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Newbie Joined: May 21, 2008 Posts: 2 Status: Offline

Okay, without getting too technical here, I'm working on a few 1/72 scale models, and customizing some F-16 simulators as best as I can.

All of these questions are raised by what I suspect are outdated, or otherwise incorrect, flight sims or kits:

1) Dual launcher rails for AIM-9 and/or AIM-120 (Around Gulf War era). Was it ever done? Could it be done? A cleared loading or not? (Also when exactly did AIM-120's on the wingtips become standard?)

2) Droptanks on wing stations other than Sta. 4/6?

3) Wing droptanks mounted on centerline?

4) Droptank sizes are 370 or 600 gallon on wings, and how many gallons on centerline?

5) Are MER racks approved for any stations?

6) Can weapons load on centerline, or really anything other than the CL droptank and ECM pods?

Lots of these questions are raised by an old 1/72 scale kit that looks like it was built by combining all the features of every jet from the 16A Block1 to the 16C Block50/52, into one airframe.

Thanks for the help guys!

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1) Never seen them...
2) NO
3) NO, that's what a Centerline tank is for.
4) 300 Gal
5) We have Triple Ejector Rack's Sta 3 & 7
6) NO, but we used to have a 30Mil gun on the C/L

Never seen one on an F-16 but I have seen the AIM-9 dual launcher LAU-114/A on A-10's and F-15's. Common fit on Tornado, Harrier (UK), Jaguar and similar aircraft.

The LAU-145/A is the dual mount launcher for the AGM-169 this is used on the F/A 18E/F

There is a dual Aim-120 launcher in existence as the Super Hornet uses it; its also being modified for meteor so duel carriage of that missile can be done on Gripen.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/47/180068738_5682350360.jpg?v=0

Since AIM-120s are ejector launched, how do they keep from slamming into the pylon on either side?

I found a link that shows two double AIM-120s under each wing of a F-18.

I wonder how many a Super Hornet can carry?

Here is a closeup that shows a slight down angle that no doubt helps to clear the ejecting AIM-120

I thought the 120 could be rail and ejector launched?

The AMRAAM can be both rail and ejector launched. The F-16, for instance, carries only rail-launched AMRAAMS on stations 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9. The Eagle carries rail-launched AMRAAMs as well (a maximum of four, plus another four ejector launched). Only two of the many AMRAAMs an F-18 can carry are ejector launched. In other words, AMRAAM is more often than not rail, rather than ejector, launched.

SpudmanWP wrote:

Since AIM-120s are ejector launched, how do they keep from slamming into the pylon on either side?

I found a link that shows two double AIM-120s under each wing of a F-18.

I wonder how many a Super Hornet can carry?

Theoretically? Up to 12. Unless its carrier were expecting a Soviet-style massive cruise missile assault, you'll never see that load-out operationally. However, for all the sh!t it's gotten, with that load-out and AESA, the Super Hornet should be more effective than the Tomcat ever was at Fleet Air Defense. Just imagine, only ten Super Hornets, 120 BVR missiles, doubling an equivalent formation of Tomcats. Not to mention that the AMRAAM is a hell of a lot more reliable than the Phoenix ever was. Wow...

Thanks for the update....

I wonder if they will update the double and make it a triple launcher??

Maybe a SH with 18 Aim-120s? 12 in 4 triple racks, 4 on the outside pylons with a triple rack without an inside AIM-120, and 2 in conformal spots... throw in 2 Aim-9x as icing on the cake Smile

SpudmanWP wrote:

Thanks for the update....

I wonder if they will update the double and make it a triple launcher??

Maybe a SH with 18 Aim-120s? 12 in 4 triple racks, 4 on the outside pylons with a triple rack without an inside AIM-120, and 2 in conformal spots... throw in 2 Aim-9x as icing on the cake Smile

Question is, what mission would require you to haul around so many missiles? I can't think of any...

How about following a flight of F-22s.... The F-22s will designate and the F-18s can volley-fire without having to use their own radars.

Better yet.. Keep it all naval. F-35 up front designating and F-18s volley firing from behind.

Elite 1K Joined: May 26, 2005 Posts: 1120

No single fighter needs to be carrying 18 AMRAAMS.

You have a lot more tactical options with 4 jets carrying 4 missiles each. And if you say "but 4 jets with 18 missiles each", when? When would that ever be remotely necessary? This isn't Ace Combat we're talking about.

Wait, wait, I have it....

Cruise missile defense Smile

Enthusiast Joined: Jul 31, 2005 Posts: 93 Status: Offline

1. No/No/No/No/Always standard as far back as I remember.
2.Droptanks only on Sta 4 and 6
3.Huh??? Centerline tank only on C/L
4.370 on 4 and 6, 300 on C/L
5.Not since our F-4 days, lol!
6.No, hey viperdude did you load F-4D's(external gun)

Newbie Joined: Jun 05, 2008 Posts: 6 Status: Offline

The twin pack that F-18s carry consists of a modified LAU-115 (AIM-7) and two LAU-127s bolted on its sides. The LAU-115 also hold lots of relays that pass launch signals to either of LAU-127s. The whole packet hangs from standard lugs. Additionally the LAU-127s can be replaced with LAU-7s (AIM-9), but this feature has very little value since LAU-127 can be used with AIM-9s (even the nitrogen cooled ones).

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