Windjammer
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Block 70/72 is the F-16V. Block 70/72 has a new AESA radar that previous F-16 blocks dont:What will remain difference in capabilities of F16 that is New standard Block 70/72 and upgraded to V standard ? Any expert
As general info on net block 70/72 and old jet upgraded to V standard have same capabilities. My question its that in detail is they are equalBlock 70/72 is the F-16V. Block 70/72 has a new AESA radar that previous F-16 blocks dont:
It features an AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a new mission computer and electronic warfare suite, automated ground collision avoidance system, and various cockpit improvements.
The CFTs, spinal EW/ECCM and extra hardpoint were added in block 52+ that PAF operates, the first AESA was added in Block 60. Block 72 has all of these upgrades + a better radar and other internal upgrades as mentioned above.
Oh my bad, I didn’t properly understand your question the first time.As general info on net block 70/72 and old jet upgraded to V standard have same capabilities. My question its that in detail is they are equal
Thanks sir for detail answers. In short they are almost equal if talk about standard features.Oh my bad, I didn’t properly understand your question the first time.
It depends, if a country is asking for its F-16s to be upgraded to “Block 70/72 standard” then it’s getting all of the upgrades in the package, there should be no noticeable difference in the two apart from maybe airframe life (which too can be extended with structural upgrade packages)
But usually countries don’t do that, they pick and chose the upgrades they want based on requirements and
cost. For example when Pakistan got its F-16s upgraded it got the Block 52+ Radar, avionics and structural upgrades but didn’t opt for inclusion of CFT, Spinal EW, Extra hardpoint etc, probably due to cost-usefulness ratio.
The more upgrades you want the more you’re paying, upgrading say an F-16 block 15 to block 70/72 will cost quite a bit since they’d basically need to modify the airframe from the ground up, while applying the same upgrade to block 52+ will cost a lot less because there’s little changes to the airframe and mainly only to avionics.
But to basically answer your question; No, there shouldn’t be any noticeable difference between an older model upgraded to Block 72 and a new block 72.
This makes me wonder wether PAF plans to upgrade its F-16s further someday, as in AESA radars and such, Turkey is making their own and putting them in their F-16s, if the US allows, that would be a very nice upgrade. CFTs and such can be added too, all depends on US permission.
The Americans are certainly not that anti-Pakistan at the moment to do that, people are overestimating that because of recent events, it would be illegal for them to attempt such a thing. Regardless, Pakistan will only ever send them to TAI because it’s cheaper, if they need help from OEM, then LM is committed to take care of PAF F-16s regardless of what US says (apart from total sanctions like on Iran, which are unlikely).Thanks sir for detail answers. In short they are almost equal if talk about standard features.
Yes for PAF it can be big boost if American allow TAI to upgrade our f16s in future, but its very unlikely the case by considering T129 deal situation..
PAF will not take risk of sending its existing jets to America keeping factor of stucking them there (Americans are good in it, playing such games)
Best option for PAF is to get EDA and 3rd party jets then try to upgrade to V standard (offcouse if can afford) by utilizing Afghanistan card
If we can afford and able to get Americans permission and kits, TAI can do job very well for us , even we can get 3rd party jets and involve them to upgrade them for usThe Americans are certainly not that anti-Pakistan at the moment to do that, people are overestimating that because of recent events, it would be illegal for them to attempt such a thing. Regardless, Pakistan will only ever send them to TAI because it’s cheaper, if they need help from OEM, then LM is committed to take care of PAF F-16s regardless of what US says (apart from total sanctions like on Iran, which are unlikely).
3rd party jets require just as much US permission as new ones. The V standard upgrades would have to be bought from the US first. Getting US to agree to just let Turkey upgrade them with the Turkish radar or whatever US is willing to give/Turkey can make is much easier (Turkey can make most of the stuff for F-16).