Imported Single Engine Fighter Jet Contest

[asianobserve]

While F-16 Block 60 is still potent, the IAf would be future proofed with the F-35.

 

[HariPrasad-1]

I do not recommend any single engine fighter except tejas. Within a decade, We can get something equivalent to gripen E. Which is better than F 16. That will be desi as well. Make length 14.5 m and sort out the issues. Adopt continual improvement and reduce weight. We can have an awesome machine on our hand like we did in the case of ALH, Rudra and LCH. .

 

[WolfPack86]

F-16 Block 60 Fighter Jet

 

[WolfPack86]

F-16 Block 60 Fighter Jet

 

[WolfPack86]

F-16 Block 60 Fighter Jet

 

[WolfPack86]

F-16 Fighting Falcon
The combat-proven F-16 has proven itself as the world’s most capable 4th Generation multi-role fighter, serving as the workhorse of the fighter fleet for 28 customers around the world. The F-16V, the latest F-16 configuration, includes numerous enhancements designed to keep the F-16 at the forefront of international security.

F-16V – The Most Technologically Advanced 4th Generation Fighter in the World

The Lockheed Martin F-16V configuration provides relevant combat capabilities in a scalable and affordable package. The core of the F-16V configuration is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modern commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based avionics subsystem, a large-format, high-resolution display; and a high-volume, high-speed data bus. Operational capabilities are enhanced through:

• A Link-16 Theater Data Link
• The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod
• Advanced Weapons
• Precision GPS navigation and
• Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System
• Multinational Approach
  
  Lockheed Martin leverages its F-16 experience to increase the commonality and interoperability of F-16 fleets around the world.
  
  International F-16 upgrade programs combine the requirements of many customers for long-term cost savings through commonality and interoperability.
  
  F-16 avionics upgrades can be integrated quickly, affordably and effectively by leveraging on-going Foreign Military Sales (FMS) investments in F-16 modernization.
  
  
• 
  
  
• Comprehensive Global Sustainment
  
  As F-16 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Lockheed Martin is uniquely qualified to design, engineer, develop, integrate and sustain a complete F-16 weapons system solution tailored to meet customer requirements. With aircraft based at more than 80 locations worldwide, from the hottest climates to the coldest, Lockheed Martin offers complete sustainment solutions for any customer force size, operational concept and support arrangement.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Aircraft Specifications
  
  Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49.3 ft / 15.027 m
  
  Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.7 ft / 5.090 m
  
  Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500 mph (Mach 2+)
  
  Wingspan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31.0 ft / 9.449 m
  
  Empty weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20,300 lb / 9,207 kg
  
  Engine thrust class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29,000 lb / 13,000 kg
  
  Maximum TOGW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48,000 lb / 21,772 kg
  
  Design load factor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 g
  
• http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/f16.html

 

[WolfPack86]

F-16 Evolves to Meet Changing Requirements

Over the course of its distinguished history, the F-16 has become the workhorse of the fighter fleet for 28 customers, demonstrating its versatility time and time again in numerous conflicts around the world. Since the first flight of the F-16 in 1974, Lockheed Martin has led the design and development of structural and avionics upgrades for the Fighting Falcon to ensure it remains relevant for many years to come.

“Forty years, to us, represents customer satisfaction, enduring relationships and proven experience,” Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of the F-16/F-22 Integrated Fighter Group, said. “The fact that so many international partners have returned to Lockheed Martin to upgrade, modernize and/or purchase more airplanes exemplifies just how satisfied our customers are with the F-16, and demonstrates their reliance on this multi-role platform as the primary component of their fighter fleet.”

That customer satisfaction is due, in large part, to the F-16’s evolution to meet the changing threat environments and mission requirements of its operators. Originally designed as a lightweight fighter, the F-16 has evolved into the most advanced 4th generation fighter available today. Drawing on experience of our 28 customers, several design and technological improvements have been incorporated to the F-16 over the past several years, resulting in more than 4,500 aircraft delivered in 138 different configurations.

