Technical characteristics of the American fighter F 16. Airplane F16, fighter: photo, specifications, speed, analog. The history of the new version

BREO Tactical F-16 Fighter

Major A. Bobkov

The F-16C and D aircraft are currently the main US Air Force Tactical Fighters, so the American command pays great attention to increasing their combat efficiency through the equipping of modern onboard radio-electronic equipment (BDEO).

Seven modifications of the impulse-Doppler radar RRS AN / APG-68 (V) were developed - 1,2,3,5,7,8 and 9, which by the end of 2005, about 2,500 F-16C and D aircraft were equipped with 12 countries (see Table). In addition, in 2003, the developer of the AN / APG-68 station - the company "Northrop-Grumman" experienced a new RLS sample - AN / APG-80, equipped with AFAR.
The composition of the radar AN / APG-68 (V) of the modular design includes four interchangeable modules: a programmable signal processing device, a two-mode radio transmitter, a frequency modulator, headlights with mechanical scanning in two planes.
The programmable signal processing device includes a matrix processor that performs the function of digital
Signal work, and RLS control computer. The main differences of the new processor for processing signals from the previous one are increased 2 times the speed of data processing, 5 times reliability (time of operation for refusal of 300 h), as well as lower cost. Emm uses a block-oriented storage device with an arbitrary sample. At the moment, the possibility of a storage device with a volume of more than 2 MB is involved in the station half, which will allow to carry out further upgrades of software.
A two-mode radio transmitter can be used to detect targets in the far and near zones. This module consists of a dual-mode amplifier on a running wave lamps, a solid-state pulse modulator, a power supply, and also from a processor that provides a change in the carrier frequency, calibration and testing of equipment.
The radar transmitter operates in two basic modes: increased power with an average and low pulse repetition rate; reduced power with high pulse repetition frequency. The first mode is used to solve the tasks of detecting and maintaining air targets on medium-range, in the near combat and for the action on ground (surface) targets, as well as in the interests of navigation. The second provides the detection and maintenance of air targets on a large range, while the pulses with low power and high filling coefficient are used.
The frequency modulator allows you to increase the radar noise immunity and the range permission, including in the survey mode of the ground space, 8 times, as well as the speed of access to the received information. The station has a low level of lateral petals and a high gain coefficient.
In the process of detection of high-speed air purposes, it is initially scanned with a high frequency of repetition of pulses, and after detecting objects in the maintenance mode, the range is determined to it and the bearing, and the average pulse repetition frequency is used. In this mode, RLS can simultaneously accompany up to ten goals.
The radar has 25 modes of operation, which are divided into three groups: improved attackers, conquering superiority in the air, improved "air - air".
The AN / APG-80 radar is an export variant AN / APG-68 (V). In addition to the antenna, it replaced the cooling and power supply systems. The AN / APG-80 radar has an increased by 10 percent. The detection range of targets extended by 20 ° sector of the Azimuth and the corner of the place, and can also simultaneously accompany up to 20 goals. The station's noise immohardness is increased, the algorithms for detecting goals are added, the likelihood of false alarms has been reduced and increased to 500 hours of failure.
On tactical fighters F-16C and D, the following means of communication and data transmission: AN / ARC-164 (AN / URC-126) and AN / ARC-222 VHF radio station are installed; The terminal AN / URC-107 (V) of the system of communication system and distribution of Data "Jitids"; Classifying communication equipment (PC) KY-58; Multifunctional digital communication system and distribution of MIDS data; An / AIC-18/25 internal communication system.
An / ARC-164 radio station allows us to communicate using the pseudo-random restructuring of the operating frequency (PPPC) and at a fixed frequency. For both modes, a cryptustic closing of speech and data can be used using an additionally installed KY-58 "Winson" encoder. The change of cipher-keys is made both manually and remotely from the ground or from the air control. Pre-20 frequencies can be installed on this radar.
Currently, on the replacement of radio stations AN / ARC-164 options for "Hav Kvik-1 and -2" enters upgraded option, I received a military designation AN / URC-126 ("Hav Kvik-2A"), which allows you to provide high noise-resistant relationship through the use of the PPRC mode (the speed of changing the operating frequency of more than 500 jumps. / s). This mode provides protection against the effects of targeted and combined interferences created by promising interference stations that are managed by expert subsystems.

