configurable and user-friendly design FHD unit; It meets user needs and platform requirements by providing an indication of the tank fuel amount, hydraulic pressure and fuel balance status, which are critical platform data, to the pilot. With its redundant and reliable design, it will make pilots feel safe even in difficult flight conditions.
INERTIAL NAVIGATION SYSTEM:
Inertial Navigation System - INS; These are the systems that can produce navigation information and navigation performance information on their own. These systems operate by expressing the response of the gyroscope and accelerometers to the movement with numerical values. Since there is no signal received from any ground station, it is closed to signal mixing sabotage. INS does not need continuous data retrieval after entering the required initial values.
- ENGINE INDICATOR DISPLAY:
Compact, platform-specific configurable and user-friendly design, EID unit; It meets user needs and platform requirements for displaying engine parameters, which are critical platform data. With its redundant and reliable design, it will make pilots feel safe even in difficult flight conditions.
- NATIONAL SECURE VOICE DEVICE:
https://bilgem.tubitak.gov.tr/en/icerik/milsec-3-secure-voice-device-hf-vhfuhf-radios
MİLSEC-3 is a secure communication device that can transfer voice and data as encrypted and semi-duplex from HF / VHF / UHF wireless lines. Thanks to its flexible interface, it can work compatible with many voice, data and radio devices. It is equivalent to NATO KY58 and KY100 devices in terms of physical features and connections and can be used in any military platform such as aircraft, helicopter, ship, ground stations. While using the national crypto algorithm, it can also make encrypted communications with KY58 and KY100 devices thanks to the NATO crypto algorithm it contains.
GaN (Gallium Nitride) BASED AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) RADAR
https://www.savunmasanayist.com/aselsandan-akinci-mmu-ve-f-16ya-aesa-radar/
Advanced AESA Radars allow them to emit waves in a wider frequency range compared to Passive electronically scanned array (PESA), making it difficult to detect over background noise. In this way, ships and aircraft can remain hidden even if they emit more powered radar signals.
-ADVANCED IFF SYSTEM:
https://www.defenceturk.net/milli-dost-dusman-tanimaiff-sistemi-ve-nato-entegrasyonu
The System will be able to transmit IFF information to radars as Long Range Interrogator. By bringing NATO STANAG compatible IFF Mod 5 / S Systems to its product family, Turkey will take its place among a few self-sufficient countries in the world that can develop unique IFF and Crypto systems.
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ASELPOD (Advanced Targeting Pod Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting System)
https://www.savunmasanayist.com/turk-hava-kuvvetlerine-aselpod-teslimati/
ASELPOD is a multi-sensor targeting pod consisting of:
• High Resolution, 3rd generation FLIR
• Laser Range Finder / Target Designator
• Laser Spot Tracker
• Laser Pointer
• Advanced Video Tracking (Simultaneously on IR/Day Video)
• IR/Day Video & Mission History Recording
• Advanced Image Processing
• Providing Highly Accurate Geo-Location Coordinates
• Growth Potential for Mission Requirements
-SPEWS-II EW Self-Protection Suite
https://www.aselsan.com.tr/SPEWSII_EH_Kendini_Koruma_Sistemi_3784.pdf
The EW self-protection suite (SPEWS-II) is an advanced, internally mounted self-protection system specifically designed for F-16 Block 50-C aircraft. System is consisted of an integrated Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) Suite against missile threats, providing pilots with situational awareness and deceptive RF jamming.Provides intelligent control of chaff/ flare dispenser systems for enhanced and coordinated ECM response.
- Integration of Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missile family
- Integration of Air-to-ground ammunition and missiles families
- Integration of KEMENT - National Data Link Terminal for Network Centric Warfare
link:
- New Digital Camouflage
link:
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ÖZGÜR PROJECT:
Thanks to these capabilities and national subsystem integration works, very serious gains will be achieved by adapting them to the Hürjet and MMU project. The Block 30s used in the project will also be prelimanary test bed for the MMU program and will help the development some of its avionics. This process will also have an impact on many certification processes related to MMU.
In addition to the project, structural modernization will be applied to F-16 B30s and Its service life will be extended. On the other hand, Block 30 will be a good Interceptor -fighter aircraft with its high power-to-weight ratio that distinguishes itself from other F-16s and the advantages it brings in National air-to-air missiles.
