New IAF F-16i

[citizen-k]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1530000/images/_1531098_fsixteen300.jpg


The new F-16i with special Israeli technology installed will arrive next month... the last plane will be delivered sometime near 2008-2009.

The IAF bought 102 F-16i planes, with an aerial arsenal already including an estimated 250 F-16s, Israel has the largest fleet of of the aircraft outside of the US.

[citizen-k]

http://rotter.net/User_files/forum/3fb6786b7848386a.jpg

http://rotter.net/User_files/forum/3fb678797854a2eb.jpg

http://rotter.net/User_files/forum/3fb6788478802e9e.jpg

[96B]

Might I ask what is on the aircraft where the wings meet the fuselage?

[Uncle Chô]

Those are CFTs or Conformal Fuel Tanks.

This increase the internal fuel capacity without air refuelling. Since Israel does not need long range aircrafts (unless they decide overseas action in the future...) I bet this will permit more time over domestic targets.

A brand new features on the latest F-16 version. The IAF will be the very first airforce to use them on the Viper. The F-15E Strike Eagles use them for years but of a smaller size. It as been then retroffited to the air defence variant F-15C.

The other aircraft offering this option on export is the Rafale.

Surprisingly, it does affect the drag only by a small margin and the 2 tanks could be remove very easely.

[xyzzz]

this is prob. a very stupid question, but iv tryed to copy/paste pictures in to add, but they dont show up..so is there something im doing wrong or another way u must add the pics. so they show up..any help would be exctremely appreciated

[He219]

Those are CFTs or Conformal Fuel Tanks.

A brand new features on the latest F-16 version. The IAF will be the very first airforce to use them on the Viper. The F-15E Strike Eagles use them for years but of a smaller size. It as been then retroffited to the air defence variant F-15C.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5446

The first production F-16 CFTs were delivered to the Hellenic Air Force, advanced Block 52 F-16s, delivery taken late last year.

http://www.lmtas.com/gallery/products/combat_air/f16/f16_press/02/f16pr021104_lr.jpg
http://www.lmtas.com/news/programnews/combat_air/f16/f16_02/f16pr021104.html

;)

[Uncle Chô]

Those are CFTs or Conformal Fuel Tanks.

The IAF will be the very first airforce to use them on the Viper.

The first production F-16 CFTs were delivered to the Hellenic Air Force, advanced Block 52 F-16s, delivery taken late last year.
:oops: Missed that point because I haven't seen a picture from an operational HAF aircraft with CFTs yet. Only advertising digital images
Thank you for correcting it.

[IDFM203]

here is a few more pictures and some more detailes about this Israeli version of the F16.....

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_2.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_r.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_4.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_3.jpg


Israel has chosen the F-16 to be the backbone of its fighter fleet for the next 20 years or more. In early September 2001, Israel exercised an amendment to a January 2000 contract with Lockheed Martin to purchase an additional 52 F-16I-series aircraft on top of the 50 purchased in January 2000. The buy reinforced a trend in that has seen increased funding for power projection and strategic defense needs. The total price tag will be over $4 billion, of which Lockheed Martin's share is about $3 billion; the remaining billion dollars covering the cost of the avionics being supplied by Israeli firms.
Ehud Baraq, prime minister and foreign minister, approved the Israel Air Force's recommendation to procure some 50 F-16I's at a cost of $2.5 billion. In the second stage, Israel will buy another 60 aircraft at a cost of some $2 billion. The first planes are expected to reach Israel in early 2003.

The F-16I-series has a two-seat cockpit configuration with advanced avionic technologies, new weapons, and improved Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines and is similar to the F-16D model in service with the USAF. The aircraft are equipped with FLIR (forward-looking infrared) viewers, for target designation, and features increased external fuel capacity in conformal fuel tanks, increasing the aircraft range to 800 miles (1,500 km). These systems give the F-16s new combat capabilities including simultaneous, multi-target air-to-air intercept, standoff, all-weather precision strike and enhanced survivability against the most advanced threats. It is expected that the Israelis will equip the F-16s with the advanced RAFAEL Derby medium-range air-to-air missile and the RAFAEL Python-4 short-range air-to-air missile. The Derby is a radar-guided missile similar to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM. Advanced radar seeker performance enables the engagement of several targets from short ranges to beyond visual range. The Python-4, widely considered to be the finest heat-seeking missile in the world, is capable of engaging targets within a wider area than the current U.S. AIM-9 Sidewinder.


http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/F-16I.html

shalom :D

[AFACadet]

They may have got CFTs, but that not a picture of one. The 2 seat F-16s have that much larger spine on the back to put the avionics in. It makes up for the lost space due to the second seat.