According to its dimensions and form, the AN / URC-126 radio station is practically comparable to the replaceable - AN / ARC-164, which eliminates the need for refinement when it is plane. However, it has great functionality due to additional modules and subsystems, such as: Subsystem for the formation of the PPRC regime; A VHF receiver with an auxiliary intermediate frequency for receiving circular messages; high-performance control processor (1.5 million operas / s); Corresponding unit for connecting the encoder; Built-in automatic control system, allowing 83-89 percent with a probability. Reselection and locate malfunctions.
An increase in the noise immunity of communication also contributes to the digital encoding of speech based on delta-modulation with continuously changing steepness. The transmission of the output digital stream in radiotelephony mode is carried out at a rate of 16 kbps with a frequency manipulation method with a relatively low modulation depth (0.5). As a result, up to 92 percent. The transmitted signal of the signal remains within the bandwidth of the frequency spectrum of 25 kHz. In this case, the probability of an error appeared does not exceed 10 percent, which corresponds to the intelligibility of speech no worse
80 percent. (permissible in the US Air Force). To transmit data, the probability of an error occurring equal to 10 percent is too high, so excessive noise-resistant encoding is used to increase noise immunity. Providing temporary synchronization of supporting radio station generators When working in PRDC mode, it is carried out by signals transmitted on board from land stations of a single time system or signals of the receiving device (PU) of the RRS NAVSTAR.
An / ARC-222 radio station operates in frequency bands 30-88 and 108-156 MHz. Compared to the previous one, the AN / ARC-186 -New station has an extended operating frequency range, has large functionality and provides a closed connection both when operating at fixed frequencies and in the PPRC mode. It is made on the modern technological level.
(based on microprocessors and bis), which allows you to reprogram the station and upload new software. Its design provides easy access to the connectors for connecting a variety of auxiliary equipment (data transfer equipment and plug.
The system of communication system and distribution of Data "Jitids" (Link-16) of class 2N, the An / URC-107 (V) terminal supports the "Tadil-J" transmission format and can serve up to 127 subscribers. The system operates in PPRC mode with encryption of the transmitted information.
This terminal has elevated power and data transfer rate. Structurally, it consists of a transceiver, processor block, strengthening
la power, cipher input devices (KGV-8) and remote control. For the operation of the AN / URC-107 (V) terminal, two antennas are installed on the aircraft (for Tankan and Jitids systems).
With this equipment for helicopters and tactical aviation aircraft in symbol and digital form are transmitted: information about the location and course of its and unidentified la; coordinates of navigation binding points on the flight route; Data on the target type (air, ground or surface), to which the fighter is guided; information about the dislocation of the electronic air defense tools, its military bases and landing airfields; Data on the dislocation of forces and means of the ground forces of their own enemy, as well as data on the line of combat contact of the troops.
In order to ensure the interaction of the Tactical F-16C and D fighters with the aircraft of the National Air Force and NATO countries, during joint operations on TVD, the MIDS-LWT terminals of a multifunctional digital communication system and allocation of MIDS data were established.
For used protocols of data exchange and modes, the MIDS system terminals are fully compatible with the American Djitids system. They operate in the range of frequencies of 960-1 215 MHz and provide a noise-resistant closed exchange of speech messages and data at a speed of up to 2 Mbps, including in order to solve navigation and identification tasks. The multiple-separation mode used in the system, the time separation mode of the channels provides simultaneous operation in one network up to 128 subscribers, and also allows each subscriber to work simultaneously in several similar networks.
The software synthesizes a visual tactical environment, which is displayed on the display and gives a complete idea of \u200b\u200bthe situation on TVD, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the load on the pilot and reduce the decision time.
The terminals of the MIDS-LWT system have a modular design and an open architecture (based on commercial standards and technologies), which makes it possible to reduce more than 2 times
Mass, 3 times - dimensions and cost, as well as increase functional reliability compared to the Terminals of the Jitids system.
An An / ARA-63 decoder is used when planting a tactical fighter to an aircraft carrier, when approaching which it interacts with the AN / SPN-41 shipment. It includes: radio reception, decoder and control panel. The operating range of the receiver frequency 14.69-15.51 GHz is divided into 20 channels.
On the F-16C and D aircraft for the US Air Force to determine the state affiliation of LA, the AN / APX-111 and -113 MK is used 12 of the state identification system "its own".
The main feature of this equipment was the placement of the requester / defendant and a computer in one block. In addition, low-profile multi-element headlamps installed on the fuselage are used as an antenna system, allowing electronic scanning of the rays of the ignition diagram (DN) of the antenna. The computer is performed on the basis of the processor 1750. According to the multiplex bus of data transmission of the standard 1553, it connects to the central compartment of the aircraft, which allows it to quickly program. The open architecture of hardware-software makes it possible to further upgrade them to ensure work in the NGIFF system. The cost of one set of equipment is 250-370 thousand dollars.
The onboard complex of individual protection of the Tactical F-16C and D fighters consists of a radar radar irradiation station, a machine shooting of false thermal targets (LTC) and dipole reflectors, as well as from interference formulation.
Currently, the A / ALR-69 (V) radar radar irradiation stations are replaced by AN / ALR-56M, which have a higher selectivity and detection of radio emission source (IRI). Both stations have similar specificationsCan detect and recognize sources of continuous, impulse and impulse-doppler radiation from all directions in the range of 0.3-20 GHz (it is possible to expand up to 40 GHz).
The pre-processing of the received signal (filtering and conversion to the frequency of the superheterodyne receiver) and the carrier frequency is allocated in the Iverage detection receivers, then it enters the input of the superheterodyne receiver consisting of a set of adaptive digital filters. The signal entering the pin antenna is enhanced in the receiver of the carrier frequency and also enters the input of the superheterodyne receiver, after which the signal is transformed and limited by amplitude transmitted to the controller where it is processed, digitization and determination of the carrier frequency by comparing with the memory available in memory. Library signals. Next, the signal is fed to the data processor to determine the frequency of the repetition and duration of pulses, the signal power level at the input of the receiver, time and direction of its arrival.
Pereleng and estimated range to Iry are displayed on the indicator located on the dashboard in the crew cockpit. Sound and light signals are served to prevent the pilot. If necessary, the station issues the command to the instrument of active interference or a shooting device of the dipole reflectors and LTZ (AN / ALE-47), connected via the data transmission bus of the standard 1553. The mass of about 40 kg, cost 250-400 thousand dollars (depending on from the configuration).
An / Ale-47 apparatus is used to create passive interference. It allows you to use four types of traps with 16 types of fillers. At the same time in each store can be installed up to five different cassettes. At the same time, one - four cassettes from each store. The readiness time of the machine to shoot them does not exceed 5 ms. The pilot can reprogram the equipment during the flight. The machine operates in four main modes: automatic - the received signal is compared with the database, and then the most efficient mode of operation and a set of cassettes are selected; semi-automatic - similar to automatic, but the decision to shoot the cassettes takes the pilot, manual - the crew chooses himself
The mode of operation of the automaton among the specified algorithms; Backup - the crew can reprogram the automatic machine.
The computing unit receives data on the position of LA and the type of missiles (IRI), on the basis of which the decision is made on the optimal shooting of the cassette.
To set the active interference on F-16C and D aircraft are set automatic stations Individual protection of the modular type AN / AlQ-131 (V). This station is located in a container separated by an inlet beam with fluoro-carbon cooling. It includes: a digital device for forming interference; COMPUTER; Broadband super-metrogenous receiver with PPRC, including a processor that performs the functions of signal identification and their priority sorting. Station performance check is carried out by the central integrated CITS system (CENTRAL INTEGRATED TEST SYSTEM), which detects the equipment failure to a removable module and disconnecting it if necessary.
Working together with the receiver of radar irradiation warning, the station is able to autonomously detect and put the active interference of IRI in the frequency range of 2-20 GHz on a previously specified algorithm that is introduced during pre-flight preparation for 15 minutes. EUM can form up to 48 different signals. The mass of the container is 300 kg, length is 2.8 m.
US Armed Forces purchased more than 1,000 containers worth $ 1.2 million. They are also purchased by eight countries for installing F-16C and D fighters.
Airplanes F-16C and D are equipped with a central computer GAC (General Avionics Computer) developed by Northrop-Grumman.
The Navigation Complex of the F-16C and D aircraft includes: the equipment of the tactical navigation system "Takan", an AN / ASN-139A inspection system based on a laser gyroscope, radio versioner, LN-93 / LN-100G system that performs the functions of the INS, and PU RRS Navstar; PNS Lantirn.
Currently, PNS LantIRN (cost of 4.1 million dollars) consists in service with most countries that bought F-16C and D fighters.
In 2001, the US Air Force command decided to gradually replace (until the 2015th) of the outdated Lantirn system with a new sighting system "Sniper XR" (Extended Range, developed by Lokhid-Martin specialists), which is designed to ensure the fighting of tactical aviation aircraft on the large altitudes and in complex meteo conditions.
The system allows the crew independently to search, detect, recognition and automatic support of land tactical purposes in passive mode for a distance of 15-20 km at any time of day, as well as the search and support of air targets. The third-generation laser makes it possible to restore high-precision managed weapons, including the latest series-J, and affect important land and sea goals (communication nodes, transport hubs, swallowed command items, warehouses, surface ships, etc.).
The main elements of the system, with the exception of the information display device, are installed in the suspended container under the fuselage of the aircraft. It contains: air conditioning system, providing optimal air parameters inside the container; electronic information processing units from heat and television cameras; Connecting device container equipment with an on-board digital electronic computing machine; The optoelectronic block in which the IR front view IR camera is located, operating in the wavelength range of 8-12 μm, television chamber on charged charges, laser rangefinder target designator and laser marker. The display located in the pilot cabin displays information coming from the television and infrared cameras in real time.
The main features of the Sniper XR system are the use of the newest algorithms for detecting and recognizing ground objects for the obtained two-dimensional image and stabilization of the optoelectronic base using promising technologies. These developments made it possible to increase the accuracy characteristics of the system more than 3 times compared to the currently used analogues.
To prevent mechanical damage to the optoelectronic and IR sensors in the front of the container, a sapphire glass is installed, which has high strength and is transparent to visible and infrared wavelength ranges.
The modular principle of installing equipment in the container made it possible to reduce the volume of equipment (almost 2 times with respect to LantIRN) and reduce its mass, as well as reduce the time for repair and maintenance of equipment.

