Colorado ANG F-16s participate in Eager Lion

June 5, 2013 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Six F-16s from the Colorado Air National Guard 140th Wing along with more than 60 ground personnel took off from Buckley Air Force Base early Tuesday morning on en route to a military training exercise in Jordan. Item not found US defense secretary Chuck Hagel had authorized the deployment of Patriot surface-to-air (SAM) missiles and US F-16 fighter jets during the forthcoming Exercise Eager Lion 2013 in Jordan. Eager Lion is a major bilateral strategic theater cooperation exercise between Jordan and the U.S. focusing on irregular warfare, special operations and counterinsurgency. Some of the weapons are also expected to stay beyond the exercise at the government's request, to help counter the threat posed by Syria's civil war. The Syrian uprising started out as peaceful protests against Syrian President Bashar Assad in 2011, but quickly devolved into an armed insurgency in response to the Syrian regime’s bloody crackdown on dissent. The two-year-old civil war is estimated to have killed 80,000 people. Scheduled to be conducted for two weeks across Jordan, Exercise Eager Lion 2013 will involve participation from 15,000 personnel from 18 countries, including Bahrain, Canada, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Iraq, Italy, Lebanon, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the UAE, as well as the US and the UK. Israel will not participate. The Patriot batteries, designed to intercept short-range missiles, are believed to be used for imposing a no-fly-zone over Damascus and other air operations. The US Department of Defense (DOD) has already deployed a US Army headquarters unit to help the country prepare for possible military action in Syria, including scenarios to secure the regime’s chemical weapons stockpiles. Jordan has hosted two previous “Eager Lion” exercises in June 2011 and May 2012. Those involved more than 19 countries, including the United States. Related articles: Colorado ANG participate in Falcon Air Meet 2008 (2008-12-15) 140th FW Judge at Falcon Air Meet 07 (2007-07-07) Other News archive for June 2013 Forum discussion: Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum. Additional images: Item not found

Posted by on 5 June 2013 | 12:00 am

RNLAF F-16 Pilot Training and Logistics Support

May 20, 2013 (by Asif Shamim) - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress May 17 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands for the continuation of a CONUS based RNlAF F-16 FTU and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $191 million. Item not found The Government of the Netherlands has requested a possible sale for the continuation of a Continental United States (CONUS)-based Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNlAF) F-16 Formal Training Unit (FTU), 50,000 MJU-7B w/BBU-36B Infrared Decoy Flares 30,000 RR-188 w/BBU-35B Training Chaff 3,750 BDU-33D/B w/lugs/Mk4 spot low-drag training bombs 240 MK-82 inert low-drag general purpose bombs 90 GBU-12 inert laser-guided bombs 60-GBU-38 inert GPS guided bombs 120,000 PGU-27 inert training rounds Pilot training, JP-8 fuel, air refuelling support, airlift services, base operating support, facilities, training munitions, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $191 million. This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S. by improving the capabilities of the RNLAF and enhancing its standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces. The RNLAF trains aircrews in aircraft operations and tactics with the 162nd Fighter Wing at Tucson Air National Guard Base. The continuation of this U.S.-based training supports the RNLAF’s ability to continue its contributions to Overseas Contingency Operations and to North Atlantic Treaty Organization air policing operations in Afghanistan, as well as to possible future coalition operations. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The U.S. Air Force will manage the F-16 pilot training program for the RNLAF. The Tucson Air National Guard, 162nd Fighter Wing will provide instruction, flight operations, and maintenance support and facilities. There is no prime contractor involved in this program. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to The Netherlands. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. Courtesy of Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) Related articles: Dutch Air Force tells its story from Tucson (2011-04-29) Dutch F-16 pilot training to return to Tucson (2010-05-02) Dutch F-16 are slowly arriving in Sprinfield AFB (2007-03-09) Dutch F-16 pilots to train at Springfield AB, Ohio (2006-12-10) Other News archive for May 2013 External link: Full DSCA report (PDF) Forum discussion: Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum. Additional images: Item not found