[Uncle Chô]

They may have got CFTs, but that not a picture of one.

Yes it is.

The 2 seat F-16s have that much larger spine on the back to put the avionics in. It makes up for the lost space due to the second seat.
I think you mean the Barak (F-16D) like this one : http://idfmodelling.free.fr/ref_air_pictures/falcon/f16d_01.jpg

You will notice the difference with the bulbous CFT's equiped aircraft (an advertising photo from Lockheed) pictured here :
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_2.jpg

[perdurabo]

i've seen pics of MiG29 with CFT and Polish F16C/D will have CFT also

[IDFM203]

Just a added picture of the Israeli version of the F16.........

http://www.idf.il/idf_in_pictures/images/2003/november/dotz-13.11.03-11.jpg

shalom :D

[He219]

Nice view of the CFTs, idfm203!

This is a better pic of the Hellenic Air Force block 52 F-16 CFT delivered around March

http://www.lmtas.com/gallery/products/combat_air/f16/f16_press/03/f16pr030319_lr.jpg
Hi-Res (http://www.lmtas.com/gallery/products/combat_air/f16/f16_press/03/hires/f16pr030319_hr.tif)

The first production F-16 Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) were recently flown for the initial time on newly-produced F-16s. The CFTs provide significant increases in range, endurance and payload flexibility, with little to no effect on aircraft characteristics. The CFTs were flown on an Advanced Block 52 F-16C/D produced for Greece, the lead customer for the new F-16 version and tanks. The aircraft are shown in formation with the production tanks. The F-16D model has a rear cockpit configured for a weapon system operator and a dorsal compartment to house extra systems.




Inauguration Of the F16I:

http://www.lmtas.com/gallery/products/combat_air/f16/f16_press/03/thumbnails/f16pr031114_tn.jpg
Hi-Res (http://www.lmtas.com/gallery/products/combat_air/f16/f16_press/03/hires/f16pr031114_hr.tif)

Acceptance of the first F-16I for Israel was formally celebrated in ceremonies at Fort Worth, Texas, on Nov. 14. Dignitaries at the ceremony included Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz, Israel's Minister of Defense, and Brig. Gen. Elyezer Shkedy, Chief of Staff of the Israel Air Force. Israel will receive 102 of the two-seat F-16I aircraft through 2008. These F-16s also bear the name 'Soufa,' which is Hebrew for 'storm.'

This purchase program, called Peace Marble V, contains 102 two-seat aircraft and is the largest Israeli acquisition yet, raising the total number of IAF F-16s to 362. Among Lockheed Martin’s 24 F-16 customers, Israel’s Fighting Falcon fleet is second in number only to the United States Air Force. The program also involves a large military industrial cooperation program, providing $1.5 billion in offsets directly contributing to Israeli industry.

The F-16I is specially designed for Israel. Named the 'Soufa,'or 'storm' in Hebrew by the IAF, it will provide a key element of Israel's defense posture. It will incorporate the latest technology and capabilities in an air combat fighter, such as modern core avionics, color cockpits featuring moving maps, conformal fuel tanks and advanced electronic warfare displays. The APG- 68(V)9 multimode radar includes Synthetic Aperture Radar ground mapping capability.

The F-16I is powered by the Pratt and Whitney F100 Improved Performance Engine, with the capability to carry 52,000 lbs. in takeoff gross weight, the most ever for an F-16. It incorporates a dorsal equipment compartment and a fully missionized rear cockpit. Along with hosting the latest in electronic countermeasures equipment, the F-16I will be compatible with a wide variety of stores including day/night navigation and targeting pods, advanced air-to-air missiles, and precision 'smart'weapons.

http://www.lmaeronautics.com/news/programnews/combat_air/f16/f16_03/f16pr011114.html

What I really like is the Elbit DASH IV 'Look Down Shoot Down' Off-Boresight targeting system. More can be found here ..