In 2001, the manufacturer of the Sniper XR system company Lokhid-Martin signed a contract with the US Air Force worth 843 million dollars for the supply of 522 containers and spare devices to them. In July 2002, nine sets of export variant of this system were sold to Norway, which received the name "Panther" to accommodate the F-16 aircraft of the National Air Force.
To expand the capabilities of the F-16CJ aircraft for the suppression of the enemy radar, they provide a variant of installing a system for issuing a target designation
AGM-88B HARM HTS radar rocket (HARM TARGETING SYSTEM), located in the container. This system, developed by Rate-ON, is designed to detect, recognize IRI and issuing teams of targeting Ur HARM. To increase the accuracy of determining the location of the radio emission source, it is provided for sharing information received from the HTS system, as well as from the RC-135 and EA-6B aircraft. Mass of container 41 kg, length 1.4 m, diameter 0.2 m.
The main information display devices in the cabin F-16C and D tactical fighters are multifunctional displays and windshield indicator (ILS). In addition, aircraft are equipped with network display systems.
At the ILS for work in the dark, there is a raster mode of displaying data from the IR front viewer, as well as other information in the symbolic form. The lack of distortion on the indicator facilitates the pilot's task when attacking the target.
In the cabin of the F-16C aircraft there are two non-ferrous liquid crystal displays with a size of 10 x 10 cm with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels, reflecting: radar environment, armament composition, malfunction (left); tactical situation in a given area, aircraftsWith which communication is supported (right).
Installing on the aircraft on the JHMCS helmet system allows the pilot to issue the commands of the target designation of the "air - air" classes and air rockets when turning the head towards the target (located in the visibility zone) without the use of manual controls. Development of such a system was carried out specifically to ensure the possibility of applying managed rockets AIM-9X with Tactical Air Force and Navy fighters. It allows you to start a rocket for the target located in the review zone in azimuth ± 90 ° from the longitudinal axis of the rocket. With the help of the new system, the pilot can use weapons without changing the direction of the carrier flight. Projected (two LEDs) on transparent glass monoculatory trick
The sight makes it possible to perform a preliminary guidance of weapons. In addition, the operating parameters and information about the aircraft are projected on the glass. The angle of sight of the monocular lens (for the right eye) is 20 °. A monocular can be configured individually under the vision of each pilot by approaching 18 mm and removal by 16 mm lens relative to the initial position. The mass of the fault system is 1.82 kg, the time of operation for the refusal of 1,000 hours. The cost of one kit of the finding system of the JHMCS target designation developed by the Freighton company is 270 thousand dollars. Total until 2008 it is planned to purchase 833 sets. Ns.

Mig-29 Fulcrum against F-16 Viper

I flew more than 500 hours on MiG-29 and 2000 hours onF-16 (I also flew to F-15A / C and on F-5E ). The article below is an excerpt from my master's work on aerospace technology.

As a basis for this comparison, a modification is takenMiG-29A.( with the exception of the tanks that enjoy 200 kg more fuel, and the built-in Rab's equipment, MiG-29c is no different from the MiG-29A), as the mostmass. In partF-16.the modification of the F-16C Block 40 is taken. Although this is a more advanced and powerful version of the F-16C, it was produced and was used simultaneously with MiG-29.

MiG-29 mass with full combat load is approximately 17460 kg. This includes fully refilled inner fuel tanks, two rockets.AA-10A Aloamo,four rocketsAA-11 Archer,150 shells for 30 mm cannon and a central suspended fuel tank at 1500 liters. When each engine is 8437 kgf, it gives a degree of 0.97. With similar download in the configuration to combat air targetsF-16 Block 40 can carry four rockets AIM-120 Amraam with active radar guidance, Two rocketsAIM-9M with infrared guidance, 510 shells for 20 mm cannon and central suspended fuel tank at 1135 liters. In this case, its weight is 14350 kg. When driving the engine 13154 kgf TrialF-16.is 0.92. The reader must understand that these values \u200b\u200bof the tolderness are given for engines that are not installed on the aircraft. After installing the engine on the aircraft, its thrust is reduced, since the amount of air entering the engine through the air intake is reduced, compared with the engine installed on the test bench. Real values \u200b\u200bof the tolderness are very different from various sources. On average, for both fighters, they constitute about 1. In combat situation, the suspension fuel will certainly be reset to reduce the weight of the machine and aerodynamic resistance.

Speed

Both aircraft show excellent results in comparable configurations. MiG-29 has an advantage in speed at large altitudes with a 2.3m limitation. SpeedF-16.at high altitude, limited to the limit of 2.05m, but this limitation is mainly due to the design of the air intakes. MiG-29 has air intakes with a variable geometry to control the drum wave at the input and engine prevention from the impact of a supersonic flow.F-16.it has a simple air intake with a fixed geometry and an acute top edge, which is rendered as compared to the bottom edge. The shock wave is formed on the upper edge and prevents the flow transition within the air intake in the supersonic mode.