Posted by on 20 May 2013 | 12:00 am

Emerald Knights graduate class 12-EBG

May 17, 2013 (by Lt. Col. Chris Colcord) - Eighteen of the U.S. Air Forces' newest Viper pilots will culminate nine months of demanding training and receive their graduation certificates on May 17th. USAF F-16C block 52 #92-3888 of the 389th FS on final approach at Selfridge ANGB. Class 12-EBG from the 308th Fighter Squadron "Emerald Knights" will join the ranks of a select group of aviators fortunate enough to fly the F-16. They did not achieve this goal on their own; it required the combined efforts of 47 Emerald Knight instructors, academic instructors from the 56th Training Squadron, flying aircraft provided by the 205 men and women of the 308th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, on and over an airfield operated by the 56th Operations Support Squadron. Class 12-EBG began training on Aug. 22, 2012. They spent more than a month in academics, learning aircraft systems and emergency procedures. This academic knowledge was put to the test during numerous simulators, where the students demonstrated the ability to apply their classroom knowledge to realistic emergency situations. Once they passed this initial hurdle, they were ready to strap into the real thing and take their first flight in the F-16. Following the transition flying phase, where they learned the basics of landing, advanced handling and emergency procedures, the students moved into the air-to-air and air-to-ground phases. "Emerald Knight" instructors put 12-EBG through the gauntlet, with the students flying more than 950 sorties during the duration of their course. The students quickly learned what would be expected of them as operational wingman. The culmination of their training was Operation Begin Compliance, a large force exercise during which they were tasked with destroying targets while opposed by hostile air and ground forces. Graduation day signifies the end of initial training for 12-EBG, but not the end of their learning. Following graduation, most of the class will report to Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses academics here at Luke AFB which lasts 30 days. Once they arrive at their first operational unit, they'll undergo further mission qualification training, normally lasting approximately 90 days. Like many who have gone before them, some of them will soon deploy to places like Afghanistan and put their hard won skills to the test; flying combat sorties over hostile territory. Courtesy of 308th Fighter Squadron commander Related articles: 308th FS graduates 18 in class 12-AGB (2012-09-07) 308th FS graduates Class 08-GBG (2009-01-23) 308th FS graduates 13 pilots in class 07-EBG (2007-09-28) Other News archive for May 2013 Forum discussion: Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum.

