Forum: F-16 News

This is a discussion topic for the F-16.net news article: "Roll-out of first Chilean F-16". You can read the full forum discussion in the F-16.net forum.

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Hi Everyone, today 04/14/2005 will be the rol out of the first F-16 Block 50 Peace Puma for the Chilean Air Force (FACH) in FORT WORTH TEXAS Laughing

Pictures requested!!

Cheers

Awesome news! We want pictures Very Happy

!!

Here a pair of pics.

Great!! Python 4 and...AIM 9 ?

Cheers

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

The first GE powered in the advanced 50 class. Very neat dress code! If the AIM-9P4s were replaced by the Python 4, and with the LITENING II, it will be the most refreshing 'old' look, outside IDF/AF camou.

Thanks for sharing, Thumb

Nice pics. We have a few Chilean AF guys at my unit now for a look at how we do things. I'll have to show them this tomorrow.

Cool, gotta love the Python!

Thanks for sharing Smile

Does any more pics ?

Jdam, AIM-9P. Litening II and Python. The cone of the last beeing different from that of a P4. Python V I would guess.

The above mentioned info is a little bit outdated (it corresponds to an early congress authorization). The radar is actually a AN/APG-68(V)9. It seems that the podded ECMs were replaced by an internal ITT AIDEWS EW suite.
The package now includes the JHMCS, Python V, Litening II? and JDAM.

Betelgeuse wrote:

Jdam, AIM-9P. Litening II and Python. The cone of the last beeing different from that of a P4. Python V I would guess.

The Python 4 and 5 are looking almost the same. It's definitely the Python 4, it will probably be a long time before Israel will rush and sell the Python 5.

Deepspace:

Your´e right about how similar both missiles are. But, let me say that a close look at the tip of the one shown above reveals some differences with a standard PIV. Not that I´m not used to see those missiles in photograps since 1998 when the chilean air force attended a Red Flag exercise and showed them openly, mounted on F-5 planes.

Furthermore, Rafael was actively marketing P 5 at Fidae held in Santiago last year. It would not be the first time your country sell us advanced weapons and systems as a lead customers. Phalcon AEW, Barak, Python IV and Dash helmets being some examples of that.

It's true, but keep in mind that at the time these technologies were transfered they were already in service with the IDF/AF, and more advanced systems were already in an advnaced developing status (as many countries, Israel has a policy of not selling technologies and systems until Israel already has the same system or a better one in operational service or advanced developing status).

So Rafael may market the P5 for possible future customers, but it won't receive the required approval from the government.

In the above photo, the IR sensor may be covered, as they are in this photo, carried on an Israeli F-15.

Well, although there are JDW reports stating that Python V is part of the Peace Puma program I mostly agree with you regarding the arms transfer policy issues. Time will tell.
Or may be P5 is already in service with the IDF/AF and you didn´t notice it Very Happy

I believe that one of the reasons for the selection of the Viper by the Fach was the IDF/AF acquisition of the Soufa. There has been plenty of cooperation between Israeli defense companies and our air force in the past and the Soufa ensures future upgrade alternatives in the future.

Another photo from the Lockheed Martin site:

and the link to the Hi-Res photo:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/10045.jpg