The maximum dash speed in the Earth is the same for both aircraft and is 1500 km / h. To achieve it, the suspension tank must be reset. The declared limit speed for suspended tanks is 1130 km / h or 1.6 m (1.5 m for MiG-29), depending on which is less. Experience has shown that MiG-29 will probably not be able to achieve this limit without dive.F-16 Block 40easily accelerates to 1480 km / h in horizontal flight. In this case, the engine thrust is enough to overclock the excess, as in test flightsF-16.accelerated to 1660 km / h. Speed \u200b\u200blimits the strength of the pilot cockpit. Heating due to friction about air at such speeds leads to the fact that the polycarbonate, from which the lantern is made, softened, and in the end it can collapse.

Maneuverability

Both MiG-29 andF-16.calculated for maximum overload 9g.Before developing a suspended fuel tank, the maximum overload for MiG-29 is limited to 4g,and forF-16 - 7 g.MiG-29 also at a speed of more than 0.85m maximum overload is limited to 7g,whileF-16.with empty (or discarded) suspended fuel tank has a limit 9g.regardless of the speed or number M. For MiG-29, this limitation is dictated by the strength of the vertical plumage. According to statements, MAPO MiG-29 can withstand overload up to 12g.without damage to the glider. This application is likely to give the desired for valid. German Luftwaffe, which operated MiG-29 in a very aggressive manner in terms of pilotage, collided with the formation of cracks at the base of the vertical plumage.F-16.can really exceed 9g.without damage to the glider. Depending on the configuration, instant overloads were allowed to 10.3g.

Control

Of all the four fighters, which I flew, MiG-29 has a worse control system. The hydraulic control system uses a combination of springs and pulleys to simulate changes in strength on controls at various speeds and flight heights. There is a system for increasing the stability that facilitates the management, but makes the reaction of the aircraft to the actions of the pilot too sluggish. In my opinion, when this system is disconnected, the fighter becomes more responsive. Unfortunately, it is allowed to do only for demonstration purposes, as it turns off the attack corner limit system. Efforts on the control knob are relatively small, but it requires a larger movement to obtain the required response. It only adds the fason to the aircraft. During the entire flight, the control handle twitches randomly in the range of approximately half. Flight to MiG-29 requires constant attention. If the pilot removes his hand from the throttle, it will most likely be left in the same place, and spontaneously move back, right up to the extreme position.

MiG-29 is relatively easy to fly during all flight stages, such as takeoff, a set of height, cruising flight and landing. However, the pilot must work hard to force the fighter to do what he wants. This is especially evident with aggressive maneuvering, flight in the ranks and when shooting from gun. For a successful shooting in the air, a very accurate aiming is required. The quality of control on the MiG-29 in no way limits the possibility of performing its tasks, but sharply increases the load on the pilot. On the other hand, digital control systemF-16.four-time reservation is extremely flexible, accurate and responsive on all flight modes.

MiG-29 has no vehicle system likeF-16.The trimming of the aircraft is the almost unattainable state of bliss on FulCrum. Trimming is very sensitive to changing the speed and thrust of the engines, and requires constant attention.

MiG-29 control system also includes an attack angle limiter that limits its value 26°. When the aircraft reaching the piston limit at the base of the control knob is pushed forward and reduce the angle of the attack by about 5 °. The limiter can be raised, but this requires an effort of 17 kg on the control knob. Although it is not so dangerous, and sometimes it can be useful in the tactical plan, it is necessary to remember that you do not need to try to roll the plane by the airone at the corner of the attack more26 °. In this case, it is better to control the roll with the help of the height steering, since the ailerons cause unwanted lying at large corners of the attack. W.F-16.angle limit Ataction26 ° limited electronics. Although the pilot cannot manually change this restriction, under certain conditions it can exceed it, while there is a risk of exiting the managed flight. In this flawF-16,but this is a margin of strength due to its insufficient longitudinal stability. Both aircraft have an upper limit of the attack angle of about 35 °.

Scenario Boy

Ultimately, the comparison of two fighters comes down to battle between them. After the Berlin Wall collapsed, the combined Germany got 24 MG-29 GDR Air Force. Capitalism lessons have not passed for a gift for MAPO-MIG (manufacturerFulCrum)which saw in this possibility directly compare MiG-29 with Western fighters during training and NATO exercises. MAPO quickly began to boil the fact that MiG-29 is betterF-15.andF-16.in training air battles. They argued that a combination of improved detection tools, weapons, as well as a small radar visibility allowed the world to exceed Western fighters. However, in the early period of operation, MiG-29 in NATO was the task of assessing its capabilities, and not to find out the results of real fights. Western press also quickly picked up this topic.

If MiG-29 andF-16C.face to face in air combat, their radars will be able to discover each other on comparable distances.F-16,armed AIM-120 Amraam will be able to shoot the first on the distance, more than twice the maximum starting distance for MiG-29. OneF-16.can accompany several goals at the same time. Radar MiG-29 does not give such an opportunity. If more than one participates in battleF-16,pilot MiG-29 will not be able to determine whether he captured the radar, and he can act only against one of the rivals. PilotF-16.already on the first pass can launch missilesAmraamfor several MiGAM and accompany rockets before activating their homing systems. It can disrupt the grip and leave, or continue rapprochement to visual contact to use rockets with infrared guidance and gun. The MiG-29 pilot must close with the enemy at a distance of about 24 km, with which he can apply his medium-range missiles.Aloamo - It is a rocket with a semi-active guidance, which must be accompanied before the target defeat. In fact, by that time, when MiG-29 becomes close to the enemy on the restoration of the startAloamo,remain a few seconds before his meeting withAmraam.Advantage on the sideF-16.

What if both pilots decide to fight in the near battle?F-16.must have an initial advantage, as it knows the exact height of FulCrum and it has a target mark on the ILS in addition to the visual review. MiG-29 engines strongly smoke, which facilitates its detection. Another advantageF-16 - Drop-shaped flashlight with a 360 ° overview. Ils Miga does not strongly help the pilot in detectionF-16,which also has a small size and smokeless engine. Pilot MiG-29 sits in the cockpit too low, and visibility in position between 4 and 7 hours is practically absent.

Charts showing a comparison of the real maneuverable characteristics of these aircraft are classified. However, experience shows that they have comparable initial reversal speeds. However, MiG-29 suffers from a higher rate of speed due to the larger inductive resistance of the glider when maneuvering with high overloads. PilotsF-16,flying against MiG-29 confirm thatF-16.able to support high values \u200b\u200blongerg.As a result, the advantage in turning speed goes into a positional advantageF-16.

Moreover,F-16.much easier to manage and more responsive at low speed. The maximum speed of the MiG-29 roll is 160 ° per second. At low speed, it decreases to 20 ° per second. In combination with the long progress of the control knob, this leads to the fact that FulCrum is very bad at low speeds. Maneuver to aim from the gun at low speed on it very difficult. For comparison, the speed of the rollF-16.at low speeds, make up a little more than 80 ° per second.