Posted by on 17 May 2013 | 12:00 am

115th FW train with Polish air force

May 16, 2013 (by TSgt. Kenya Shiloh) - Nearly 100 Airmen assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, are deployed to train in a joint theater security cooperation event with the Polish air force. Tail detail of USAF F-16C block 52 #91-0393 of the 389th FS. This event, hosted by the U.S. Aviation Detachment 1, is geared toward enhancing the skills of U.S. and Polish F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots as they conduct simulated air combat scenarios with other aircraft to include MiG-29s and Su-22s. "We brought six F-16s here to work on a partnership-building opportunity with the Polish air force," said Lt. Col. Brian Parker, the 176th Fighter Squadron commander assigned to the 115th FW. "We're doing things like air combat maneuvers, basic fighter maneuvers and tactical intercepts," Parker said. "It's a building block approach so we'll start out with the basics and increase the tactics as we go through the two weeks; and then we'll go to doing individual ranges sets where we can see each other -- kind of 'dog fighting.'" Operations, maintenance and support Airmen started flying training sorties shortly after arriving due to the presence of the 10 members of the 52nd Operations Group's Aviation Detachment 1 in place before 115th FW's arrival. "We have everything we need," Parker said. "The support structure is completely in place. Having an aviation detachment here that helps with the long term (coordination) of rotating fighter units like ours through here is set up to have a seamless operation ... we were able to start flying operations from day one flawlessly." According to Parker, flying operations are going quite well. After completing the first two missions, U.S. and Polish pilots were able to come together to debrief and discuss the differences in their tactics. What they learned was that although each country's tactics are slightly different, they were able to mesh them together so that they're transparent as they continue to fly over the next two weeks. Polish air force Col. Krystian Zięƈ, the 32nd Tactical Air Base commander, said this is a unique opportunity for the U.S. and Poland to strengthen interoperability as NATO allies. "Frankly speaking, the U.S. Air Force, as far as I'm concerned, is the best air force in the world," Zięƈ said. "If we have the opportunity to fly and train, we want to do that with the best." Zięƈ said building a partnership capacity with countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia will make forces stronger. "If we need a huge coalition going somewhere to make peace, we're going to have some good quality aircraft," he said. "Therefore, what we do here is important, because we are bringing the quality to a higher level." This joint training event sets a milestone for the aviation detachment given that it's the first fighter rotation for the unit and the second rotation so far this year. The first unit to train here under the Av-Det was a C-130J Super Hercules unit based out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Training opportunities like these were made possible after former Polish Defense Minister Bogdan Klich signed a memorandum of understanding allowing the establishment of a U.S. Air Force aviation detachment in Poland. "This is different from our first rotation from the standpoint that instead of an airlift asset, we have brought in a fighter asset to train with the Polish air force," said Maj. Matthew Spears, the Av-Det commander. "What we want to do is lay the foundation with one of our staunchest allies. We've trained together and we're now prepared to fight together. It's this type of training that takes place, having Airmen on the ground interacting day-in-and-day-out that really strengthens that partnership." The next fighter rotation is scheduled to take place in July where an F-16 flying from Aviano Air Base, Italy, will travel to Poland to conduct air-to-ground training with their Polish counterparts. Courtesy of 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Related articles: PolAF conducts training exercise with IDFAF (2012-04-04) USAF to station F-16s in Poland as of 2013 (2010-11-18) USAF officer suggests F-16s move to Poland (2009-03-23) 37 Polish pilots begin advanced tactical training on F-16C/D Block 52M+ (2005-10-07) Other News archive for May 2013 Forum discussion: Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum.

Posted by on 16 May 2013 | 12:00 am

RoCAF F-16 crashes into the sea - Pilot safe

May 15, 2013 (by Asif Shamim) - A RoCAF F-16A block 20 crashed into the sea off the coast of Southern Taiwan, around 14.00h local time today, during a training flight. The pilot ejected and was rescued. Item not found The Taiwanese Air Force Command stated that the pilot, Lieutenant Wu Yen-ting, reported an unidentified problem with the F-16 (#93-0723) which resulted in him ejecting. A search and rescue S-70C helicopter was dispatched to recover the 26 year old pilot who suffered minor injuries. Wu was then flown to a hospital in the city of Chaiyi according to the release from the Air Force. The Air Force suspected mechanical failure was the reason for crash and have started an investigation Related articles: Taiwanese F-16 crashes into the sea (2008-03-04) Taiwanese Air Force wants to sue Lockheed Martin (2003-07-18) Taiwan grounds F-16s after accidents (1999-06-01) Taiwanese F-16B crashes near Taitung AB (1999-01-24) Other News archive for May 2013 Forum discussion: Taiwanese F-16 incidents (2 replies) Additional images: Item not found

Posted by on 15 May 2013 | 12:00 am

Turkish F-16C crashes close to Syrian border

May 13, 2013 (by Asif Shamim) - Turkish rescue teams have found the wreckage of a Turkish Airforce F-16C block 50 which crashed close to the Syrian border. The pilot Lt. Hamza Gümüşsoy ejected, but did not survive. The F-16 is believed to be from either 151 or 152 Filo based at Fifth airbase 5th Jet Base in Merzifon. It was on an operational mission flying over the Amanos Mountains in the Southern province of Osmaniye when contact was lost around 14.15h local time. According to statement put out by the Turkish Armed Forces said the last communique from the pilot was "I'm ejecting". Anatolia news agency reports Osmaniye governor Celalettin Cerrah said a cockpit canopy and some other pieces of the aircraft had been found in the Caksir area. Turkish civilians in the village of Yarpuz report hearing a load bang. Yarpuz is about 25km (16 miles) from the Syrian border. An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the loss. A Turkish F-4 Phantom was shot down by Syria over the Mediterranean in June 2012, after Syrian forces said it had entered the country's airspace. In Memoriam Lt. Hamza Gümüşsoy Related articles: TuAF F-16 crashes - Pilot lost (2009-04-15) F-16 crashes in central Turkey - pilot safe (2007-05-22) Turkish Air force pilot killed in F-16 crash near Diyarbakir (2006-10-16) Turkey F-16 crashes - pilot ejected (2006-09-11) Other News archive for May 2013 Forum discussion: Turkish F-16C Block 50 crashed over Hatay (3 replies)

