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Pumpkin
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Posted: Apr 12, 2004 - 10:24 PM
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Forum Veteran

Joined: Nov 07, 2003
Posts: 902
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hey guys,
I am trying to learn more about the history and background to the avionic spine of the Viper. I have questions like...- Who actually came out with the idea?
- Was the idea originated from AFTI?
- Which is the first D platform to be equipped with the spine, VISTA or IAF Viper?
- etc...
I have tried reading the articles for Versions/VISTA/AFTI and Users/IAF but did not find anything on the history of the spine.
Appreciate if anyone can provide any references or information.
Thanks,  |
_________________ Desmond
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Sponsor
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Posted: Nov 19, 2008 - 12:38 AM
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F-16.net Sponsor
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habu2
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Posted: Apr 12, 2004 - 11:07 PM
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Elite 2K

Joined: Sep 05, 2003
Posts: 2804
Location: ACES II
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Quote:
Was the idea originated from AFTI?
The AFTI was the first appearance of an external spine structure on an F-16.
Quote:
Which is the first D platform to be equipped with the spine, VISTA or IAF Viper?..etc
IDF was first, to house their specialized electronics. The first Block 30 D models procured by Israel featured the definitive spine. VISTA came later, and handles the special computers used for the flight control tests. |
_________________ Reality Is For People Who Can't Handle Simulation
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Pumpkin
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Posted: Apr 13, 2004 - 07:21 PM
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Forum Veteran

Joined: Nov 07, 2003
Posts: 902
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thanks habu2,
I remember I saw these very 'naked' (with most if not all panels opened) pictures of the AFTI on the internet, showing the Viper under modification. Can't seem to locate these pictures now.
Am I right to put it as such; IAF has provided LM the concept of additional storage for avionics. And LM answered the requirement with the big spine D Viper. All R&D costs were part of PMII buy?
cheers, |
_________________ Desmond
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habu2
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Posted: Apr 13, 2004 - 07:58 PM
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Elite 2K

Joined: Sep 05, 2003
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| I don't know for sure, but I would assume that the spine was added to AFTI because all that instrumentation would not fit inside the 'stock' airframe. Israel saw the AFTI and thought 'hey we could stuff a bunch of EW gear in one of those, go build us some!'. That's just a guess though. |
_________________ Reality Is For People Who Can't Handle Simulation
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RSAF-G2
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Posted: Apr 17, 2004 - 05:37 AM
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Enthusiast

Joined: Apr 17, 2004
Posts: 55
Location: Republic of Singapore
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Just curious, any experts here who can share with us what the spines on the F-16Ds consist of?
From what I know of, IAF was the first to showcase their F-16D with spines, followed by RSAF (Republic of Sinagpore Airforce) which bought 2 or 3 dozens of spined F-16D, and most recently HAF too....
Is it an IAI equipment of a Lockheed option? |
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habu2
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Posted: Apr 17, 2004 - 03:09 PM
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Elite 2K

Joined: Sep 05, 2003
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Israel won't even tell Lockheed what is in the spine... ask me how I know.  |
_________________ Reality Is For People Who Can't Handle Simulation
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Pumpkin
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Posted: Apr 17, 2004 - 08:15 PM
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Forum Veteran

Joined: Nov 07, 2003
Posts: 902
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habu2 wrote:
Israel won't even tell Lockheed what is in the spine... ask me how I know.
Have read your response regarding the same issue in the earlier thread. Understand the rationale you have mentioned. But no offences intended habu2, but I guess that was the correct way, how thing should go about doing then.
sorry RSAF-G2, as much as I would like to know, the discussion on the content of the spine should be off the board. Just my 2 cents worth. |
_________________ Desmond
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andylee
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Posted: May 06, 2004 - 12:36 PM
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Enthusiast

Joined: Apr 27, 2004
Posts: 24
Location: Singapore
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RSAF-G2 wrote:
Just curious, any experts here who can share with us what the spines on the F-16Ds consist of?
From what I know of, IAF was the first to showcase their F-16D with spines, followed by RSAF (Republic of Sinagpore Airforce) which bought 2 or 3 dozens of spined F-16D, and most recently HAF too....
Is it an IAI equipment of a Lockheed option?
It's built by Lockheed as a standard but empty cos the customer will install what they need except for the C/F dispensers. What goes inside is real hush hush but I'm sure most would have guessed what's inside just not the specific kit. |
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andylee
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Posted: May 06, 2004 - 12:43 PM
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Enthusiast

Joined: Apr 27, 2004
Posts: 24
Location: Singapore
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| Anyone knows why some spinces have 3 dispensers on each side and some have 2? Is the extra dispensers covered on those with 2 or it's a different config? |
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Stefaan
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Posted: May 06, 2004 - 01:34 PM
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F-16.net Webmaster

Joined: May 23, 2003
Posts: 1689
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Hi guys,
I merged the two "spines" topics since they cover the same topic.
Stefaan |
_________________ Stefaan Vanhastel
F-16.net Webmaster.
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