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5446

[IDFM203]

I am happy you liked the pic he219 ;) :D ..........


here is a few more pictures and some more detailes about this Israeli version of the F16.....

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_2.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_r.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_4.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_3.jpg


Israel has chosen the F-16 to be the backbone of its fighter fleet for the next 20 years or more. In early September 2001, Israel exercised an amendment to a January 2000 contract with Lockheed Martin to purchase an additional 52 F-16I-series aircraft on top of the 50 purchased in January 2000. The buy reinforced a trend in that has seen increased funding for power projection and strategic defense needs. The total price tag will be over $4 billion, of which Lockheed Martin's share is about $3 billion; the remaining billion dollars covering the cost of the avionics being supplied by Israeli firms.
Ehud Baraq, prime minister and foreign minister, approved the Israel Air Force's recommendation to procure some 50 F-16I's at a cost of $2.5 billion. In the second stage, Israel will buy another 60 aircraft at a cost of some $2 billion. The first planes are expected to reach Israel in early 2003.

The F-16I-series has a two-seat cockpit configuration with advanced avionic technologies, new weapons, and improved Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines and is similar to the F-16D model in service with the USAF. The aircraft are equipped with FLIR (forward-looking infrared) viewers, for target designation, and features increased external fuel capacity in conformal fuel tanks, increasing the aircraft range to 800 miles (1,500 km). These systems give the F-16s new combat capabilities including simultaneous, multi-target air-to-air intercept, standoff, all-weather precision strike and enhanced survivability against the most advanced threats. It is expected that the Israelis will equip the F-16s with the advanced RAFAEL Derby medium-range air-to-air missile and the RAFAEL Python-4 short-range air-to-air missile. The Derby is a radar-guided missile similar to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM. Advanced radar seeker performance enables the engagement of several targets from short ranges to beyond visual range. The Python-4, widely considered to be the finest heat-seeking missile in the world, is capable of engaging targets within a wider area than the current U.S. AIM-9 Sidewinder.


http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/F-16I.html

shalom :DJust a bit of a correction here. The above quote was taken a little while ago and as such I believe it is a bit outdated for the new Israeli version of the F16 is going to be equipped with the new Israeli Python 5 and not the Python 4. The Python 5 is believed to be the best air-to-air missile in the world today and is more advanced then its predecessor, the Python 4.

here is a couple of pics of the new Python 5 missle.....

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/python5.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/python5_b.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/python5_pdf2.jpg

Rafael has introduced Python 5, the latest member of the Python air-to-air missile family.
Python 5 is a fifth generation air-to-air missile that provides the pilot engaging an enemy aircraft with a full sphere launch capability. The missile can be launched from very short to beyond the visual range with greater probability of kill, excellent resistance to countermeasures, irrespective of evasive target manoeuvre or deployment of countermeasures.

Python 5 is an innovative combination of advanced new technologies and the operationally proven Python 4 components. The missile incorporates a new dual waveband imaging seeker, advanced computer architecture, INS, sophisticated IRCCM and flight control algorithms. The Python 5 maintains Python 4 unique aerodynamic airframe, INS, powerful rocket motor, warhead and proximity fuze.

Python 5’s revolutionary full sphere capability is achieved by the lock-on-after-launch combined with excellent acquisition and tracking capability. Its dual waveband Focal Plane Array (FPA) seeker and sophisticated algorithms enable acquisition of even small, low signature targets at Look-Down, adverse background and clouds environments.

Developmental and operational testing has already been carried out including extensive captive carry evaluation tests and free flight homing tests.

The Python 5 IR Air-to-Air missile compliments the EO Derby Medium Range Air-to-Air missile; together they offer superior war fighting capability to ensure air superiority for pilots in the 21 century.


The Python 5 is believed to have an improved seeker, motor and better immunity to countermeasures than its predecessor the Python 4. Israeli sources say the missile has immunity against the full spectrum of countermeasures.

The Python 5 has a range of more than 20km, and can cruise at Mach 4 with no loss of manoeuvrability, say the sources. The missile is understood to be equipped with a "super-kill" warhead weighing more than 11kg.


Weight: 103.6 Kg
Length: 3096mm
Wing span: 640mm
Diameter: 160mm

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/missile_systems/air_missiles/python/Python5.html

shalom :D

[One?]