Posted by on 13 May 2013 | 12:00 am

Iraq purchases a further 18 F-16s's

May 2, 2013 (by Asif Shamim) - On Tuesday it was announced that Lockheed Martin Aeronautics were awarded a $830 Million contract to supply Iraq with a further batch of 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The contract is expected to run through till April 30, 2014. The itemID you specified is not a valid image The additional order is part of effort to rebuild Iraq's armed forces after the Saddam era. An initial batch of 18 F-16 aircraft were ordered in December 2011 and are currently being built for the country at Lockheed's Fort Worth plant. Lockheed spokesman Ken Ross said this latest contract should keep the F-16 production line busy through mid-2017. As of March 31, Lockheed had said it had 40 unfilled F-16 orders, which the company said previously was enough to keep the program busy into 2015. The 2017 date however does not take into account further potential sales to the United Arab Emirates which are currently in discussion between leaders from the country and the Department of Defense. Related articles: Iraq signs contract for 2nd batch of 18 F-16s (2012-10-19) Iraq makes first payment for 18 F-16s (2011-09-30) Possible F-16 buy highlights Iraq's progress (2011-09-15) Iraq has requested purchase of 18 F-16IQs (2010-09-23) Other News archive for May 2013 Forum discussion: Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum.

Posted by on 2 May 2013 | 12:00 am

Israeli F-16 downs another drone from Lebanon

April 30, 2013 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Israeli military says one of their F-16s shot down an unmanned aircraft sent into Israeli airspace by Hezbollah militants. The threat was detected at 6,000 feet over the Mediterranean sea on April 25th and was destroyed shortly after by an air-to-air missile. Item not found The encounter occurred at 13:30 local time. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was flying in a military helicopter to an event in northern Israel when the unmanned aircraft was spotted along the Lebanese coast by Israeli air defences. His helicopter landed briefly until the interception was completed. IDF spokesman Brig-Gen Yoav Mordechai said that after the Air Force ensured that the aircraft was hostile, a commander gave the order to shoot it down, the Jerusalem Post reported. The UAV was “successfully downed” five nautical miles off the coast of the Israeli city of Haifa, a statement on the IDF website said. It stated that the Israeli navy was searching for the wreckage in the sea. It was not immediately clear whether the drone was armed or not. The interception was made not far from the coastal border between Israel and Lebanon. There is no evidence to suggest the UAS was armed or that it was aimed at an Israeli offshore pumping rig which has recently started to extract natural gas from the Tamar under-sea reservoir. The Israeli air force is operating special systems to protect this potential target for terror organizations. Hezbollah issued a statement denying it sent a drone into Israeli airspace. Lebanon has complained to the United Nations about frequent Israeli overflights, apparently to monitor the group’s activities. Israel’s latest interception of a UAS is the fifth such action to have been performed by its air force in the past decade. Last October a UAS was destroyed over Israeli territory, after being flown from Lebanon some 35 miles into southern Israel. In November 2011, an unmanned aircraft – later identified as a Seeker – was also shot down by an Israeli F-16, having been launched from Lebanon. An Iranian-made Ababil UAS that was being operated by Hezbollah during fighting on the Israeli/Lebanese border was also destroyed by an F-16 in 2006, with its debris falling into the Mediterranean. Israel and Hezbollah fought a monthlong war in 2006 that resulted in a stalemate. Since November 2004, the air force has fielded additional sensors that have improved its capability to detect unmanned systems trying to enter Israeli airspace Related articles: Israeli F-16 slides off runway (2012-12-26) IDFAF continues to upgrade older F-16s as delivery of the F- 35 might be delayed (2011-12-12) IDFAF F-16 crashes in Southern Hebron (2009-09-13) IDFAF jets battle one another in training competition (2009-08-24) Other News archive for April 2013 Forum discussion: Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum. Additional images: Item not found Item not found Item not found

