Ground Support- F-16C Blk. 30 vs. F-4E

southernphantom · by **southernphantom** » 06 Aug 2011, 17:46

In terms of loiter time, situational awareness, payload, is a Block 30 Viper or a Phantom with a few upgrades, say MFDs for Maverick targeting and AN/APG-65 for its mapping and MTI features, which aircraft is generally going to be better for clear-weather close air support? Inclement weather?

sprstdlyscottsmn · by **sprstdlyscottsmn** » 08 Aug 2011, 15:42

Phantom is a bigger plane overall so it will be better off in payload, but it has thirsty engines so it will have to use up some of that payload for fuel. Also, a loaded F-16 is about as agile as a clean phantom, so evading missiles or rapidly turning into a ground target will be easier in the Viper.

discofishing · by **discofishing** » 08 Aug 2011, 19:35

How about we give the Viper CFTs, put the SABR AESA radar in the nose, upgrade the cockpit with full color moving map displays (heard some ANG units might actually have this) and call it a day. We have to think cost. As much as I'd love to see the Phantom back, it's not going to happen, even with all the OTS upgrades we could put in it. We don't have the money. America is fat, dumb and broke. Block 30 Vipers do a fine job with CAS as it stands now.