Most Advanced F-16 discussion

[knight11]

After reading some of the comments from @Indus Falcon and @khafee I realizes how less and misconception I have for F-16, the most successful 4th Gen fighter plane. So I open the thread to discuss which block/version is the most advance teen proposed/ deployed on technical basis only and pls keep away the pilot skills, no of kills, nos produced, nos sold, nos deployed away from the discussion.
And pls don't include any technology demonstrator like f-16 XL

In my view the most advance teen is Japanese F-2 A/B but I am excluding it from the list

The contender could be

1 F-16 V
2. F-16 Block 60
3. F-16 Block 60/61 of UAE
4 F-16IN Super viper

So starting from the last one on my list The Super Viper proposed by LM for Indian Airforce, my misconception is that it is the most advanced teen proposed/made ever.
The integration of fifth-generation technology into the fourth-generation platform is pretty much what makes an already-potent fighter an even more potent air-to-air and air-to-ground killer. Using the Block 60 configuration as the base to work off of, Lockheed Martin added a number of upgrades to beef up the Fighting Falcon into the Super Viper.

According to Chuck Artymovich, the company's business development director for the program, "The F-16IN is the most advanced F-16 ever."

The most powerful upgrade comes in the form of the AN/APG-80 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar system, which is already in service with the United Arab Emirates Block 60 Desert Falcons. The AN/APG-80 gives the pilot incredible situational awareness and the ability to target and track in any weather/atmospheric condition with stunning precision. An infrared search and track (IRST) system, the ability to integrate the Indian Air Forces Operational Data Link (which allows for interoperability with other Indian fighter/attack/AWACS/support units), an onboard electronic warfare suite from Raytheon, and an upgraded modular mission computer add to the F-16INs sizable resume.

Pls share your knowledge on this topic

@Oscar @Horus @irfan baluch @PARIKRAMA @nForce @MilSpec @Blue Marlin @MastanKhan @Zarvan @Windjammer @ramu

 

[cyrusthevirus]

Add Mig 35 to your list. It may turn out to be better than any version of F-16.

 

[knight11]

@khafee @Indus Falcon

I am waiting for your response to get enlighted with your knowledge on F-16.

 

[Indus Falcon]

Since you opened the thread and have been claiming Block 70 & F16IN, why don't you start with posting their specs?

 

[Akasa]

In my view the most advance teen is Japanese F-2 A/B but I am excluding it from the list

You've got to be kidding, right? The F-2's combat avionics and electronics don't exactly stack up well against those of the F-16 Block 52/60/V.

 

[knight11]

I thought you are the one who will tell me about the F-16, because unlike pakistani, I have less interest and followups of the f-16, anyway here you go

Engine
powerplant 1X F110 GE-132
dry thrust 19100 lb
wet thrust 32,000 lb

Airframe 10100kg
Max takeoff wt 21,680
Internal fuel 4440 kg

Avionics
Radar AN/APG-80 AESA
IRST Based on the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod
DAS New DAS developed exclusively for MMRCA competition

Weapons
Maximum Weight 9,190 kg
A2A - WVR - AIM 9X BVR AIM-120 AMRAAM
A2G - GBU-31 JDAM, AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 Harm

F-16IN based on block 60 developed for UAE has two distintive features
1. Conformal fuel tank -- Reduces manuverability, inc range but could be removed by the ground staff if required

2. Second F-16IN is equipped with a true AESA AN/APG-80 Agile Beam Radar


Sniper FLIR:
Th e Sniper is a third-generation FLIR system with a geopointing capability that
is ten times more accurate than the U.S. Air Force’s current LANTIRN pod,
with thrice its recognition range and twice its resolution. Th e Sniper is believed
to be capable of acquiring targets at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, versus the
25,000 feet typical of the LANTIRN, and provides laser target designation
and ground target position data for coordinate-seeking guided munitions, such
as JDAM. Th e Sniper system incorporates a high-resolution, mid-wave thirdgeneration FLIR, a dual-mode laser and a charge-coupled device television
(CCD-TV) along with a laser spot tracker and a laser marker.


Unlike the F-16 Block 60, whose DAS is based on the Falcon Edge
Integrated Electronic Warfare System (IEWS), the F-16IN’s defensive systems
are composed of newly developed components created to meet the MMRCA’s
EW requirements. If the Falcon Edge system is any indication, however,
the F-16IN DAS is certain to incorporate both radio frequency and digital
technologies. Given the MMRCA’s Request for Proposals, the DAS proposed contain
all the defensive subsystems required: a wideband passive RWR, an active
DRFM jammer, a MAWS, IFF systems, a ARTD, and chaff/flare dispensers,all connected by a fiberoptic data bus and controlled by a dedicated electronic
warfare management system.
Just like its best European counterparts, the F-16IN has invested heavily
in fusing information from the on-board sensors and off -board sources into a
common tactical display and simultaneously into the pilot’s helmet-mounted
sight in an easy to recognize format. The tactical superiority of American pilots in combat is owed greatly to their superior skill and training, but an equal part of the credit goes to the remarkable situational awareness produced by technologies like those in the F-16IN. These systems can correlate data from the radar, infrared and electro-optical sensors, as well as the DAS and the target recognition and IFF systems, to create unified tracks that the pilot can respond to quickly and efficiently.