Posted by on 30 April 2013 | 12:00 am

Tyndall's own 'Pipper' to become Thunderbird No. 1

April 18, 2013 (by A1C Alex Echols) - Tyndall's own Lt. Col. Matthew "Pipper" Bradley, 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron operations director, has been selected to be Thunderbird No. 1. USAF F-16D block 30 #87-0380 of the 522nd FS with a nice golden brown canopy. "I am extremely honored and humbled to be chosen as the next Thunderbird No. 1," said Colonel Bradley. "I'm following in the footsteps of great leaders, officers and pilots who have carried the torch for 60 years. I'm very excited about joining a team dedicated to representing the United States Air Force around the world." Colonel Bradley will be joining the team in 2014.The Thunderbirds consist of 120 members from around 30 career fields. "The year 2014 will mark the Thunderbirds' 61st season as the Air Force's premier jet demonstration team," Maj. Derrick B. Lee, Thunderbirds Public Affairs said. "From mid-March till mid-November, the team travels around the country and abroad, showcasing the integrity, selfless service and excellence embodied by American Airmen everywhere." In his current job, Colonel Bradley is in charge of planning visits from 30 squadrons to Tyndall each year. The squadrons come here for two weeks to shoot missiles and scrimmage with drones as part of Combat Archer. He is responsible for the scheduling of all these items. Colonel Bradley has logged more than 1,300 flying hours in the F-15C Eagle, but as Thunderbird No. 1, he will be flying the F-16C Fighting Falcon. He will also be in the commanding position in the team. "As the leader, I will be the squadron commander of the Thunderbirds," Colonel Bradley said. "Just like any squadron commander, I will be serving the 120 members of the team by taking care of them on and off duty, equipping them to perform their mission, and setting the vision and goals of the team. In addition, during the air shows, I will be flying and leading the six aircraft that perform." Colonel Bradley credits his success to wife, Stephanie, of 15 years and his three sons. He also thanks the great mentors who taught him throughout his life and especially during his 16 years in the Air Force for molding him into the successful leader he is today. "From my parents, brothers, wife, sons, family, friends, commanders and peers, I've learned a lot and have been given opportunities that have set me up for this time," said Colonel Bradley. "I am thankful for every person that has guided me along the way because I wouldn't have this opportunity if it wasn't for every one of them." Courtesy of 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Related articles: Thunderbirds announce 2012 officer selections (2011-06-02) Thunderbirds get a new "1" (2008-01-18) Other News archive for April 2013 Forum discussion: Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum.

