The first two F-16Is which arrived in Israel from the United
States on Thursday, will be ablet to undertake missions as far as Iran or Iraq without refueling.
The aircraft, called "Sufah," was part of a $4.5 billion deal that will
increase Israel's F-16 fleet to 362 F-16s, the largest F-16 fleet after the
United States. Air Force pilots said the new conformal fuel tanks will
provide the F-16I with a capability to fly 1,640 kilometers without
refueling. This would allow Israeli missions in such countries as Iraq and
Iran.
The delivery of the F-16I Block 52 aircraft was delayed
by nearly five months by Lockheed Martin, which experienced labor
difficulties in 2003.
Several Israeli defense contractors have contributed subsystems to the
F-16I, Middle East Newsline reported. They include the heads-up display, color and three-dimensional
display, computer mission system by Elbit Systems. Rafael, Israel Aircraft
Industries has provided chaff and flare countermeasures system, the Python-5
air-to-air missile, internally-mounted forward-looking infrared [FLIR]
system for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The most controversial component of the F-16I is the Northrop Grumman
AN/APG-68[V]9 multimode synthetic aperture radar. Northrop Grumman's radar
was chosen over the SAR by the state-owned Elta Electronic Industries.
The air force said the AN/APG-68[V]9 increases the distance of airborne
engagement by 30 percent over the older radar in the F-16I. Air force pilots
said the radar system will provide high-resolution synthetic-aperture ground
mapping capability.
The Israeli air force plans to form four squadrons. Already, the first squadron
has been completed and will be located in the Ramon air base in the Negev.
Production deliveries were scheduled through 2008.
On Dec. 23, Lockheed Martin completed a successful first flight of the
F-16I. The company said the 55-minute flight of the F-16I , termed an
advanced Block 52 aircraft, assessed flight controls, landing gear and
environmental control, cockpit and basic avionics systems.
Lockheed Martin has also incorporated modern core avionics and
advanced electronic warfare displays. The aircraft also features Pratt and
Whitney F100 Improved Performance Engine, smart weapons compatibility and
advanced navigation and targeting system.
