Forum: F-16 Armament & Stores

I just noticed the picture on the front page with PAF's block 52 without CFT's. Are CFT's going to be installed later for the PAF or are they going without CFT's and relying on their new A-A refueling capability?

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Just because a Viper has the capability to use them doesn't mean they'll always be fitted. You may also notice that the aircraft shown does not have any weapon's pylons.

Yes the Block 52 has provisions for the 600 gallon drop tanks and conformal tanks. (Weapons pylons too) If/when the PAF decides to use the CFTs or 600 gal tanks is up to them.

TEG

Thanks TEG. However, my question wasn't whether one 'has' to go with CFT's or not. Rather whether anyone knows if PAF has chosen to go with them or if they're forgoing that option and placing more faith in the A-A refueling capability.

karachikid wrote:

Thanks TEG. However, my question wasn't whether one 'has' to go with CFT's or not. Rather whether anyone knows if PAF has chosen to go with them or if they're forgoing that option and placing more faith in the A-A refueling capability.

Like the US and all pre-Block 50+/52+? Pakistan is only the size of New Mexico and Texas combined. They've always managed with their existing Block 15s and 300 gal tanks.

I haven't heard about PAF's intent, but I know if they aren't 'needed' for the range, they're in the way to perform maintenance on the top of the jet.

TEG
(Via Blackberry)

karachikid wrote:

Thanks TEG. However, my question wasn't whether one 'has' to go with CFT's or not. Rather whether anyone knows if PAF has chosen to go with them or if they're forgoing that option and placing more faith in the A-A refueling capability.

Read the following article we posted. As part of the sundaries of the order, 36 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs) are included.

Details of the potential sale to Pakistan

Remember the order was halved, so guessing the numbers of pairs is dropped to match. Smile

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or are they going without CFT's and relying on their new A-A refueling capability?

It might be off-topic, but I don't really think IL-78s could refuel F-16s anyway, because IL-78s support Probe-and-Drogue refueling, so as far as I know, they could only refuel Mirages and Jf-17s and any other aircraft that supports Probe-and-Drogue refuelling. F-16s supports Boom-and-Receiver refueling , and IL-78 does not have Boom, or does it ?

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If/when the PAF decides to use the CFTs or 600 gal tanks is up to them.

So, how easy is it to install and remove the CFTs ? Like could CFTs be installed just for a single sortie and then removed for the next, like is it that easy ?

And I read in the news section, that they'll be arriving in June at PAF AB Shahbaz ( Jacobabad ), so does anyone know that whether they'll only be arriving there or they'll be stationed there as their home base ? Because Jacobabad only becomes operational during war times, and in peace time, it is not active. And like, they'll be forming a new squadron or will be a part of Griffin/Arrow ( 9th/11th ) Squadrons ?

Shahbaz as the new base and the formation of a new squadron.

Now the question is will the 'Tailchoppers' of 14 Sqn be re-activated as a F-16 squadron again or a will a new unit stand up?

But isn't 14th Squadron "Tailchoppers" already active operating F-7 and FT-7s ? But no matter what happens, atleast PAF will now have 3 viper squadrons, and that cool.

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So, how easy is it to install and remove the CFTs ? Like could CFTs be installed just for a single sortie and then removed for the next, like is it that easy ?

CFT's are not easily removed for just one sortie. A good crew chief with an assistant on my crew can reconfigure a jet to fly without CFT's in about a shift. CFT's come in four segments fwd and aft for each side. Then there are several brackets and plumbing as well as electrical harnesses for each side. I've said it before; CFT's are a pain in the a$$! If you're a crew chief don't ever wish for a viper with CFT's!! Big No No

Cfts will give Our F-16s Extended range for various kinds of sorties, hence even if we dont have re-fuelling capability for F-16s, it wont really matter.

we're getting 36pairs for 18jets, and will be getting another 24 for a follow-on order for 14jets approved by United States. That said these jets and our previous fleet of 42jets being upgraded to MLU, which i think will be to block-40 standard, will be modified with AA refuelling kits, hence if...we get the KC-135 Tanker, it'll be a plus, as our our block-15 jets wont support CFTS. Block 52s have A.A refuelling configuration even with CFTS.

BTW, i heard that PAF will be participating in REd-FLAG This year, any update on that??? cos 8 of our pilots on transition course in the U.S for block-52s have been directed to proceed for the excerise with 5of the new jets and 8pilots, along with support crew.

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cos 8 of our pilots on transition course in the U.S for block-52s have been directed to proceed for the excerise with 5of the new jets and 8pilots, along with support crew.

You sure on that ? So, what about the older vipers ? Like our older vipers won't participate ? Or they will too ?

pakviper wrote:

we're getting 36pairs for 18jets, and will be getting another 24 for a follow-on order for 14jets approved by United States

Errr. No. Your only getting 18 sets as your only getting 18 jets. The initial order was for 36 when double the number jets were ordered.

@asif .....thanks for the correction. 18 sets for these 18jets and another 14sets for a follow-on order of the same model, i.e block 50/52+.

@yasir, from what i've heard and read on various related websites, 6 of our brand new jets will directly participate in red-flag alaska and also green flag, this year.support staff and our pilots are already there. it'll be a great experience for our pilots, who've already proved themselves worthy in conflicts in the past and various other routine exercises on domestic and international level.

and will these jets be inducted in no.9, or no.11 squadron, or a seperate squadron is being formed for these brand new jets?

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and will these jets be inducted in no.9, or no.11 squadron, or a seperate squadron is being formed for these brand new jets?

Asif already stated:-

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Shahbaz as the new base and the formation of a new squadron.

Now the question is will the 'Tailchoppers' of 14 Sqn be re-activated as a F-16 squadron again or a will a new unit stand up?

But I believe that 14th Sq is already active operating F-7 and FT-7s at PAF Minhas (Kamra), so I guess, a new squadron will be formed but not sure about that, we'll have to wait.

Forum: F-16 Armament & Stores

CFT's on block 50/52 for PAF