They wrote a lot and theorized about the so-called "Cobra" maneuver, which leads to the delight of the audience on the air show. In MAPO, they claimed that no Western Fighter was able to repeat it. They also argued that "Cobra" can be used to disrupt the accusation of the radar of the enemy fighter (as a result of a decrease in the RLS speed, cannot track the Doppler change in frequency) or for aiming. Western pilots will be happy to provide MiG-29 the opportunity to lose speed itself when performing this maneuver. The fact that this maneuver is prohibited in the flight manual, confirms that it is just a trick. Lambeth - the first American pilot who has received the opportunity to fly to MiG-29, said that even the pilot of thisFulcrumrecognized that the maneuver requires a specially prepared aircraft, and its execution in the system parts is prohibited.

Another maneuver, which was performed on MiG-29 during his demonstration in the West - the so-called "slip on the tail". The nose of the aircraft rises to the vertical, while the aircraft speed drops. FinallyFulcrumbegins to slide down on the tail until the nose is lowered to the horizontal position, and the plane continues a normal flight. Tips boasted that this maneuver demonstrates the reliability of the engines, since any western engine will start a jump with such a maneuver. The first maneuver that was demonstrated to me during training onF-15,there was a "gliding on the tail." The surge of the engines was not observed.

MiG-29 has its strengths. The pilot can raise the attack angle limiter. This is especially useful in vertical maneuvering or in the last desperate attempt to get an opponent or avoid hit. The Issign Issignment System and AA-11 Archer make MiG-29 deadly enemy in the near battle. AA-11 is much better than American AIM-9M. Only by turning the head, the pilot of the MIGA can bring Archer to the target. The only limitation is that the pilot actually does not know where the Archer head is induced. Therefore, it is impossible to determine, captured the rocket target, or a thermal trap, or any more hot spot on the background (Note: AIM-9X, which is armed with F-15C, and from 2007 and F-16, much better AA-11).

Using the combination of the headloped guidance system and the Archer rocket, MiG-29 pilots enjoyed victories in most educational battles one on one. In such a sterile environment, when aircraft from the very beginning are within visual visibility, MiG-29 has a great advantage. Not because it is maneuvering than F-16. Integration of weapons / sensors H The invalid guidance system and Archer is much simplified by the Pilot MiG-29 The use of missiles in the near battle. My only air battle one for one against MiG-29 (on something else than another MiG-29) was on F-16 Block 52 against German MiG-29 at Nellis Air Basket, Nevada. F-16 had an advantage in acceleration and maneuvering, in any situation.

MiG-29 gun is very accurate until the goal is trying to evade. In the case of a maneuvering target, great adjustments are required to catch it again. Given the inaccurate reaction of the aircraft on the actions of the pilot, the task is complicated. This is very important when using guns. Although FulCrum is equipped with a 30-mm gun, the initial speed of the shells is the same as in the 20-mm gun F-16. The effective shooting range from the MiG-29 is actually less than that of F-16, since 20 mm shells have better aerodynamics and lose less the speed.

If the battle lasts long enough, the MiG-29 turns out to be in a disadvantage. He must quickly destroy the enemy or find a way to get out of battle. The capacitance of the internal tanks MiG-29 is only 135 kg more than that of F-16, and the two engines consume fuel very quickly. There are no fuel flow meters in the cockpit. Using the clock and the fuel level sensor, you can measure that on complete forplesage MiG-29 consumes fuel at 3.5 - 4 times faster than F-16. My shortest military departure on the MiG-29 amounted to 16 minutes from the release of the brake to the landing.

No need to forget that fighters are not fighting in a vacuum. Comparison "One-on-One" is one, but the inclusion of other participants and situational awareness plays a large role. The lack of tools for obtaining information about the tactical situation in MiG-29 is becoming an increasingly important factor with an increase in the number of participants. airfought. Weak radar and ILS, poor cockpit ergonomics increase the load on the pilot and cause its poor environmental awareness. My experience shows that the results of air combat one on one within visual visibility is determined to a greater degree skill of the pilot than the quality of the aircraft.

In scenarios involving several aircraft, such as a standard four-four training mission, the advantage has the advantage that has better situational awareness. In such missions F-15 and F-16 are always superior to MiG-29. In such conditions, they have practically no possibility to use the potential of the combination of the sketch designation system and Archer. The design of MiG-29 was the result of a Soviet view on tactical aviation and reflected the level of technology available to their aviation industry. It was assumed that the pilot is not required to know the tactical situation. The main method of management was considered to guid from the ground. The work of the pilot was in concerning instructions. Even the data transmission system in MiG-29 was not intended to increase the situational awareness of the pilot. He just received the target parameters from the ground controller. If the connection with the controller was interrupted, its ability to act autonomously was very limited. Western pilots have all the necessary tools for making independent tactical solutions. The mission commander is the pilot. All others can help him, but not command them. If the pilot F-16 will lose touch with support tools, such as the E-3 aircraft, it has all the means necessary to complete the mission offline.

MiG-29 combat story speaks for himself. AmericanF-15.andF-16.they hit them whenever they met with them in battle (DutchF-16.he knocked MiG-29 during the Allied Force operation). The only famous "victories" MiG-29 took place during the Desert Storm surgery, when the Iraqi MiG-29 shot down his slave, and in Cuba - a victory was won over two "mighty" cessons. Were there else victory MiG-29? Only not NADF-15.orF-16.

The fourth-generation designed and built to combat American fighters, MiG-29 from the very beginning was technologically and conceptually flawed. He was afraid in the west until the collapse of the Soviet Union, although in fact he was only a gradual improvement in earlier Soviet fighters, which he came to replace. Its deficiencies indicate more than modest sales volumes compared with Western counterparts. German pilots flying to MiG-29 say that he looks good at the air show, but they would not want to fight on it. Advanced modifications, such as SMT and MiG-33? Definitely they are better, but did anyone bought at least one?

Crew.

.................................... 1 person.

Multipurpose fighter F-16.Tactic and specifications.

