Originally posted by Viper52:
Joe Black,
the CFTs are detachable. Since its the first flight I suppose LM
left it off. Ditto the Greek ones. They are still an optional item
on the Advanced 50/52s and 60s.
If it is optional, are the RSAF Block 52+ Vipers going to have
CFTs?
Yes, the Israeli F-16Is were the first to appear with a spine
without the housing. Seems like someone finally stumped up the cash
for the redesign. I suppose all 52 orders since the Greek ones are
Advanced 50/52s. I forgot who else has ordered, but IIRC Poland is
one of the customers.
Wouldn't need to redesign I thought. The original tail rudder
bottom is tappered in. Just remote the parabrake/ECM housing that's
all.
I've no idea why the HUD is the Block 40/42 WAR, or even if it is
the WAR (although it sure looks like it is). I've asked a couple of
friends with LM about it, and see what they say.
I've got the feeling its the Block40/42 HUD as well when I
zoomed in the pic. I can't understand why revert back to this HUD
whereas the previous Block 52 all have the typical Block 50 HUDs.
An explaination by someone who knows the reason will be most
welcome.
As for the HMS, would it make sense to get another new
type?
Simple. The DASH-3 HMS used in the Vipers today are only
displaying HUD symbology such as targeting cues and aircraft
performance parameters. However, JHMCS not only display this, but
it can also display IR raster images captured by the targeting
pods.
JHMCS:
DASH-3:
I would presume DASH-4 would be as advanced as JHMCS if not even
better given it is the same generation as JHMCS. So naturally, when
it comes to selecting a new HMS, I would tend to think that it is
only logical to choose between the DASH-4 and JHMCS.