Posted by on 18 April 2013 | 12:00 am

Northrop Grumman's SABR Gives F-16 Pilots the Big Picture

April 16, 2013 (by Lieven Dewitte) - To a pilot, a radar is only as useful as the information it provides, and Northrop Grumman's Big SAR (synthetic aperture radar) mapping for the Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) delivers the largest, sharpest radar images ever available in an F-16. SABR's Big SAR is high-definition radar imagery that covers a large area on the ground in a single image The company's SABR has successfully demonstrated several advanced radar capabilities for the F-16, including Big SAR maps with automatic target cueing. The SABR Big SAR offers an unprecedented level of situational awareness and target identification for F-16 pilots. "SABR's Big SAR is high-definition radar imagery that covers a large area on the ground in a single image," said Joseph Ensor , vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting Systems Division. "This advance will give F-16 pilots the largest maps with the most detail that they have ever seen in the cockpit. Combined with SABR's automatic target cueing capability, the F-16 will have targeting capabilities unmatched by any other fourth-generation fighter." SABR is an affordable, multifunction active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designed specifically for F-16 retrofit. SABR provides longer detection and tracking ranges, high-resolution SAR maps for all-environment precision targeting, interleaved mode operations for greater situational awareness and greater reliability. Northrop Grumman has nearly four decades of F-16 radar development and integration experience, and has delivered more than 6,000 fire control radars to U.S. and international air forces. The company also supplies the AESA fire control radars for the F-16 block 60, F-22 and F-35 aircraft. Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation Related articles: Northrop Grumman to Supply APG-68(V)9 Radars to Thailand, Iraq and Omani F-16s (2012-06-22) Northrop Grumman successfully SABR Fit-Checks an F-16 at Edwards AFB (2009-07-23) Northrop Grumman unveils new SABR for F-16 (2008-02-19) Northrop Grumman gets contract for 514 APG-68(V)9 radars (2007-12-10) Other News archive for April 2013 Forum discussion: Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum. Additional images: Item not found

Posted by on 16 April 2013 | 12:00 am

RMAF & USAF unite for Majestic Eagle 2013

April 15, 2013 (by SSgt. Stephen Linch) - Airmen from the Royal Moroccan air force and the U.S. Air Force united at Ben Guerir Air Base, Morocco, April 15, for Majestic Eagle 2013, a bi-lateral training exercise, which will continue through till April 26, 2013. Item not found The exercise brings airmen from both countries together to train on air interdiction, air superiority, air refueling and reconnaissance with the intent of enhancing their interoperability through tactical training. According to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gerremy Goldsberry, Majestic Eagle 2013 director of operations, interoperability of the air forces is critical. “As allies, we could be called upon to fight in a conflict together,” Goldsberry said. “Having knowledge of how one another trains and fights gives insight into how we would integrate and operate as a combined force.” “Each and every airman, Moroccan or American is vital to accomplishing this training,” he added. Personnel and F-16s from the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy, and KC-135 Stratotankers from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, are deployed in support of the exercise. More than 150 U.S. airmen are participating in the exercise. Throughout Majestic Eagle 2013, Moroccan and American airmen will train side by side and learn from one another in preparation of combining their forces against a potential adversary. The goal of the training is to promote cooperation and interoperability between the air forces while enhancing peace, stability and security in the region. The exercise marks the first time in more than a decade airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing have deployed to Morocco for joint training. Courtesy of Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Related articles: 510th FS train with Spanish counterparts (2013-03-29) 31 FW participate in Thracian Star 2012 (2012-04-19) 510th FS deploys to Afghanistan (2010-05-21) 510th FS fly in Bulgarian exercise (2007-10-26) Other News archive for April 2013 Forum discussion: Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum. Additional images: The itemID you specified is not a valid image

Posted by on 15 April 2013 | 12:00 am

Raytheon wins RoKAF F-16 radar upgrade competition

April 11, 2013 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Raytheon announced today its Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) has been competitively selected by the Republic of Korea to upgrade the country's KF-16C/D block 52 fleet. USAF F-16C block 42 #90-0707 from 57 Wing coming in with speedbrakes fully opened at Nellis AB for attending the Red Flag 02-03 session. Subject to final definition by the United States Government, Raytheon will deliver 134 active electronically scanned array (AESEA) radar systems with deliveries anticipated to start in late 2016. The scope includes AESA radar development, production of test assets for the system design and development program, and production. The RACR distills the best of the AESA family into a compact package of advanced multimode capability. Lightweight and powerful, RACR is a formidable force for aircrew survivability and mission success. RACR gives decisive tactical advantages:Higher resolution and longer standoff range5 to 10 times more operational availability than MSA radarsSimultaneous detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets After completing development in a record 24 months, a series of flight trials were successfully completed on a U.S. Air Force F-16 at Edwards Air Force, Base, Calif. These demonstration flights highlighted the multirole capabilities RACR can offer for an operational edge, including a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface modes. Raytheon has demonstrated F-16 platform expertise by delivering mission critical avionics systems including the modular mission computer, electronic warfare systems, and various weapons. This selection adds the F-16 to the family of fighters retrofitted with Raytheon's AESA-based radars (F-15C, F-15E and the F/A-18E/F). The Republic of Korea selection bolsters Raytheon's AESA radar production base, which has already delivered more than 500 AESA systems worldwide, supporting more than 400,000 operational tactical flight hours, both industry firsts. Related articles: Retrofit AESAs set for F-16 tests (2008-09-16) Raytheon offers AESA radar for F-16 (2008-07-14) RoKAF seeks commercial deal for F-16 spare parts (2007-05-24) South Korea signs for block 52 F-16s (2000-07-26) Other News archive for April 2013 Forum discussion: RoKAF selects RACR AESA (3 replies) Additional images: USAF F-16C block 32 #87-0267 from 414 CTS with '67' bort code coming in at Nellis AB for attending the Red Flag 01-04 session. Heritage Flight with an F-16 (#91365), F-86 and P-51 - Oceana 2002