Speed, km / h

maximum at an altitude of about 10 km ...... 2 170.

maximum at an altitude of up to 3 km ......... .. 1 470

PHAKATING CEILING

M .................. .. 15 240

Right, km
Stepped ........................... .. 3 890
Actions ................................. 550-925
Mass, kg.
Maximum takeoff .................. .. 19 185
Pylish aircraft ......................... 8 625.
Maximum combat nappinka, kg ......... .. 5 420

Hubpace aircraft

M.
Pads kpyli ........................... 9,45
Long ................................. .. 14,52
Height .................................... 5.01
Engines:
TRDDF F-100-PW-229
or F-110-GE-129, kgf .................. 13 155

Designed to conquer superiority in the air, applying strikes for land targets and intelligence.
Work on the creation of an aircraft was carried out from the late 1960s. To 1975, the F-16 aircraft became the object of the so-called century contract by defeating in rivalry with the aircraft "Mirage", F-1E and "Wiggen". Several States of NATO members chose the F-16 aircraft as a receiver of the F-104G aircraft.

F-16 is a monooplan of the classic scheme, with an average wing and an engine in the tail part of the fuselage. It has an integral aerodynamic layout that is characterized by smooth conjugation of the fuselage and trapezoid-shaped in terms of the wing with a relatively small sweatshirt on the front edge. The smooth articulation of the wing and fuselage allowed us to provide the creation of an additional lifting force on small angle of attacks, reduce the wettability of the aircraft surface and increase the volume of internal fuel tanks.
This design allowed obtaining high flight-specifications in the range of 0.6-1.2m and at altitudes to 7000 m. Pressure and acceleration characteristics F-16 exceeds other aircraft of this class and has 1.5-2 times smaller reversal radius . Educational battles F-16 with aircraft T-38, F-100, F-104 and F-105 showed its superiority, and with F-15 - similar characteristics.

Created several modifications of the F-16 aircraft:

F-16A - Single Multipurpose Tactical Fighter

for action in a bright day of day;
F-16B is a double educational version of the F-16A aircraft;
F-16C is a single enhanced multi-purpose fighter;
F-16D is a double educational version of the F-16C aircraft;
F-16N and TF-16N - single and double versions of the conditional opponent aircraft built for the school of fighters of the US Navy "Top Gan";
F-16ADF - air defense aircraft for the US Air Force Guard;
RF-16C (F-16R) - Scout Airplane, designed to replace RF-4C aircraft.
Based on F-16 in Japan in 1987, a fighter-bomber FS-X (SX-3) was created.

Equipment includes: Doppler radar LVDinguz APG-68, 2 containers with EQ-131 rap system, wide-angle service. The F-16 aircraft is the first of foreign fighters with permanent EDSU (the presence of EDUs serves as one of the main signs of belonging to the fourth generation of aircraft) both analog (F-16A) and digital execution (F-16C).
Armament consists of one six-power gun M61-A-1 (caliber 20 mm, rapid firing 6000 SECTION. MIN, BEAUASE 511 ammunition), 2 UR AIM-9J / L "SIDERODER" or UR AIM-7 "SPERROU", BOMB MK.82 , MK.83, MK.84. The number of suspension nodes 9. It is assumed to install UR AIM-120. Maximum estimated battle weight of 5420 kg.
For the first time in combat conditions, the aircraft was used on June 7, 1981, when 8 F-16 Israeli Air Force was racing on the Iraqi Research Center in Ozirak (near Baghdad). F-16 aircraft were used in hostilities in the early 1980s.
against Libya, during the war in Afghanistan (from the Pakistani side), conflict in the Persian Gulf. The most common fourth-generation jet fighter is the basis of the Air Force of many of the 19 countries purchasing it.

This year, 45 years from the day of the first F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter flight ("Attacking Falcon"), which is the most massive fourth generation aircraft, which has passed 13 modifications. This is one of the most sought-after aircraft - it consists of 25 countries in the world. Of course, this is not an absolute record. Our MiG-21 on the mass of release bypassed the Americans almost three times, and was in service with more than 40 countries of the world.

However, the fame and demand of the F-16 could not affect the desire of the Command of the Indian Air Force, which refused to purchase a new modification - F-16 Block 70/72, shown at the exhibition "Aero India -2019" called F-21. Apparently, American marketers considered that such renaming will smooth all associations with Pakistani F-16, as well as zero all the information about the catastrophes of this aircraft.

Indeed, from the start of operation, 671 wreck F-16 Fighting Falcon was recorded, in which 208 pilots were killed and 98 people who were in the crash zones of this aircraft. Oddly strange it sounds - the most "distinguished" the American Air Force, which lost 286 aircraft. F-16 combat losses for all the time participation in local wars Among about 160 fighters.

Despite such statistics, the Americans continue to offer this aircraft already in the last modification and in parallel conduct work on the modernization of previous versions of fighters facing NATO forces to Block 70/72. Thus, the US Department of Defense concluded a contract for the amount of $ 996.8 million with Lockheed Martin to modernize 84 aircraft F-16 Greece Air Force from Block 50/52 Version to Block 70/72.

True, not everything goes smoothly. The latter case occurred in Bulgaria, where the President of the country Rumed Radev performing a contract worth $ 1,256 billion for the purchase of eight F-16 Block 70/72 due to the fact that in the text of the contract, warranties and post-warranty service were written. On the other hand, it is necessary to know the fact that the United States in every way was to meet Bulgaria, reducing the initial price of the contract for $ 417 million.

It would seem that a big discount and a profitable deal, but, apparently, Bulgarians lambered in that 157 million dollars for one F-16 block 70/72 with a complex of weapons - this is a "best acquisition", the more cheap F-35, which get Some NATO countries. But this is not the biggest price for this aircraft - In 2018, the US Department of Military Cooperation Agency (Defense Security Cooperation Agency) informed the US Congress on a possible contract with Slovakia, which will be sold 14 F-16V Block 70/72 Viper fighters for 2 , $ 91 billion, or 207 million dollars per set of delivery.

What is so good F-16 block 70/72, what is more expensive than the fifth generation aircraft? Let's figure out.

The latest modernization of Block 70/72 was carried out on the basis of an experimental sample F-16V (where V is Viper, Viper), which made its first flight in 2015. Basically, the modernization touched the electron-fighter electron electron - it received a new on-board radar with an active phased lattice - APG-83 (SABR), which can detect and identify targets in the air and on land at long-distance distances, as well as the on-board RES complex with interference setting systems, The objects of the target designation, the data transfer equipment for Link 16 and much more.

Naturally, such modernization did not affect the flight and technical characteristics of the aircraft, only a little increasing its combat qualities to use the standard for the F-16 of the armament complex, consisting of a controlled air-air missile (URVV) of the average range of Raytheon AIM-120C7 AMRAAM , Urvv low-range AIM-9X SIDEWINDER, controlled Aviation bombs GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II, GDU-39 SDB, GBU-54 Laser JDAM and GBU-38 JDAM. In addition, the delivery package of AN / AAQ-33 Sniper, providing more accurate attachment in the day and night of the day and night may be included in the delivery package. The suspension container and the "influx" on the fuselage change the EPR of the aircraft, but the Americans hope that the equipment of the RES and the interference station, located in these "implications", is more than compensated by this disadvantage.