16 IAF Fighters flew over lebanon today.....let me guess are you guys testing the F16's? :roll:

[IDFM203]

16 IAF Fighters flew over lebanon today.....let me guess are you guys testing the F16's? :roll: are you again making up stuff :roll: (if not then I apologise for this post)

I mean I didn’t hear anything about this on the news.

I mean believe me, the world media has a microscope on anything that Israel does and if Israel did this or even if an Israeli soldier sneezed, it will be reported, that you can be sure on!!

Shalom :D

[One?]

They dont report these things on the media anymore. Israeli planes flying over lebanese airspace never stopped since 30 years. The navy also enters lebanese waters on weekly basis if not daily.

They report these things to the UN but no one does anything so it became a routine.


I assumed they were testing the new F16 or they are doing some sort of training. Well the IDF announced that they were doing training on the northern front so who knows.


PS: I dont make up stuff :(


Salam :D

[IDFM203]

They dont report these things on the media anymore. that’s not true at all. They report every time that Israel crosses over.
Again, if a Israeli soldier sneezes, that gets reported.


Israeli planes flying over lebanese airspace never stopped since 30 years. The navy also enters lebanese waters on weekly basis if not daily. yes and constant shooting’s from Lebanon and rockets attacks from Lebanon and daily terrorist infiltration attempts and arms smuggling infiltration attempts never stopped as well. Those Israeli actions are only in response and are for defence.

Plus, neither the Israeli navy nor the air force enter Lebanon’s air or water territory often. To say they do it daily or often is false.


I assumed they were testing the new F16 or they are doing some sort of training. ok before you said definitively Israeli F16’s, well how do you know that they were F16’s??

Secondly how do you know that Israeli planes flew into Lebanon today???


Well the IDF announced that they were doing training on the northern front so who knows. yes training happens on the northern FRONT and not in Lebanon. Training is done only in Israel and does not cross over into Lebanon.


PS: I dont make up stuff :( well sorry there for your post does seem a bit made up :( (as i pointed out)



Salam :D shalom :D

[One?]

The rockets fly at IDF outposts on lebanese soil not at civilians. ;)


Anyways I couldn't find you an article in English. The Lebanese Army reported the intrusion and sent it off to the UN.

I found a link in Arabic. Al Mustaqbal newspaper:

http://www.almustaqbal.com/stories.aspx?StoryID=39137

Get someone who reads arab to translate it for you.

-----------------------------



The United Nations Concerned Over Blue Line Violations



Beirut, 03 February 2003 (UN Information Centre) - The following statement is attributable to Staffan de Mistura, Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Southern Lebanon:

The United Nations is deeply concerned that air violations by Israel across the Blue Line are continuing to take place and, in fact, seem to have increased in the past few days.

Reports indicate that these overflights have taken place in various regions of Lebanon, sometimes at low altitude and over populated areas. On several occasions these led to sonic booms.

According to UNIFIL, yesterday there were 6 aerial violations of the Blue Line. In addition, it appears that the pattern of avoiding direct flights over UNIFIL's area of operation and entering Lebanese airspace further north is also continuing.

There have also been reports of anti-aircraft fire emanating from Lebanon and directed across the Blue Line.

The aerial violations and the response to them create a potential for escalation in an already very tense regional situation.

Just recently, on 30 January 2003, the Security Council adopted resolution 1461 and in it expressed great concern about the "serious breaches and the air, sea and land violations of the withdrawal line and urged the parties to put an end to these violations."

The United Nations again calls on all parties to refrain from all further violations, cautions them that such actions serve only to heighten tension and reiterates that one violation does not justify another

http://www.escwa.org.lb/information/press/un/2003/feb/3_2.html


Search the UN website there should be a report on Israeli violations of lebanese water and airspace.

Salam :D

[UoUo]

FFS big ****ing deal...we flew over lebanon....
And what the hizbllah doing in return ? shoot anti air craft shells....that landing in an israeli city (and killed 16 years child..few weeks ago).

****ing terrosits.

[tenda]

........great airplane great nation.......... woot

[IDFM203]

“one”
Listen once again you made a comment that took a nversation off topic so I will just respond lightly to a few things and then try to get this thread back to topic.