Posted by on 11 April 2013 | 12:00 am

Fresnos F-16C accident report released

April 11, 2013 (by Lieven Dewitte) - A series of pilot errors resulted in an F-16 (#87-0315 ) crashing in remote eastern California during a December training mission, according to an Air Force report released Tuesday. USAF F-16C block 30 #87-0315 as seen in better times during training sortie on April 14, 2007. The pilot's failure to recover the aircraft from an inverted stall, complacency and errors in applying recovery procedures led to an F-16C Fighting Falcon crash Dec. 27, 2012, according to an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report released on Tuesday. The aircraft departed controlled flight during a training mission, and crashed on government land approximately 84 nautical miles east of Fresno, Calif. The aircraft belonged to the 144th Fighter Wing stationed at Fresno Air National Guard Base and was operated by the 194th Fighter Squadron. The pilot, also assigned to the 194th FS, participated in an air-to-air training mission. According to the results of the accident investigation, the pilot failed to properly recover the aircraft from a high-pitch, low airspeed state, resulting in an inverted deep stall. In addition, the pilot failed to properly apply out-of-control recovery procedures and was unable to recover the aircraft before ejection. The board president found three human factors primarily responsible for the accident: complacency evident throughout the entire flight;pressing the equipment beyond reasonable limits;and procedural error in the last few minutes of flight. Based on the evidence, the board president also found other human factors that substantially contributed to the accident: lack of discipline, improper seating and restraints, sensory illusions, unrecognized spatial disorientation, channelized attention, and error due to disorientation. The accident aircraft was destroyed upon impact with a loss valued at approximately $21.4 million. There were no military or civilian personnel injured, and there was only superficial landscape damage to government property. Related articles: Fresno based 194 FS F-16C crashes (2012-12-27) Other News archive for April 2013 External link: F-16 Mishaps & Accident Reports Forum discussion: California ANG F-16 Down - Dec 2012 (19 replies)