"Electronic filling" BLOCK 70/72 VIPER by many foreign specialists is estimated as "almost identical" aircraft onboard electronics F-22 and F-35. The presence of a data command line according to the Link 16 standard indicates that F-16V aircraft will be able to exchange a real-time tactical information not only with fifth generation aircraft, but also with AWACS DRO and Patriot SPC complexes. Thanks to the onboard rab complexes, they will be able to increase their combat vitality in conditions of strong counteraction from air defense systems.

Currently, in service with 25 countries and the United States costs 4,400 F-16 fighters in various modifications. The re-equipment program to the Block 70/72 version and the sales of the new F-16V will give not only a great revenue to the American airflow, but will allow by 2030 to have 4 ++ generation aircraft, which in their "electronic fillings" will be close to aircraft Fifth generation F-22 and F-35.

Of course, such modernization, according to American analysts, should become an "unpleasant surprise" for those countries that do not fit into the standards of proper democracy and have the audacity to lead their sovereign policy. However, I did not accidentally emphasize that such modernization in no way affects the F-16 F-16, which remain unchanged since the 90s of the last century.

The fact is that Russian air defense complexes and Rabs, as well as the aircraft complexes of the 4 ++ generation, also did not stand in place, preparing for combat actions in conditions of strong opposition of air attack funds with the active support of air defense complexes and the Rab of the likely enemy. In the library of the goals of domestic SPC and VSA, the F-16 aircraft in all modifications is listed as a "standard target", and the newest Russian urvis is already "sharpened" for the hunt for such a goal in difficult conditions of radio-electronic counteraction. Moreover, the Indian MiG-21 "Bizon" (the third generation aircraft) in February of this year showed that this is also a "standard goal", when successfully hit the F-16 Pakistani Air Force.

Therefore, prospects for F-16V block 70/72 Viper financially rainbow, and in modern air combat conditions are quite predictable.

In the history of world aviation (especially combat) there are a lot of really legendary aircraft. Some of them, being created in times Cold Warwere and will be made for a long time. One of these aircraft is F16. This fighter is planned to produce more (at least) until 2017. This is one of the most numerous machines of the entire NATO block.

Main technical characteristics

• The composition of the crew is one pilot.
• Full glider length - 15.03 m.
• The total wingspan - 9.45 m (if rockets are suspended on the wing pilons, the scope is exactly 10 meters).
• The maximum height of the glider is 5.09 m.
• The total area of \u200b\u200bthe wing is 27.87 m².
• The size of the common chassis base is 4.0 m.
• King size - 2.36 m.
• The mass of an empty aircraft is within 9.5 tons. Variations are possible depending on the types and models of installed engines.
• Preliminary mass - from 12.5 to 14.5 tons. Dependence - as in the previous case.
• F16 fighter is 2 m at an altitude of 12,000 meters, and about 1.2 m near the ground.

How did his story begin?

The history of the aircraft begins in the mid-60s. After the failures in Vietnam, the Americans came to the conclusion that they vitally need a specialized lightweight fighter, who would allow to immediately conquer domination in the air. As part of this program, the F-15 model was promptly created, but it turned out to be unnecessarily complex and very expensive.

That is why in 1969, a program for creating a simple and cheap fighter was launched, capable of performing the functions of the interceptor in the conditions of simple meteorological conditions. The fact is that in those days, the main enemy of the United States Air Force was MiG-21, which was in service with not only the USSR itself, but also a number of other countries of the socialist bloc. Heavy and not too maneuverable F-15 was hard to fight with the yuriki "Mihas", and therefore urgently needed something to change.

Start creating a new aircraft

At the very beginning of 1972, the Air Force delivered the proposal to all the largest American aircraft industry. It was assumed that the state order would get a company that won the open tender. Soon there were only two real applicants for ordering. They were GENERAL DYNAMICS and NORTHROP. Two years later, they presented their experienced models, named F-16 and YF-17.

It was built according to the classic scheme, used one engine. YF-17 was doubled. The second car turned out to be good, but again, it was unnecessarily expensive and difficult in production. It is not surprising that F16 was chosen in the tender. The fighter was much easier, and the prospects of its mass mass production were much more real. However, the "loser" YF-17 was not forgotten. It was the developments for this project that the F / A-18 Hornet deck fighter was based on.

Substitution design

To reduce the overall cost of the design, the Pratt & Whitney F100 engines were used when designing the aircraft. They, by the way, were "borrowed" from the F-15 model. Chassis wheels The developers took from the Convair B-58 aircraft. However, you should not consider the new fighter by a collection of borrowing. In particular, the planer of the machine was absolutely new: it was developed from scratch, was designed according to a revolutionary unstable scheme.

From now on, the flight depended not only from the skill of the pilot, but also from the permanent work of the correctional systems, without which it was impossible to achieve the imputed behavior of the yard at dangerous angles. This is a cardinal difference F16. The fighter whose speed exceeds 2 m on pitch, in general, it is meaningless to try to align in manual mode. It is for this reason that the mechanical drive in the design is not fully, that for world aircraft construction in those years was revelation.

In general, the intended aircraft for extremely high speeds is provided for in everything. First, for pilots, a completely new anti-turn armchair was created, which helped a person to withstand acceleration to 9g. Not far from the handle of the steering wheel is a special focus for the hand of the pilot. The fact is that with the whole body of a person becomes much harder, and therefore it is simply physically can not keep limbs on weight.

Ergonomics attached great importance: all the necessary elements of control were in the zone of lightly reach and were very conveniently located. Due to this, the pilot was less tired when piloting, the presence of a second pilot in the cab was no longer required. However, there are still double modifications, but they are intended exclusively for training tasks.

First problems

For his time, a new plane was a real breakthrough. In particular, it has practically no mechanical connection of management aggregates with machine executing systems. It is for this reason that one incident happened. When the first experienced F16 (fighter) went to take off, he began to twitch and scour on the runway. Despite the anxiety of what is happening, the pilot still managed to dial the required speed and take off.

In the process of parsing the incident, it turned out that the reason for the inadequate behavior of the aircraft lies in an outdated system for the preparation of pilots when they were too dragging over the handle of the steering wheel. "Smart" electronics immediately passed this effort that was excessive, on the engines and steered, as a result of which the fighter began to "run" on the runway. When the circumstances of what happened turned out, in the United States immediately began to rewrite instructions for flight training and prepare new textbooks.

Note that F16 is unique in this respect. The fighter-analogue with domestic expanses, that is, MiG-29, requires a more complex system of teaching young pilots.