Not only does F-16 production continue today, we’re also retrofitting older jets with new capabilities. We are currently two years into the development of the F-16V upgrade program, which includes technological advancements and capabilities built on the fundamental strengths of the F-16’s original design. To date, Lockheed Martin has been the systems integrator for 11 countries, successfully returning more than 1,000 aircraft to operational status, all while driving down costs and adhering to schedule accelerations. Some of the major upgrade features include:

Active electronically scanned array radar
The active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is a phased array radar that offers increased operational combat capabilities, including:

• All-weather air-to-air targeting
• High resolution ground target detection and imaging
• Integration with advanced GPS weapons
• Near simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground radar modes

Automated Ground Collision Avoidance System
The Automated Ground Collision Avoidance System, or AGCAS, provides the pilot with improved situational awareness of imminent collision with the ground. The system can take control of the aircraft to avoid a collision if the pilot doesn’t respond to the visual cues.

Improvements to the cockpit and upgraded mission computer
A single high-performance modular mission computer (MMC) system replaces the fighter jet's three original computers, to deliver enhanced computing power to the aircraft's avionics and weapon systems. For pilots, the MMC significantly improves situational awareness, air-to-air capabilities, targeting accuracy and information. These improvements to the cockpit include:

• Software and system upgrades
• A large, high-resolution Center Pedestal Display that dramatically increases pilot situational awareness with real-time processing and imaging of flight safety information
• An upgraded programmable displays generator
• Integrated control of the various electronic warfare displays and systems all supported by a gigabit Ethernet architecture
• Embedded global positioning system

On top of our broad base of experience and numerous F-16 modernization programs, our workforce has unique experience that enables them to understand the intricacies of the aircraft, how the complex systems interact and how to integrate the systems so that they work together seamlessly. Our long-term knowledge of suppliers, design and integration expertise as the Original Equipment Manufacturer, and ownership of critical development and integration facilities allows us to execute the most affordable upgrade and modernization programs quickly and efficiently.

“When it comes to upgrading the F-16, our experience is unmatched. We provide proven, reliable performance and delivery – every time. We fulfill our commitments to meet schedule, performance, and cost, time and time again,” McLean said. “Our track record speaks for itself – we have demonstrated our ability to deliver for more than 40 years. We remain the preferred partner of choice to affordably evolve the F-16 to meet critical operational and sustainment needs – now and for the next 40 years.”
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/features/2014/F-16-evolves.html

 

[WolfPack86]

Forty years and more than 4,500 planes later, the F-16 continues to build upon the fundamental strengths of its original design. With four decades of technological advancements and 138 different configurations, the famed F-16 fighter continues its reign as the world’s most successful 4th Generation multi-role fighter aircraft. There is, however, one thing that has remained constant over the years – the ongoing debate over the F-16’s real name.

Some call it the ‘Viper.’ Others refer to it as the ‘Fighting Falcon.’ And, although they are both a fundamental part of the F-16’s iconic history, there is really only one nickname that stuck.

To dispel the rumors, the ‘Fighting Falcon’ is the official name granted by the Tactical Air Command (now the Air Combat Command). However, the name never really caught on, and the F-16 is more commonly referred to as the ‘Viper’ among pilots and maintainers.

For the first time in 2012, the well-known ‘Viper’ nickname became an official part of the F-16 program as the designation for the aircraft’s latest configuration – the F-16V.

In the simplest terms, the F-16V, or Viper, represents the next step in the evolution of the F-16. With new enhancements, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit, the F-16V configuration is an innovative solution for new jets and affordable retrofits for most earlier-model F-16s.

To understand how the Fighting Falcon has evolved over the past 40 years, we are taking a look back at how it all started:

Then:

The brainchild of a notorious group of engineers and defense analysts known as the Lightweight Fighter Mafia, the F-16 was originally conceived in the early 1970s as a lightweight air-to-air day fighter. Their goal was to create a simpler and smaller alternative to the heavy and unmaneuverable fighter aircraft of the time. Their ideas challenged what everyone thought a fighter should look like and how it should fly.