Posted by on 11 April 2013 | 12:00 am

Once a Gambler, always a Gambler

April 9, 2013 (by Capt. Ann Blodzinski) - On April 5, 2013, Shaw AFB flags were slowly brought to half-staff at noon honoring a fallen 20th Fighter Wing combat Airman. Item not found The Airman, 77th Fighter Squadron pilot, Capt. James Steel, died April 3, 2013, after his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed in Afghanistan. He is the first 20th FW aviator lost in combat since 1945 during World War II in England. The flags at Shaw AFB remained at half-staff throughout the weekend in observance of Capt. Steel's final trip home. "Capt. Steel was an outstanding young officer who loved being a fighter pilot - it was obvious from the moment you met him," said Col. Clay Hall, 20th FW commander. "He was well liked and respected within the Shaw community; subordinates, peers and supervisors alike. Mano [Steel's call sign] was proud of serving his country, proud of being an F-16 pilot and proud of being a Gambler. He served his country with honor and made the supreme sacrifice. Mano will be missed, but not forgotten." On Monday April 8, 2013, Col. Shaun McGrath, 20th Operations Group commander, honored Capt. Steel by allowing members of the 20th OG to wear 77th FS "Gambler" red and black t-shirts under their duty uniforms. The 77th FS has been deployed since the fall of 2012. In total, Capt. Steel flew 85 combat missions; his efforts in combat saved American and coalition service members' lives, according to Lt. Col. Johnny Vargas, 77th FS commander. "He flew with great passion and as sad as his loss is, know that Mano died doing what he loved to do," said Lt. Col. Vargas. "He died serving his country, protecting his fellow service members, and accomplishing our nation's objectives. He died a fighter pilot. A hero." As a base, Shaw has had to keep moving forward, accomplishing the mission. However, you can see and feel the loss everywhere you go. "Mano was the finest American and patriot warrior," said Lt. Col. Scott Shepard, former 20th Operations Support Squadron commander. "He worked extremely hard enhancing the combat readiness of the 20th FW during his tour in my squadron as the chief of air-to-surface programs. Mano never said 'no' or 'I can't' and never tried to deflect even the most difficult tasking. He was happy, friendly, funny, ever so patriotic, and loved flying the mighty F-16 Viper like you can't even imagine. This young man was truly cream of the crop and there's no explanation on this earth why he was chosen to depart this world early. He will be sorely missed." Capt. Steel, a 2006 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, is remembered throughout base, not just the 20th OG. The exuberant pilot befriended everyone he met. "Capt. Steel was an absolute pleasure to work with as a student. I wish I had more students just like him," said Sanetta Holder, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Shaw Campus. "He was a good student and a great friend. I'm going to miss him coming in the door smiling, telling me he's ready to register for the next class." The families of the Gamblers back home also mourn Capt. Steel's loss, here in Sumter, as do those whose lives Mano touched at previous Air Force assignments. The news of the crash resulted in an outpouring of support from the F-16 community, the Sumter community and more. "I have been stationed at a number of locations through my 17 years in the Air Force. I can honestly say that nowhere else have I felt more close and more cared for by a community than in Sumter," said Lt. Col. Vargas. "The support that has been provided by our community to our Gambler family throughout this tragedy has been incredible. We cannot thank the Sumter community enough for helping us through our loss." As the Gamblers wind down their deployment, they look forward to returning home and celebrating Capt. Steel; he was the friend who always wore a smile and made you laugh, Vargas said. "Mano will always be a part of our lives and I can tell you that from this day until our very last, every member of the Gambler family will hold him in a special place in their hearts." Courtesy of 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs In Memoriam Captain James Steel Related articles: Shaw pilot identified in Afghanistan crash (2013-04-05) US F-16 pilot killed in crash in Afghanistan (2013-04-04) Other News archive for April 2013 Forum discussion: USAF F-16 crashed in Afghanistan - Pilot killed (7 replies)

Posted by on 9 April 2013 | 12:00 am

Shaw pilot identified in Afghanistan crash

April 5, 2013 (by Capt. Ann Blodzinski) - Air Force officials have confirmed a Shaw AFB F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot was killed April 3, after his aircraft crashed in Afghanistan returning to base from a close air support mission. The itemID you specified is not a valid image The pilot, Capt. James Steel, 29, from the 77th Fighter Squadron here, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2006, completed pilot training and arrived at Shaw in June 2010. He was the chief of mobility for the 77th FS. "Our condolences and prayers are with the family, friends and squadron members of Capt. Steel," said Col. Clay Hall, 20th Fighter Wing commander. "This is a difficult time for Shaw AFB, but we are focused on taking care of the Steel family, our Airmen and continuing to execute the mission." The accident is currently under investigation; more details will be released as they become available. Courtesy of 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs In Memoriam Captain James Steel Related articles: US F-16 pilot killed in crash in Afghanistan (2013-04-04) Other News archive for April 2013 Forum discussion: USAF F-16 crashed in Afghanistan - Pilot killed (7 replies)

Posted by on 5 April 2013 | 12:00 am

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