First, besides one Arab site that has the credibility of <insert your opinion here, for I am sure it varies amongst the members> most of the worlds media did not report anything as they usually do. I mean I have this feeling that even if an Israeli plane flies next to the border, they report it.

Secondly, again how did you know it was an F16????

As for violations, we can bring links and quotes all day, the point is that hetballh has violated even according to the biased UN Israeli sovereignty by shelling Israeli towns and villages which are a violation.

As for military outposts, well I didn’t realise that you now consider kiryat Shemono and other Israeli towns and villages as military outposts, for they have been constantly shelled in the past 30 years. I mean just last august, a 16 year old Israeli boy was killed by fire from hetballha

Anyways in an attempt to get back on topic.

So politics aside, what do you think pf this new F16???

Here is a couple of more pics…….

http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16i_r.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16I_6.jpg
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/f-16i/f-16I_5.jpg

shalom :D

[Brandon]

That is one fantastic looking piece of machinery!!!!

[Shake n Bake]

SWEET!!!

[ArmoredDov_D9]

This is gonna be one green mean machine! :P

With the Israeli installed avionics and electronic systems, along with the Israeli pods and Python 4&5 ATAGM it will dominate the middeterenian sky.

Better watch out, terrorists scums!

[IDFM203]

This is gonna be one green mean machine! :P

With the Israeli installed avionics and electronic systems, along with the Israeli pods and Python 4&5 ATAGM it will dominate the middeterenian sky.
You forgot to mention to most important and vital component that truly makes this jet a unique and awesome military weapon…………the Israeli pilot!!! :D


P.S. please check you PM for I sent you another PM and also I think you need to fix your settings for it seems that you are not aware that you get PM’s in the first place.

Shalom :D

[One?]

To all those who flamed me in a thread a couple of days ago calling me a liar and making up stories for saying "16 IAF fighters intruded lebanese airspace".


Well below is an Israeli website claiming that IAF sources said 30-40 Fighter-Bombers.


Sunday, November 16. DEBKAfile’s military sources reveal exclusively that 30-40 Israeli fighter-bombers zipped through the length and breadth of Lebanon – from the northern regions and Tripoli, across to the Lebanese-Syrian border, the Beqaa Valley and Syrian bases, through Djebel Druze in the center, to Beirut and down to the south. The aircraft made low passes in quartets, buzzing key points. There was no response from the ground.

http://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=677

[IDFM203]

To all those who flamed me in a thread a couple of days ago calling me a liar and making up stories for saying "16 IAF fighters intruded lebanese airspace". I did not flame you nor did I call you a liar. I just questioned the accuracy of your assertions about that day.

Secondly you said 16 planes well how do you know it was that number?!?

Oh and the article down below says more but hey even they too I question how they knew that number.


Well below is an Israeli website claiming that IAF sources said 30-40 Fighter-Bombers.

Sunday, November 16. DEBKAfile’s military sources reveal exclusively that 30-40 Israeli fighter-bombers zipped through the length and breadth of Lebanon – from the northern regions and Tripoli, across to the Lebanese-Syrian border, the Beqaa Valley and Syrian bases, through Djebel Druze in the center, to Beirut and down to the south. The aircraft made low passes in quartets, buzzing key points. There was no response from the ground.

http://www.debka.com/article.php?aid=677 ok debka is vary controversial website and some say they are the all knowing truth and others say they are not.

The fact that you used it now tells me that you respect that site and it thus allows me to use them as a source in our future conversations (something which I was hesitant to do before on other occasions)


But hey now that you brought that website......

I agree with their assertions (as you most now as well considering that it is your source)

This was meant as a message to Lebanons occupiers the Syrians. This was a warning to Syria that if they continue to help out terrorist organisations in the west bank and gaza as well as with hetballh and their attacks, well they will see more of Jewish pilots flying over ASSads place in attacking targtes in syria.

Shalom :D

[One?]

I found the website by mistake I was searching for something else and I found the article so I posted it because you asked for an Israeli source.

I said 16 because the Lebanese Army reigsiterd 16 planes.


I dont know what DEBKA is. All I know is that it had the article in hebrew....

Salam :D

[IDFM203]

Debka is a site that has supposed links to the mossad and other intelligence agencies.

besides their reporting and analysis they make a lot of predictions before things that some have come true and some haven’t

That’s why I said before." ok debka is vary controversial website and some say they are the all knowing truth and others say they are not.”