Modern state of affairs

Today, all produced "old people" F-16 not only remain in the ranks, but also prepare for full-scale upgrades. True, the prospects for this have not yet been determined. So, in 2014, Americans planned to make all their aircraft of this model to the F-16V level. The last letter in the index indicates Viper, "Vajuk". It is planned to add an active phased lattice, setting a more functional and powerful on-board computer. In addition, work was planned to improve the ergonomics of the pilot cockpit.

According to experts, almost any F16 can be upgraded to this version. The fighter after a set of work will be somewhat maneuverable and lively in a modern air combat.

But, as we have already noted, the prospects for this endeavor pretty foggy. It's all about a decent reduction of huge amounts spend on bringing to the "mind" model F-35, and with a park of new F-22 you need to do something. Most likely, modernized fighters will be exported, while in the US sky it is planned to dominate the newest F-35. In particular, the prospect of improving its aircraft has already shown the interest of many US allies on NATO.

How good is the F-16 in the sky?

A relatively meal F16 aircraft has a rare for Western machines degree of maneuverability, slightly yielding in this only domestic Su-27 and MiG-29. In many ways, this is due to the fact that this machine has become the first serial-produced fighter, in the design of which new computerized control systems were involved, ensuring the stability of the glider in all conditions, regardless of the actions of the pilot itself.

The impressions of the pilots

Almost all the pilots, who were first given the F16 plane, have experienced real pleasure from managing new equipment. The machine is characterized by excellent handling, the "volumetric" cab lamp in the form of a bubble provides an excellent review, and indicators that displays information right on the glass provide an opportunity to be aware of any changes in the state of the machine without being distracted by the study of instruments.

The American military especially liked the ease of learning young replenishment. So, if it took months to work on the ground targets on other aircraft, the F16 fighter F16 Falcon Required for this no more than two or three departures. The colossal volumes of fuel and time saved. The accuracy of bombing The new aircraft was such that pilots nicknamed aiming mark on the display of the "point of death". Despite this, he still had some problems, and not all of them were "cosmetic".

Operational problems

But the disadvantages of the new car are also available. First, both engineers and the military themselves, repeatedly noted that due to the design of the engine alone alone, its real combat vitality may be small. Israeli pilots escape on it. They are in width F-15. Having two engines, this car has repeatedly allowed the pilots to return to the base when one of them failed as a result of the Rockets of the PZRK.

Secondly, a lot of complaints causes too low the air intake. Because of this, the F16 fighter, whose technical characteristics are dealt with the article, needs very good airfields, cannot be operated in conditions of dust storms and from the ground runway.

Problems are observed with the landing. Many pilots on the "fighting" were transplanted with F-4. This plane was distinguished by considerable weight, and therefore sat tightly and reliably. But the fighter F16 (whose photo you will find in the article), with its small weight and one engine, when landing, even from experienced pilots, often begins to "goat", jumping through the strip. As a result, rapid wear chassis is happening than the service personnel is very dissatisfied, which is constantly changing tires.

Many pilots expressed complaints about the side arrangement of the handle of the steering wheel. Because of this, it was necessary to make changes to the design: added artificial backlash, thanks to which the handle was located as it were in the center. After that, the new F16 (fighter, whose characteristics are discussed in the article) became where "relatively" to the old generation of pilots, which are accustomed to the central location of the steering wheel.

The unprecedented openness of the testing of the new aircraft was still unable to identify all the disadvantages available in the design. So, at the very beginning of the 80s, it was suddenly that the famous "intelligent" automation sometimes gives catastrophic failures. As a result, several pilots died at once, who were completely lost control a few meters above the Earth, during complicated maneuvers.

Considering that on the first parties there was not the most impressive navigation equipment, the pilots were sadly called their aircraft "Sessons with rockets", pointing to the low reliability of the car, which did not exceed such for simple civilian equipment.

I had to add advanced protection against voltage jumps, as well as to embed additional batteries into the design, preventing the stress seed in some specific cases. Currently, almost all possible "childhood diseases" are already finally defeated, and the pilots are not experiencing any problems. Considering that among the operators - at least a dozen countries, it is safe to talk about the sufficiently high reliability of the F-16 and its good prospects in the field of further modernization.

"Practical use"

In April 1981, these aircraft participated in raids on the Camps of Palestinian Refugees, being as part of the Israeli Air Force. Already for the cone of the month, the F16 fighter was driven by a Russian aircraft (then Soviet), which was ruled by the Syrian pilot, and soon the Falkens were shot down by two Mi-8, belonged to the Syrian military contingent. Triumph, let's say, dubious, because to knock down a couple of transport helicopters, even without entering them into visual contact, it could even be a pilot, managing a much older machine.

In mid-July, a much more convincing victory was obsessed when the Israeli pilot shot down the Syrian MiG-21. In the first Lebanese war, five F-16 shot down the Syrians who flew by the MIGA-23 by that time. In general, the Israelis often used this aircraft as an attack aircraft. So, in the same 1981, they "gangster", without warnings and declarations of war, invaded the air space of Iraq and bombed the reactor Ozisk under Baghdad. The construction was completely destroyed, the loss fighter links did not have.

From 1986 to 1989, Pakistani pilots shot down a certain number of Afghan transport aircraft, helicopters (including one Mi-26), and also knocked out the Su-25 attack aircraft, which was piloted by Alexander Rutsky. "Draw" Is the old mig against F16? At that time, only MGI-21 could be in service with Afghans. In combination with the low skill of pilots, he could not confront new technique.

But all these are episodes in which new technique "Run through" American allies. Did they use this aircraft independently? Yes, it was.

Invasion to Panama and other episodes

But this episode is wondering with all wishes. Yes, during the invasion of Panama, a whole link of these fighters participated, but Panamans did not have aircraft at all, and therefore there were no cases of air fighting in that war.

But during precisely, the F-16 was the most mass coalition machine, performing at least 13,450 combat departures. In total, 249 units of equipment participated in those events. It is officially believed that then the Americans have lost about 11 aircraft with chopped, and five more - damaged. Do these figures of reality correspond - another question. In Iraq, then conqueried aviation remained, and the pilots were also.

Did you meet in battle F16 (fighter) against MiG-29, our faera analogue? Not. Pilots who had the opportunity to pilot both these cars estimate them equally. They have their own advantages and disadvantages, both aircraft perfectly hold the course and have excellent maneuverability. So it is not necessary to talk about some real superiority or lagging behind. In principle, our MIG, having two engines, in the event of a Rocket of the CRKK in one of them, has some chances of "docking" to their airfield. For F-16 damage or destruction of the motor will be fatal.