Their unconventional designs were then translated by the engineers at our Fort Worth, Texas, plant (at the time General Dynamics) into the most advanced combat aircraft of the time. And, it took a village. The F-16 production team was truly remarkable, meeting every challenge and production schedule. The result:

• A smooth blended-wing body with extra lift and control
• A critical fly-by-wire system that kept the design stable, improved response time and increased its agility
• An enhanced cockpit – including a tilted back ejection seat, side-mounted throttle and control stick, head-up display, and bubble canopy – improved pilot survivability, visibility and control.
• 
  
  
• The F-16 has made history since it first rolled onto the flight line. In fact, the original F-16 prototype, or YF-16, was the first to combine all of these advanced technologies into one aircraft.
  
  YF-16 Test Pilot Jim Rider described his favorite part of the YF-16 when it was first introduced: “It had the most remarkable bubble canopy – you could actually see,” he said. “It was like being out on the edge of a pole in a big clear bubble.”
  
  And, at its peak in 1987, the F-16 production team in Fort Worth was also making history – producing 30 F-16s in just 30 days. These rapid fire deliveries are a testament to the teamwork and dedication that F-16 employees have shown across two generations and the past four decades.
  
  Now:
  
  Today’s Fighting Falcon is the cumulative result of the F-16 pilots’ combat experience and customer needs, all built on the fundamental strengths of the original Fighting Falcon design.
  
  
  

With 138 configurations to date, the F-16 has evolved from its prototype design to become the advanced 4th Generation fighter of choice for 28 customers worldwide. By consistently improving and incorporating new technologies into the cockpit, avionics, sensors and weapons, the aircraft has become more reliable, more maintainable and more supportable.

Some of the F-16’s evolutions over the past four decades include:

• Increase in range and payload
• Infrared sensors and laser targeting devices
• Enhanced survivability with more advanced warfare sensors and sophisticated decoys
• Increased engine thrust to retain aerodynamic performance
• Conformal fuel tanks
• All-glass cockpits with large color displays, hands-on throttle and sidestick switch controls, night vision goggle-compatible lighting, a color moving map, and a large head-up display
• Improved Datalinks, satellite phones and helmet-mounted cueing systems
• 
  
  
• The new Viper configuration provides additional features as part of an upgrade package that satisfy the customers’ emerging requirements and better prepare the F-16s to interoperate with 5th generation fighters, such as the F-35 and the F-22, including:
  
  • An active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
  • Upgraded mission computer and architecture
  • Updated avionics systems
  • Embedded global positioning system
  • Upgraded electronic warfare equipment
  • http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/features/2014/f16-then-and-now.html

 

[WolfPack86]

The F16 Fighting Falcon - Fourth-generation Jet Fighter Documentary

 

[WolfPack86]

2016 F-16 Viper Demo Fighter Jets

 

[WolfPack86]

F-16 Integrated Sensor Suite - Northrop Grumman

 

[WolfPack86]

Raytheon's New Radar for F-16 Fighting Falcon Advanced Combat Radar RACR

 

[asianobserve]

F-16 shows its age in this video while it's side-by-side with F-35:

 

[Kunal Biswas]

Less Known Facts F-16

> On-board power and cooling capacities limits the scope of upgrades, which often involves the addition of more power-hungry avionics

> At supersonic speeds the F-16 gains stability (eventually positive) due to aerodynamic changes

> Block 30 F-16C/D air-frame has smaller inlet affecting engine performance

> The F-16 has been involved in over 650 hull-loss accidents as of June 2016

> 550km range with 4*450kg bombs (hi-lo)

 

[WolfPack86]

Gripen E Fighter Aircraft

 

[WolfPack86]

Gripen E Fighter Aircraft

 

[WolfPack86]

Gripen E Fighter Aircraft

 

[WolfPack86]

Gripen E Fighter Aircraft

 

[HariPrasad-1]

Does not matter where it stands as of now. Tejas and NLCA is not fully developed yet but since it is our product we can progressively increase its capability and bring it to where we need. But since question has been asked i will give Tejas lesser marks than Gripen C and LCA MK-2 than Gripen E. But in both cases, reason is lesser internal volume, which reduces fuel load, hence lesser marks. Rest is comparable or better say will be.

