F-16i

FI Soufa Storm is a modified variant of the FD block f-16i and 52 fighter and ground attack aircraft, f-16i, with the avionics and weapons systems capability modified to meet the requirements of the Israeli Air Force, f-16i. Israel ordered 50 FI aircraft in and signed the agreement for an optional additional 52 aircraft in F-16i The production programme, called Peace Marble V, is the fifth acquisition of Fs. The F16I made its maiden flight in December

Before landing on Israeli soil, one of the aircrafts performs a "touch and go" procedure, following the landing of both aircrafts for the first time at the IAF base in Ramon. The new aircraft is equipped with conformal fuel tanks CFT that extend its flight range and enhance its ability to stay in the air without compromising other flight performances, an APG V X synthetic aperture radar SAR which enables tracking ground targets at any weather, day or night, and avionic systems which were developed according to specific demands made by the IAF and the Israeli Defense Industries. These systems are upgradeable and designed with the possibility of being updated in the future. The two aircrafts began their long journey a total of 21 hours at the "Lockheed Martin" aeronautics company in Fort-Worth, Texas. The jets took off for a long flight to the halfway pit stop at the Azure Island west of Portugal. Following a few hours' leave on the ground, they continued on their way to Israel. The honored entourage attached the symbol of the Negev squadron to the aircraft's tails, thus making them an official part of the IAF.

F-16i

The details of the F variants, along with major modification programs and derivative designs significantly influenced by the F, are described below. The first YF was rolled out at Fort Worth on 13 December and accidentally accomplished its first flight on 21 January , followed by its scheduled "first flight" on 2 February The second prototype first flew on 9 March Over the years, these aircraft have been used as test demonstrators for a variety of research, development and modification study programs. Most were later upgraded to the Block 10 configuration in the early s. There were 94 Block 1, Block 5, and Block 10 aircraft produced. Block 1 is the early production model with the radome painted black. It was discovered that the Block 1 aircraft's black radome became an obvious visual identification cue at long range, so the color of the radome was changed to the low-visibility grey for Block 5 aircraft. During the operation of F Block 1, it was discovered that rainwater could accumulate in certain spots within the fuselage, so drainage holes were drilled in the forward fuselage and tail fin area for Block 5 aircraft. The Soviet Union significantly reduced the export of titanium during the late s, so the manufacturers of the F used aluminum instead wherever practical. New methods were also used: the corrugated aluminum is bolted to the epoxy surface for Block 10 aircraft, replacing the old method of aluminum honeycomb being glued to the epoxy surface used in earlier aircraft. Block 15 is the most numerous variant of the F, with produced. The last one was delivered in to Thailand.

Retrieved 13 December

The FI is different from any other F, including those of the U. Air Force. The celebration of its unveiling off the Lockheed Martin assembly line was held on November 14, Israel has ordered of the fighter jets and the first shipment is expected to arrive in Israel by February Israel also has an strong relationship with U.

In August of , the government of Israel announced plans to acquire 75 Fs. The first four Fs arrived in Israel in July The first Block 30 F arrived in October In May , a follow-on order was placed for 60 Block 40 Fs, plus an option for 15 more. The first of 50 surplus U. Delivery was completed in late This configuraiton was developed in November in response to Israeli preference for the FI Eagle. The FES featured additional fuel in one 1, liter US gallon; Imp gallon centerline tank and two wing tanks, each 2, litre US gallons; Imp gallons , as well as two conformal tanks.

F-16i

The FI is different from any other F, including those of the U. Air Force. The celebration of its unveiling off the Lockheed Martin assembly line was held on November 14, Israel has ordered of the fighter jets and the first shipment is expected to arrive in Israel by February Israel also has an strong relationship with U. According to John Bean, Lockheed Martin's Vice President of F programs, "This program illustrates the strong bond between Lockheed Martin and Israel; we hope to strengthen that relationship through our continuing commitment to this program. Shaul Mofaz , the Israeli Minister of Defense, was present at the unveiling ceremony.

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The aircraft were common with the regular Fs. CTV News. A mock dogfight ensued between the two sides, resulting in a midair collision [] between a Turkish F and a Greek F Unlike the YF, which had hydromechanical controls serving as a backup to the FBW, General Dynamics took the innovative step of eliminating mechanical linkages from the control stick and rudder pedals to the flight control surfaces. The CCV aircraft achieved its first flight on 16 March Fs began flying with these IPE engines in the early s. The radar provides autonomous, all-weather, stand-off precision weapon delivery. Archived from the original on 11 June Archived from the original on 29 January The celebration of its unveiling off the Lockheed Martin assembly line was held on November 14, One aircraft reportedly shot down four Syrian fighters in a single sortie. Count Says No".

Before landing on Israeli soil, one of the aircrafts performs a "touch and go" procedure, following the landing of both aircrafts for the first time at the IAF base in Ramon. The new aircraft is equipped with conformal fuel tanks CFT that extend its flight range and enhance its ability to stay in the air without compromising other flight performances, an APG V X synthetic aperture radar SAR which enables tracking ground targets at any weather, day or night, and avionic systems which were developed according to specific demands made by the IAF and the Israeli Defense Industries. These systems are upgradeable and designed with the possibility of being updated in the future.

I consent to Verdict Media Limited collecting my details provided via this form in accordance with Privacy Policy. Retrieved 28 April The 'Block 60' designation had also previously been set aside in for the A, but this model was dropped. Fin-root fairings on early FA's house the Rapport system. Archived from the original on 29 June Several components were supplied by Western companies. Archived from the original on 19 January Over the years, these aircraft have been used as test demonstrators for a variety of research, development and modification study programs. Widmer, Designer of Military Aircraft, Dies at 95". Main article: Lightweight Fighter program. Archived from the original on 6 August Aerospatiale SA M Gazelle.