F-16 Fighting Falcon News

October 22, 2000 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The IRIS-T short-range air to-air missile has successfully completed its first air launches from a F-16. The firing trials were performed on October 17, 20 and 23 from an F-16 of the Hellenic Air Force at the NAMFI range in Crete.
The IRIS-T separation test launch focused on evaluating the missile separation characteristics from the aircraft under predetermined flight conditions. The test objectives were achieved, leading to clearance for the follow-up trials being given immediately.

The development of IRIS-T is on schedule and will last until the middle of 2002. Deliveries of pilot production missiles will start in 2002 and the first series of production missiles will follow in 2002/2003.

IRIS-T is developed jointly by a six-nation consortium under the leadership of the Gemen BWB (Procurement Agency), with BGT acting as prime contractor.