Indonesia analiza el F-16 Block 70/72

F-16 Block 70/72 Viper, Indonesian Target Combat Jet with Advanced Technology

F-16 Block 70/72 Viper for Indonesia (image: Lockheed Martin)

TRIBUNNEWS.COM - 11 units of the acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-35 Super Flanker TNI AU are underway.

Although the latest news on the procurement of the Su-35 was rather 'bribery', it seemed that the procurement of air superiority fighter jets was still running.

The Su-35 is projected to be a Heavy Fighter, aka a combatant of the Indonesian Air Force, if the Medium Fighter class is a different choice.

Quoted from the National Interest, Wednesday (2/1) Lockheed Martin as the developer of the F-16, some time ago has released an image in which they offered the F-16 Block 70/72 Viper for the Indonesian Air Force.

It is natural that Indonesia is targeting this fighter jet because of the large population of F-16s and being the backbone of the Indonesian Air Force.


Cockpit F-16 Viper (photo: US Embassy)

So what's so special about this Viper F-16?

It could be said that Lockheed Martin transplanted several systems from the fifth generation USAF, F-22 and F-35 fighter jets to the F-16 Viper.

An example is the Northrop Grumman APG-83 Active Array Radar radar to F-16 which is also used by F-22 and F-35.

APG-83 Active Array Radar can track 20 targets simultaneously, a capability that is rarely owned by generation 4.5 aircraft.

This radar can also produce a synthetic radar aperture map of 1ft resolution and has a larger range of 160 nautical miles against ground targets.

The F-16 Viper also has a new sophisticated electronic warfare system.


Radar AESA F-16 (photo: Northrop Grumman)

In addition, the F-16 Viper also has a modern cockpit with a new Pedestal Center (CPD) display that provides tactical imagery on a high resolution 6 x 8 screen.

The pilot will also be equipped with a Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System II (JHMCS II), which makes it easy to lock the target and shoot it with Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder rual.

On the design line, the F-16 Viper has a stronger skeletal structure than the normal F-16 so that it increases the lifespan of the aircraft to 12,000 flight hours.

For weapons business, it is certain that the F-16 Viper can carry all types of missiles made by Uncle Sam's country.

"Lockheed Martin has more than 36 years of experience with weapons integration with the F-16," said Susan Ouzts, vice president of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Program.

"Lockheed Martin has certified more than 3,300 configurations of more than 180 types of weapons."


 
F-16V version equipped with IRST (photo: F16net)

"Our experience as weapons integrators has enabled the F-16 to become one of the most versatile multi-function fighter jets ever," Susan added.

While the Bahraini Air Force has signed a contract worth 1.12 billion US dollars to procure 16 units of the Viper F-16.

The country will be the first user of the Viper F-16 in the world.

Indonesia is reportedly also interested in acquiring 48 Viper F-16 units worth US $ 4.5 billion.

But that is only limited interest. Until now there is no clarity about whether or not Indonesia to buy the Viper F-16.


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