I am not mentioning AIM-9X or AIM-120 C7, which is the leading weapon system in USAF.

These are the old data, but now pls englighten me with your imense knowledge of F-16 about the new development.

@Abingdonboy @MastanKhan @Oscar @khafee @Indus Falcon

 

[Khafee]

@knight11 The F-16IN was on paper, What flew in India was the F-16 Blk60, by Lockheed, loaned by us. Some media fan boys even had the proposed version being called the Blk70, but a 10 block increment would reflect a half a generation gap, which simply didn't exist. Besides the few changes you have mentioned there weren't any major significant changes.

On the other hand, the Blk61 incorporates all these changes plus the APG-83 radar. In reality if the F16IN had gone into production, you would be looking at Blk60+. Another difference of the proposed IN version was the addition of a drogue refueling system, unlike the boom system that currently exists on all F-16's.

We will start receiving new Blk61's at the end of next year. Once deliveries are complete, the existing 79, Blk60's will be upgraded to Blk61 specs + airframe reinforcements, thereby prolonging the life of the older aircrafts and taking them down to zero mileage, so to speak.

Now to simplfy things here is how the F-16's stand in terms of techology:

1) Blk 61
2) Blk 60+ - F16IN
3) Blk 60 - UAEAF
4) F16V - Blk 53 to 57 some where in between
5) Blk52+


I would appreciate when you ask any questions, kindly be specific. List them 1,2,3. Makes life simpler. If you have any more queries let me know.

Thanks

Here are pictures of the Blk 60 modified with a drogue refueling system. This aircraft was used as a demonstrator, in the MMRCA.

 

[knight11]

@khafee
Thanks for answering me sir. after long time but I was waiting for your response. The reason for opening this thread was because you of some discussion in another thread with the indus falcon where he tagged you and oscar over my comment that F-16IN was the most advance fighter of F-16 series. however the core idea was F-16 teen Major development have to be stopped by LM because, they will now concentrate on F-35 concept and there is no way IAF will buy F-16 (Best Block) over Raffale hangover to fill IAF Squardon, a pure sign of deviation from the main topic to offtopic discussion. Do you agree on me on the following :-

1. F-16IN which was based on blk 60, LM invested for MMRCA and bring some upgrades on the sensors and advancement and which was demonstrated to IAF on the leased block 60 which was offered and at that time it was the most advance Teen at that time being offered for export.

2. LM will now concentrate more on F-35 and its lines will be closed from 2017, however some technologies from various 5th gen. could be incorporated on future Teen's Block.

3. IAF and GOI both have zeroed on Raffale, and are not interested in F-16 of any block, even with the price increase of rafale and the standoff between Dassault and IAF nor its a good idea for them to go for F-16.

4 Future advancement of Rafale is likely more than the F-16.

5. Its better for India to invest on indigenous LCA Tejas MK1A/MK2 or AMCA than going for the importing 4++ gen fighter plane when India have Super Sukhoi development and MKI + Mirrage 2000 UPG, Mig29UPG, Jaguar Darlin 3.

Thanks and regards.

 

[Khafee]

@khafee
Thanks for answering me sir. after long time but I was waiting for your response. The reason for opening this thread was because you of some discussion in another thread with the indus falcon where he tagged you and oscar over my comment that F-16IN was the most advance fighter of F-16 series. however the core idea was F-16 teen Major development have to be stopped by LM because, they will now concentrate on F-35 concept and there is no way IAF will buy F-16 (Best Block) over Raffale hangover to fill IAF Squardon, a pure sign of deviation from the main topic to offtopic discussion. Do you agree on me on the following :-

1. F-16IN which was based on blk 60, LM invested for MMRCA and bring some upgrades on the sensors and advancement and which was demonstrated to IAF on the leased block 60 which was offered and at that time it was the most advance Teen at that time being offered for export.

2. LM will now concentrate more on F-35 and its lines will be closed from 2017, however some technologies from various 5th gen. could be incorporated on future Teen's Block.

3. IAF and GOI both have zeroed on Raffale, and are not interested in F-16 of any block, even with the price increase of rafale and the standoff between Dassault and IAF nor its a good idea for them to go for F-16.

4 Future advancement of Rafale is likely more than the F-16.

5. Its better for India to invest on indigenous LCA Tejas MK1A/MK2 or AMCA than going for the importing 4++ gen fighter plane when India have Super Sukhoi development and MKI + Mirrage 2000 UPG, Mig29UPG, Jaguar Darlin 3.

Thanks and regards.

Sorry for the late reply, but time time is something I'm always short of.

LM hasn't really stopped development because of the F35. There are thousands in service, most of them will need upgrades, therefore the "V" specs. In my opinion, specs like these, will keep on evolving as and when new tech becomes available, Until such a time that the F35 or similar tech air crafts becomes cheaper, an d upgrading older air crafts becomes unfeasible. For now, most F16 operators can't afford an F35, but surely can afford "V" Specification upgrades.

I would personally would like to see all PAF vipers to be upgraded to the "V" Spec. That would be really something.