Again most of the worlds press did not report any such thing when they normally do.

But hey you brought this Debka site so that is a source that I can now add as a credible source in our future discussions :D

Shalom :D

[IDFM203]

Just a few more pics (and a few computer models as well :D )and more information about this new Israeli version of the F16I...............

JANE'S DEFENCE WEEKLY

Israeli companies are providing a large number of key aircraft systems, including: satellite communications equipment from Elta Electronics; core avionics equipment and the DASH IV helmet-mounted cueing system from Elbit Systems; an integrated tactical video datalink provided by Israel Aircraft Industries; and further communications equipment from Rafael. The F-16I's electronic countermeasures equipment is also Israeli-sourced: its radar warning, internal jamming and missile warning systems are all produced by Elisra; and its chaff and flare dispensing system by ROKAR. RADA will supply the aircraft's ground debriefing station.
http://www.f-16.net/PhotoGallery/album08/abv.sized.jpg
http://www.f-16.net/PhotoGallery/album08/aat.jpg
http://www.f-16.net/PhotoGallery/album08/aas.sized.jpg
http://www.f-16.net/PhotoGallery/album08/abw.sized.jpg
http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/idf-af_f-16i_253_front_port.jpg
http://delivery.*****images.com/comp/2734098.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=9812E4C4C13C7A9DC22C3E6221FE432B
http://delivery.*****images.com/comp/2726641.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=E2399169AC85D6DE098DB2A057A39FDBC774EB9A7DBD0F10
http://www.dfw.com/images/dfw/startelegram/news/814850-285615.jpg
http://www.dfw.com/images/dfw/startelegram/news/814850-285620.jpg

A few production pics

http://f-16.net/modules/PNphpBB2/files/1.jpg
http://www.f-16.net/PhotoGallery/album08/abz.jpg
http://www.f-16.net/PhotoGallery/album08/aca.jpg
http://www.f-16.net/PhotoGallery/album08/aby.jpg
http://www.f-16.net/PhotoGallery/album08/abx.jpg

shalom :D

[cut]

http://www.f-16.net/PhotoGallery/album08/abz.jpg

look! I can see R2-D2

[tony6]

Yeah-sweet
but how much will American tax payer have to pay for that?

[Javehn]

Hahaha :lol: :lol: :lol:
Us tax payers contributes a lot of money to Hell knows what , and hell knows where , and you found that worth bitching about ?? Or even better , do you know how much tax money spend's for a certain purpose , and after that even more money get's spended to contradict this same purpose ?
For a little example , do you know a little fellow called Sadam (yes , him ) ? Guess who's tax money finansed his ass on war against Humeini rejime in 80's ? Yea , you guessed !
Or , another example , during 1980 to 1990 , when Soviet army was involved in fighting at Aphganistan , guess again , who paid the Mujadahadin nice dollars to get some serios weapons (Except Opium on Marijuana money ) , and who paid for presence of CIA operatives there ? You guessed right , again !
after 13 years ...

By the way , Israel's Geographic and geopolitic position makes it to us important strategic base that can influence up to Africa south ,To "Arab peninsula" or part of Asia east , and so on . It's most valuable asset to U.S. in the region , along with Turkey .

[wholagun]

Why does the F 16 have those bumps on its sides, other F 16s don't. Is that extra fuel storage?

Kinda look like love handles. :)

[REMOV]

Why does the F 16 have those bumps on its sides, other F 16s don't. Is that extra fuel storage?Yes. There are called conformal fuel tanks (CFT).

[wholagun]

Why does the F 16 have those bumps on its sides, other F 16s don't. Is that extra fuel storage?Yes. There are called conformal fuel tanks (CFT).

Remov why didn't our Polish F16s included that, I though we bought the newest F16s on the market.

