F-16XL carrying a full complement: 2 wingtip AIM-9 Sidewinders, two underwing 370 gal tanks, 10 Mk.82 (5 lbs) on underwing stations, 2 on the centerline, and 4 semi-recessed Amraams [Photo by Erwin Boone]
Since no pic of F-16AT apparently exists in gallery, I'll just suggest here that such a modernized Viper variant, derived from the XL and perhaps designated as the EF-16XX, could be justified as a superior EW platform for USAF, filling the gap since EF-111's retirement.
With ALQ-218 on wing-tips, improved ALQ-99 High/Low variant, with better aerodynamics, AGM-88E, AMRAAM and CFT for range, it could be most formidable package in AF history.
Perhaps 70-80 could be justified to fill this role with potential to adapt the aircraft further for additional procurement, if F-35 for some reason does not recapitalize retiring squadrons as currently projected.
Posted by geogen on Wed 01 Oct 2008 08:56:43 AM CEST
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