Forum: F-16 Spotting & Photography

Forum Veteran Joined: Nov 07, 2003 - 09:12 PM Posts: 901

Hey guys,
I appreciate if anyone has any information on this bird. Friends from Israel? If you have this particular issue?
cheers, Very Happy

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Cool. Where did you find it? It's the cover of the "Air-Force Magazine" from November 1987. It says on the bottom-left corner "First publishing - F-16D for the the IAF". Actually, the CK-1 aircraft is being used today as a "testbed" aircraft for testing new avionics.

Forum Veteran Joined: Nov 07, 2003 - 09:12 PM Posts: 901

Hi DeepSpace,
my friend found the picture of the cover as we are enthusiastically hunting for information on the Telemetry Vipers, which are usually employed to test new ordnances. And that is usually classified. Other than the USAF test Vipers, there is virtually zero pictures found on the net.

We are particularly interested in the Spin Recovery System. It is obvious to us, the IAF has such aircraft under her inventory, designated CK-1. When my friend sent me the file, I was rather surprise the Test Viper is featured on the Air Force Magzine Cover, a publication open to the public. I am hoping there're detailed pictures in that issue. Unfortunately, that was a 1987! issue. I am not to hopeful anyone is still holding on to one, if he ever owned one.

By the way, to your best knowledge, are you able to advise me, do the publisher entertain past issues order? I am very interested to back date a number of issues.

Thanks, Very Happy

8/2000

8/2002

Well, a quick search in the serial section in this site shows that the 020 aircraft is 4K-1. And about the past issues: I think you can get those from the publisher, but there are also some past issues in the IAF website www.iaf.co.il (but both the website and the magazine are in Hebrew, though I think they are working on an English site as well)

The first F-16D delivered to Israel was 87-1694, a Block 30A. I don't know if this was the CK-1 testbed or not.

Last edited by DeepSpace on Nov 16, 2003 - 12:17 PM; edited 1 time in total

Ok, I've got some information. It's a block 40 aircraft that was built by Lockheed Martin especially by the IAF flight test center "MANAT" (Hebrew abbreviation) requirments. It has many sensors in various places; some measures the movements of the control surfaces and some measures (those in the wing roots) the wing flatter and torsion forces. All the measurements are showing up in front of the test engineer who sits in the back sit. This planes is used by the IAF for testing new flight configurations, new weapons' systems and new avionics.

Hope that's help.

There's a wee bit of information on the CK-1 in the <a href="http://www.f-16.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=58&page=1">F-16 Versions</A> section, but it doesn't add much to Deepspace's info. This is pretty much it:

Quote:

The CK-1 is an F-16D "Block 40" test bed fighter, built by Lockheed according to MANAT's specifications. (MANAT is the IAF Flight Test Center). This version is packed with sensors, measuring control surface movements and the airplane's rhythm of reaction to those movements. All measurements are delivered and analysed in "real time", to a test engineer sitting at the back seat. Special sensors are built into the CK-1 along the wing's root, measuring wing flutter and torsion forces. Other sensors could be installed in external pods or even at an extension attached to the fighter's nose.

The IAF intends to use this airplane to test various flying configurations, new avionics, and conduct weapon system delivery tests. The CK-1 would also be used to conduct various test flights in which the F-16's flying qualities would be further investigated.

stefaan

There has been made reference to the serials database in this topic earlier. If you make a search on 'CK-1' in the database, you will find the core-information on the aircraft.

This aircraft was the first to be delivered for the 'Peace Marbel III' program. It is an F-16C block 40H, which was delivered to the IDFAF from the then General Dynamics Fort Worth plant on 30 October 1991. It has aircraft tail number #601.

With respect to Deespace's post. Number #020 is indeed an F-16D block 30A with construction number 4K-1 as being the first aircraft delivered under the 'Peace Marbel II' program from General Dynamics on 30 September 1987.

This makes a good resemblence with the picture in the first posts from a 1987 magazine. But no, the aircraft shown there isn't CK-1.

Greets,

Forum Veteran Joined: Nov 07, 2003 - 09:12 PM Posts: 901

Hey guys,

thanks for the responses. I gather, there're 2 IAF D Test Vipers, at least. 4K-1 for the block 30 and CK-1 for the block 40.

Bjorn,
I read from some sources regarding the IAF Viper's tail number. It mentioned that, there are ever changing. Is that correct?

cheers, Very Happy

PS: Thanks for the reply on the post dated issues. I will write to the publisher. Wink

Quote:

Thanks for the reply on the post dated issues. I will write to the publisher

Sure, no promblems. But do you know Hebrew?

Forum Veteran Joined: Nov 07, 2003 - 09:12 PM Posts: 901

Quote:

But do you know Hebrew?

Unfortunately DeepSpace, 'Shalom' is all I can manage for now. I would like to learn your great language one day. Meanwhile, I guess I will safe keep a few copies with the great pictures.

cheers, Very Happy

Quote:

Unfortunately DeepSpace, 'Shalom' is all I can manage for now.

Oh I see. I found this website for you, http://www.homepagez.com/who/Studies/AA ... ebrew.html maybe it will help you in one way or anoter Wink

Pumpkin,

Unfortunately Israeli viper numbers are subject to change from time to time for different reasons.

It makes life hell for serials specialists Smile

But the heck, what are we living for.

Greets,

Forum Veteran Joined: Nov 07, 2003 - 09:12 PM Posts: 901

Quote:

It makes life hell for serials specialists. But the heck, what are we living for.

Bjorn,
that's the spirit man! Sorry, just a gentle reminder, I have posted a question for you on Announcement: Photo database. Didn't manage to get a reply from you. Care to take a look?

DeepSpace,
Thanks for the link. I promise to spend some time on the study. But, I am afraid, that will not equipped me, the skill to read the articles in the mag.

cheers, Very Happy

Sure. Wondering if there is a way for me to help you Wink

Forum: F-16 Spotting & Photography

IF-16D CK-1?