USAF F-16s are undergoing a number of key upgrades to keep the type potent until eventual replacement by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The US$1 billion Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP) upgrade was launched in 2000 to provide common hardware and software capability to 650 Block 40/42/50/52 F-16C/Ds.
Improvements include a new modular mission computer core avionics suite, colour multifunction displays, Link 16 datalink, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, the AIM-9X short-range air-to-air missile, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and various pilot/vehicle interface improvements. Block 50/52 additionally will receive the AN/APX-113 advanced IFF system and the capability to carry either the current ASQ-213 HARM Targeting System pod or the new Sniper-XR pod for delivering laser-guided bombs.
USAF F-16s are also now employing the latest GPS-guided smart weapons, including the Joint Direct Attack Munition, Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser and AGM-154 Joint Stand-Off Weapon.
The USAF Air National Guard has also recently accelerated a programme to re-engine its Block 42 F-16C/Ds with the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 Increased Performance Engine.
Recently joining the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Arizona, for a familiarisation mission in a Lockheed Martin F-16D was Editor of Jane's Aircraft Upgrades Jamie Hunter. The 90-minute mission was flown late last month with the 310th Fighter Squadron 'TopHats' in a Block 42 F-16D, with a second F-16C from the squadron as flight lead.
The 56th Fighter Wing operates over 200 F-16s and is the only active USAF base that conducts Initial Pilot Training for the F-16. Pilots move to Luke AFB following screening training when they are assigned to the F-16. The wing also trains ground crew and support staff who are set to work on the F-16.
Jane's Aircraft Upgrades Editor Jamie Hunter takes to the air in a USAF F-16. Subscribersclick here for MPEG Video (8.9MB) or click here for RealPlayer (streaming) video.
Editor of Jane's Aircraft Upgrades, Jamie Hunter, flew a mission in an F-16D Block 42 with the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Arizona, in late November (Frank B Mormillo via Jane's/Jamie Hunter 2002)
The Luke-based 310th Fighter Squadron trains F-16 pilots in the Forward Air Control - Airborne (FAC-A) mission (Jane's/Jamie Hunter 2002)
A 310th FS 'TopHats' Block 42 F-16C of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB flies over Arizona (Jane's/Jamie Hunter 2002)
A pair of F-16Cs from 62nd FS 'Spikes' get ready to depart for a training mission from Luke AFB (Jane's/Jamie Hunter 2002)
An F-16C from the 310th FS is prepared for a Night Vision Goggle training mission (Jane's/Jamie Hunter 2002)
The Commander of the 310th FS prepares for a mission in a Block 42 F-16C (Jane's/Jamie Hunter 2002)
Pulling Gs in the back of the F-16D
(2002)
The 310th FS Commander's F-16C Block 42. The jet is armed with captive carry AIM-120 AMRAAM training rounds and LAU-7 white phosphorus target marker rockets (Jane's/Jamie Hunter 2002)
Jane's Aircraft Upgrades Editor Jamie Hunter takes to the air in a USAF F-16. Subscribers click here for MPEG Video (8.9MB) or click here for RealPlayer (streaming) video.