[REMOV]

Remov why didn't our Polish F16s included that, I though we bought the newest F16s on the market.This is just an option. Poland can buy it later. And our mission is to defend our country not to bomb - for instance - Iraqi Nuclear Facilities ;)

BTW - not only F-16s has got such type of fuel tanks, also French Rafaele B or F-15C/D.

http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/rafale/images/rafale_9.jpg

http://www.air-and-space.com/200002%20Red%20Flag/f-15e%20a%20l.jpg

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/f-15e-dfst9105466.jpg

[wholagun]

Had I read the post fully i would've seen that my question was answered. :|

[Blues]

Hey again guys.. just got a question how come that the israeli got all this great high tech stuff.. OK its all based on US made high tech but how can israel afford to upgrade and invent all this new high tech weapons all the time..Becouse as i see it and what i know israel seem to have the best weapon in the world and almoust all is made in "israel"

[S'13]

Hey again guys.. just got a question how come that the israeli got all this great high tech stuff.. OK its all based on US made high tech but how can israel afford to upgrade and invent all this new high tech weapons all the time..Becouse as i see it and what i know israel seem to have the best weapon in the world and almoust all is made in "israel"

First of all it's not "all based on U.S made high tech".
You ask how come Israel has very advanced and high tech weapons and weapon systems?
If you look at the Gulf states you will see that they have a lot of oil and if you look at South Africa you will see that they have a lot of diamonds, these natural resources are there most important assets. Israel's most important asset is human resources, it is these human resources which make Israel's weapons industries one of the best in the world.

[Blues]

True never realy thought of it..But then they are like the 3rd biggest weapon exporters But what i meent frome the start is where did they get all the scientist and all the money to develope all the weapons..Becouse doing that cost money and u realy need skilled people..Think its a good question that should have its own topic :)

[tony6]

wholagun:
as far as I know our (Polish) F-16c WILL BE equipped with CFTs.

[Blues]

F-16 rules.. Crap that sweden bought SAAB aircraft instead.. And the worst is that no one want to buy SAAB JAS lol.. worst investment in history..

[wholagun]

F-16 rules.. Crap that sweden bought SAAB aircraft instead.. And the worst is that no one want to buy SAAB JAS lol.. worst investment in history..

Really, I heard that in Poland there was a huge devate over the political decision to purchase the f16 not the SABB JAS. I heard JAS was better then the F16s, better maneuverablilty and more hi tech.

[Blues]

More high tech.. maybe..I seen SAAB JAS fly in 2 airshows and the F16 was at one of them and it was clearly better but might been the pilot

SAAB JAS is surely a good airplane but for sweden it was a bad investment.. What do we need this high tech plane..When the F16 surely works and is battletested.. The SAAB JAS aint battested and stuff like that.. If i could chose i wouldn't buy it not if i could get 2 F16 on one SAAB JAS or better.. And then i heard or i know that the SAAB JAS cant use American amram missiles becouse sweden decised to use Ericsson avionics..but i heard that it could use it but i doubth it..

[Blues]

And about selling the SAAB JAS.. south africa was going to buy the plane but SAAB and the swedish goverment bribed the south african goverment to buy the damn plane and now south africa claim that the SAAB JAS had to much flaws that the swedish needed to bribe them to even consider buying the crap..just as i know i can be wrong tho..

just my thoughts..

[S'13]

True never realy thought of it..But then they are like the 3rd biggest weapon exporters But what i meent frome the start is where did they get all the scientist and all the money to develope all the weapons..Becouse doing that cost money and u realy need skilled people..Think its a good question that should have its own topic :)

A lot of Israel's scientist and engineers are Jewish immigrants from all over the world, this has been so ever since Israel's establishment and even before then. You can see this especially now after the fall of Soviet Union when many Russian Jews are finally allowed to emigrate to Israel. Since then over one million Russian Jews have emigrated, many of them doctors, scientist and engineers. I am sure many of them had worked with the Soviet military in the field of manufacturing weapons and brought a lot of knowledge and experience.
Of course many native Israelis study to be engineers and scientist, most of them study in Israel's Technion (The Technion - Israel Institute of Technology is a university in Haifa, Israel. Founded in 1924, it is the oldest university in Israel. The Technion focuses on Science and Engineering, but architecture and medicine are also taught.) and the Wiezman Institute.
You have to remember that the IDF has a lot of experience with weapons on the battlefield and because of this Israeli weapons are suited to the IDF's needs and are built after many lessons were made at the cost of Israeli lifes.
The funding comes from the Israeli government and many times the U.S helps with the funding since it has a lot to gain from many of the weapons been developed by Israel.