F-16 Fighting Falcon News

November 14, 2008 (by SSgt. Phillip Butterfield) - Luke Air Force Base received its last two F-16 Fighting Falcons from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Nov. 6 after being upgraded under the Common Configuration Implementation Program.
CCIP makes Luke aircraft more lethal and survivable for training and combat.

"It has been a very long road and has literally involved thousands of Air Force personnel to see this program through," said Capt. Bruce Guest, 310th Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer-in-charge. "Through CCIP, not only have we increased the combat capabilities of the F-16 through improved situational awareness and task management for the operator, but also component reliability for the maintainer."

Started in 2001, CCIP is a comprehensive $2 billion upgrade for the F-16 to provide enhanced mission capabilities and a common avionics configuration to block 40 and 42 aircraft. The modernization program increases aircraft capability through common hardware and software in F-16s.

CCIP also makes the F-16 more affordable to maintain because of the common avionics hardware and software throughout Luke's block 40 aircraft.

The aircraft received a new avionics suite and other components, including a new mission computer, color displays, an enhanced horizontal situation indicator.

Other CCIP elements include a Link-16 capability with the multifunctional information distribution system enabling increased pilot awareness and communication with other aircraft. New elements also include the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System enabling first-look, first-shot capability and high over-the-shoulder engagement with the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile.

"The CCIP avionics suite increases war fighter situational awareness, survivability and lethality keeping us on the tip of the spear as the world's premier Air Force," said Capt. Ryan Pumford, 310th Fighter Squadron chief of scheduling.