The F-16 Block 60
The F-16 Block 60, also known as the Desert Falcon (and F-16E/F in
some circles), is the most advanced F-16 ever produced. An
internal, forward-looking infrared navigation sensor mounted as a
ball turret on the upper left nose distinguishes the Block 60 from
previous F-16s. Other distinguishing external characteristics
include a targeting pod with faceted windows, no pitot tube, strip
lighting on the wings and vertical tail, an air scoop on the
forward right tail root, a small exhaust on the forward left tail
root, and two other exhaust portsone on either side of the lower
rear portion of the engine inlet. Both single- and two-seat
aircraft carry the conformal fuel tanks.
These external differences dont detract from the F-16s renowned
aerodynamic performance. The increased thrust GE-132 engine helps
compensate for the increase in weight and payload over the basic
F-16. Internal differences, on the other hand, add up to a huge
improvement in capability over previous-generation F-16s and place
the Block 60 at the leading edge of fourth-generation
fighters.
These internal differences are most apparent in the cockpit,
whTheich is dominated by three large five- by seven-inch color
multifunction displays. Onboard computers collect and process
information from the various sensors and off-aircraft sources and
transmit the results to the pilot in straightforward color
graphics. The all-glass cockpit features hands-on throttle and
sidestick switch controls, a color moving map, picture-in-picture
digital display technology, night vision goggle-compatible
lighting, and a standard head-up display.
The Desert Falcon has many automated modes, including autopilot,
auto-throttle, and an automatic ground collision avoidance system.
The electronic warfare system, produced by Northrop Grumman, is the
most sophisticated subsystem on the aircraft and provides threat
warning, threat emitter locating capability, and increased
situational awareness to the pilot. A new data transfer cartridge
holds thirty gigabytes of information. A fiber-optic databus
handles the throughput and speed needed for many of these systems.
The maintenance system is laptop based.
The APG-80 agile beam radar underpins many of the new capabilities
the Block 60 brings to the F-16. The radar, also produced by
Northrop Grumman, is an advanced electronically scanned array. The
array consists of numerous transmit/receive modules attached to a
fixed array that generates the radar beam, which can be directed
almost instantaneously. The electronic, instead of mechanical,
approach allows various radar modes to be interleaved. For example,
the radar can continuously search for and track multiple targets
and simultaneously perform multiple functions, such as air-to-air
search-and-track, air-to-ground targeting, and aircraft terrain
following. The radar vastly improves the pilots situational
awareness. Additional advantages of the APG-80 include much greater
detection ranges, high-resolution synthetic aperture radar images,
and a twofold increase in reliability compared to more conventional
mechanically scanning radars.
The Block 60 is powered by a General Electric F110-GE-132 turbofan
engine that produces approximately 32,500 pounds of thrust in
maximum afterburner. The engine is a derivative of the proven
F110-GE-129, a 29,000-pound thrust class engine that powers the
majority of F-16C fighters worldwide.
The Block 60 is cleared for the full range of weapons, tanks, and
specialized pods used on other F-16s. The aircraft will also be
capable of carrying the 500- and 1,000-pound HAKIM laser-guided
bomb that the UAE has developed. The fully configurable backseat of
the two-seat versions can be configured, with the flip of a switch,
for training or special missions that require a weapon systems
operator.
The F-16 Block 60 was chosen after a stringent competition among
the best fighters available, Commander Khalid says. Many factors
were involved in the selection. We conducted thorough studies. We
wanted to choose an aircraft that offered the greatest capability
in terms of our operational requirements, technical requirements,
environmental requirements, political support, and technology
releasability. Technology transfer and offset requirements were
additional factors in the selection.
UAE pilots flew more than ninety evaluation flights in the F-16 as
part of the selection process that spanned six years. Thirty-six of
these were flown in the most severe environments of heat and
humidity in UAE summers.
The F-16 Block 60 will become the backbone for the air defense of
our country, says Commander Khalid. The aircraft has been
thoroughly studied. The Desert Falcon has enormous capability. It
is a true multimission aircraft. Every fighter pilots dream of an
aircraft is addressed in the Block 60. We have worked with Lockheed
Martin to create a fighter that satisfies every potential
operational need and mission. We are very proud of the capability
we are getting with the F-16. We believe that we made the right
choice.