LCA has crossed a threshold where it is acceptable to Indian air force. MK1+ Shall be significantly better. Very High T/W ration (Because of weight loss), Very high degree of Aerodynamic improvement, 20% higher acceleration, AESA, Top class EW. It will easily match Gripen C/D. Mk2 shall be of Gripen E class.

 

[WolfPack86]

Made in India F-16s On Radar, Thanks To FDI
U.S. firm Lockheed Martin may make use of liberalised norms
American military manufacturer Lockheed Martin could soon be producing F-16 fighters in an assembly line based in India, taking advantage of the new liberalised FDI conditions announced by the government on Monday.
If the legendary American fighter is deployed with the Indian Air Force after local production, it would signal a historic shift in India’s military posture that could dramatically affect the country’s relations with China, Pakistan and other nations. It could also draw much criticism to the fact that India was inducting a fighter that first took to the skies more than 40 years ago.
At least two senior officials in crucial ministries handling the issue confirmed that the proposal for setting up an assembly line for F-16 fighters in India was discussed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. earlier this month.
An official said the negotiations with the French government for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighters haven’t succeeded yet in securing a competitive price. “Lockheed Martin, on the other hand, is keen to close down its F16 production facility in the U.S. Talks are on to invite the company to shift its F16 production line, lock, stock and barrel, to India,” he said.
“This will serve the twin purposes: it will be a success story of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make In India initiative plus it will address the Indian defence establishment’s requirement of a new fighter fleet,” the official added.
The second official confirmed that talks were on with Lockheed Martin for the F-16 assembly line in India.
In an interview to The Hindu last month, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar indicated that India was looking at getting a foreign military firm to manufacture its fighter in India. “I am not looking for assembly at all. I am looking for a company to join with an Indian partner and to start manufacturing here by Transfer of Technology (ToT) in most of the items. I know that 100 per cent ToT may not be possible and 100 per cent indigenisation is not possible. Even with so many efforts, LCA has only around 40 per cent indigenisation,” he had said.
Several foreign defence firms have been expressing their willingness to set up assembly lines in India. Among them are the Eurofighter consortium ad Sweden’s Gripen. Both Lockheed Martin and Boeing from the U.S. in April held discussions in New Delhi in the presence of Pentagon's Director for International Cooperation Keith Webster about the possibility of producing their jets in India. While Lockheed has proposed F-16, Boeing has offered to make F/A-18s in India.
Based on ongoing discussions, sources said the opportunity to open an assembly line in India could ultimately go to Lockheed Martin, that too for a fighter that is going out of production. The company is believed to have orders only for a few more months, with the US military, F-16’s biggest customer, moving to more advanced fighters and foreign orders drying up.
For many in the air force it would be a surprising, and disappointing move, given that F-16s are a critical part of Pakistan air force’s fighter arm. Besides, it would be ensuring that F-16, a 40-year-old design and fourth generation fighter, would remain in the IAF for another 30-40 years.
“It would fulfil both Make in India projections and also give us an advanced fighter,” one source aware of the discussion told The Hindu.
Former Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Monday cautioned: “Allowing 100% FDI in the defence sector means India's defence sector is thrown mostly into the hands of Nato-American defence manufacturers.”
He went on to warn that if Nato-American defence manufacturers came into India then it would “affect India’s independent foreign policy too. It will also threaten the national security.” Further, it would have an adverse impact on the ongoing indigenous defence research activities, he said. “It is very important to note that all such changes happen immediately after PM Narendra Modi’s recent American visit,” he said.
http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2016/06/made-in-india-f-16s-on-radar-thanks-to.html