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Newbie Joined: Feb 03, 2004 Posts: 3 Status: Offline

Is it possible for an F-16 in a SEAD mission to be outfitted with both HARMs and Mavericks?

In a SEAD mission, which is the most likely weapons load to include Maverick's and is it all that common to see Maverick's used for SEAD missions?

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I've seen pics of that loadout, yes.
Definitely possible.

Newbie Joined: Feb 03, 2004 Posts: 3 Status: Offline

Is it possible with external tanks under the wings?

Here's a pic of the Hasegawa 1/48 scale TigerMeet CJ kit box top....

That's from h2's site. But anyway, you can clearly see a Maverick one side, and a HARM on the other.

Veteran Joined: Jun 16, 2003 Posts: 268 Status: Offline

There are a varity of munition combinations authorized. What is loaded really depends the target set, number of aircraft in the flight, and over all mission goal.

I have loaded both a HARM and MAV on the same jet, and yes it had 370s, just like the above photo.

Don't forget JDAMS.

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/smart/jdam.htm

F-16.net Editor Joined: Sep 23, 2003 Posts: 2832

JDAM can also engage from a longer range and higher altitude. You go after Air Defense assets with Maverick, don't be suprised if you get engaged with AAA. LGBs have been used for SEAD/DEAD missions also. The goal when possible is: "I can touch you, but you can't touch me." Many of the juicy methods of how the sensors, HARM, JDAM, LGBs and the trained SEAD/DEAD team all work together is classified. If a sensor can rapidly hand me a location and it is a fixed target and I have a JDAM, that target dead in any weather.

Veteran Joined: Jun 16, 2003 Posts: 268 Status: Offline

elp wrote:

The goal when possible is: "I can touch you, but you can't touch me." Many of the juicy methods of how the sensors, HARM, JDAM, LGBs and the trained SEAD/DEAD team all work together is classified.

Well said elp.

Loader wrote:

have loaded both a HARM and MAV on the same jet, and yes it had 370s, just like the above photo.

OK, now you can only load one Mav, right? You can't stick a TER full of em on Sta.3 or 7 can you? With a HARM on the other side, of course.

Elite Joined: Dec 16, 2003 Posts: 798 Status: Offline

Good question, Habu-breath.

The electrical interface for the Maverick is a bear. A few dozen discrete and analog wires, plus the video.

So my guess is one per station.

The HARM is a different breed of cat ( many signals and stuff required for it to track and home on the threat), but I would still guess one per station.

JDAM? If the higher HQ has a super way of providing coordinates to the Viper, then it would work well in SEAD role. Somehow, I don't think so...... I would prefer the onboard detection/targeting of the Weasel Vipers and HARMS.

The IIR Maverick is awesome, but I don't think it is tactically the best SEAD weapon. IMHO.

I ain't gonna give out all the good poop and tactics on this BB so all the bad guys can develop effective countermeasures.

Let me just say that WE are the ones who will hunt down and destroy the bad guys. If they can come up with a way to hinder us, then that will just make the fight more interesting................

F-16.net Editor Joined: Sep 23, 2003 Posts: 2832

OK one and only one juicy secret. A thingy goes off in the cockpit and the pilot says: "I'm mad! I'm gonna get that gomer".

Please don't blab that around. It's secret. And it works. Surprised

3x Mavericks on LAU-88s on STA # & 7 is a valid load for AGM-65As, Bs and Ds, but not Gs. The Gs can only be carried in singles on LAU-117s. Not sure why, but that's what's listed in the stores lists.

But I've seen Iron Eagle, I KNOW it can hold 3 Mavs on a TER, and fire off 12 of them, and while on the ground too! Razz

Veteran Joined: Jun 16, 2003 Posts: 268 Status: Offline

Too funny Habu!

Yep, when I did a mixed load of Mav and HARM, only one each. From my experience, you will not see the USAF use the LAU-88 for anything. Too much drag, and as previoulsy posted, the newest MAVs are not compatible with the LAU-88.

Yeah, that's what I figured. Besides, it even looks better that way. Three Mavs on there would look too bulky, leave that for the A-10 Smile

Elite Joined: Mar 19, 2004 Posts: 540 Status: Offline

The real deal. Mav Gs only go on certain versions of the LAU117 and some LAU88s can carry them but the drag index is so high and pilots don't like to take a second look at any target that it is a useless load. So one MAV.

Habu, you can shoot that MAV on the ground, no problem, if you know the right switch positions. Now where is that, ground jet enable? But it can't be reloaded inflight or carry 12 missiles. BTW these days the word MISSile should be changed to HITtile. Our stuff works.

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HARM and Mavericks