The Netz: Israel's Other Fighting Falcon

The Netz (נץ, or Hawk) is the dedicated Israeli export version of the feared F-16A Block 10 single-seat fighter aircraft. With its large plethora of both air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance options ranging from the mighty Python to the AGM-65B, it has a loadout for most situations you will come across at this BR. Additionally, its 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan autocannon is a force to be reckoned with, being able to shred any air target it faces with ease. Thanks to its agility and strong thrust-to-weight ratio, the Netz also shines in dogfights, able to hold energy well and out-turn many opponents.

Netz Variants

While being an F-16 in of itself, the Netz in War Thunder comes in 2 variants: one Tech Tree (TT) Variant, and one premium variant, being distinguished by the '(Mod)' abbreviation coming after the name of the premium variant. Although these 2 variants retain multiple similarities, some characteristic differences set them apart from each other.

Flight Model

Powerplant

Both Netz variants are equipped with the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 (also found on some F-15 variants), which provide the aircraft with a thrust to weight ratio of 1.04, and can push the Netz forward to speeds of Mach 2.05, although this quickly dwindles with heavy payloads. While this may not seem too powerful compared to other modern aircraft such as the F/A-18C Early (T/W Ratio 1.09), this amount of thrust still enables the Netz to fly vertically and still gain speed under optimal flight conditions.

Agility

Although it lacks a dedicated maneuver mode, the Netz is an excellent dogfighter, just like its American counterpart. Being able to outperform almost every vehicle it encounters (the few exceptions being aircraft such as the Japanese F-2A, Swedish JAS39A/C Gripen, and Chinese J-10A) in both one-circle, two-circle, and sustained dogfights, the Netz is not a foe you want to turnfight against. Additionally, it bleeds energy much slower than other high-tier jets, giving it the edge in prolonged dogfights. It goes without saying that it is advised to use this strength to its fullest, avoiding long-range BVR combat and sticking to close-range skirmishes.

Ordnance

The Netz comes with a wide variety of available loadouts, which you can tailor to suit your specific needs. However, it should be noted that a very significant downside to the Netz is the fact that it lacks any medium- or long-range radar missiles, essentially barring the Netz from BVR combat.

20mm M61A1 Vulcan

The 20 mm Vulcan 6-barrelled autocannon is the Netz’s primary armament. Like on most high-tier aircraft, it is located in the wing root of the Netz, allowing for easy, accurate shots. Being the standard-issue autocannon equipped on most modern American aircraft and their export variants, the Vulcan has proven to be a very reliable and versatile weapon. With its blisteringly high rate of fire (6000RPM), resistance to jamming, and many other factors, the Vulcan can easily be considered capable in its role as an air-to-air autocannon. In fact, it is capable of being used against lightly armoured ground targets with a respectable 40 mm of penetration.

Rockets

Both Netz variants come with one type of rocket: the FFAR Mighty Mouse. Although FFARs on their own are relatively small rockets, the combined strength of 114 of them is more than capable of destroying most ground and air targets, especially if you are firing from the rear or directly above, where tanks have minimal armor protection.

Unguided Bombs

The Netz can carry a wide variety of unguided 'dumb' bombs, which can serve various purposes: from base bombing to ground-pounding, it has you covered. These include 500 lb General Purpose Mk 82 bombs useful for wiping out individual targets, 2000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs for destroying clusters of tanks or capture points, and BLU-27/B incendiary bombs best utilized when destroying bases in Air Matches.

Air-to-Ground Missiles and Guided Bombs

The Netz can carry one type of Air-to-Ground missile; the AGM-65B Maverick, while the premium variant can also carry GBU-31 JDAM guided bombs with an impressive 200-second guidance time. Keep in mind that the Netz lacks a targeting pod, however, and therefore locking onto and launching munitions against ground targets will be a harder task than one might anticipate.

Air-to-Air Missiles

While the Netz is limited by the fact that it can only carry short range IR missiles, the IR missiles in hand are some very capable ones. While the AIM-9s are decent for the early grind, the Python 3 has an impressive 40G overload, a respectable top speed of Mach 3.5, and all-aspect capability. Although the Python 3 boasts a longer overall effective range (faster + better acceleration), under some circumstances the AIM-9L’s much longer guidance time gives it the edge.

Survivability and Avionics

Radar

Both Netz variants feature the AN/APG-66 radar, which is also found on its American counterpart. While not too flashy, it is equipped with a radar gunsight and has a respectable 60 km range, which gets the job done when radar slaving your IR AAMs. If paired with a capable pilot, one should have no problem tracking and scanning targets.

Armor

The Netz has absolutely no armor, so enemy aircraft can easily tear into your jet with some good timed shots. It’s advised that you try to avoid being shot in the first place.

Countermeasures

The Netz has access to a plentiful amount of countermeasures however, so in the event of an enemy missile coming your way, you’ll be able to defend yourself. If this fails, you can be lucky and survive some hits if the missile doesn’t damage any vital components that are critical for your flight, although the relatively small size of the Netz makes this a rather rare occurrence.

RWR (Radar Warning Receiver)

The Netz features an AN/ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver, which is similar to the AN/ALR-69 found on the standard American F-16A. Although it lacks radar bands C and D, it still features the respectable 70km range, 360° launch and threat detection with directional awareness, and identification of the radar lock stages system that the AN/ALR-69 features, making it a very potent RWR.

Tips and Tricks in Battle

Skirmishing

Loadout: 2x AIM-9L, 4x Python 3, 2x BLU-27/B incendiary bomb - Optional
Due to the lack of any medium- or long-range missiles, a well-known tactic in the Netz is to stick to the side of the map and take targets out one by one. After takeoff, slow the aircraft so you are a tad bit behind your teammates, but not too far away, as the Netz relies on team presence to draw attention away from itself. Fly to one side of the map, and clear any enemies you encounter there. If you did end up bringing the incendiaries, drop them on any remaining bases, and start picking off targets in the center of the map, always returning to the side once you get a kill or two to assess your situation and consider your next moves. Repeat this process until the match is over, and you should get a good amount of kills.

Boom-and-Zoom (P-47 Simulator)

Loadout: 2x AIM-9L, 4x Python 3

This tactic is pretty similar to the one above, but has a higher risk — and of course, a higher reward. Take off, and climb to a good 7000-10000 meters, while still maintaining some distance between yourself and the front lines. As you will have no terrain to protect you from radar missiles, make sure to dispense plenty of chaff at any lock or launch warning you receive, and turn 90° away from the radar source to notch against PD Radars. Like one might do in a P-47, use the great energy retention of the F-16 to your advantage. Drop down, sling a couple of Python 3s (or AIM-9Ls if the targets are farther away and you are directly above them), and climb back to altitude. Make sure your attack runs last no longer than 1 minute, though, as you will lose significant amounts of energy if the run continues any longer. Repeat this process until the end of the match, and you should get a high amount of kills.

Bomb Bus

Loadout: 4x Python 3, 13x Mk 82 500 lb Snakeye HDTFR Bombs

If you feel that the above tactics are not for you, you can always use the Netz as a 'Bomb Bus'. Work your way around the map while hugging the corners, and eliminate any aircraft that try to attack you with your Pythons — but refrain from deviating too far from your main objective of destroying bases, and avoid dogfights, as the bombs severely hamper the performance of the Netz. Once behind enemy lines, drop your bombs equally between whatever bases are left, and with your remaining missiles and Vulcan autocannon, engage in dogfights closer to the center of the map.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article!

Photo Sources:

All screenshots/photos are taken by me except the following:
Python 3 being launched: Tactician, youtube.com/watch? v=ln2SknzyygI
Netz Renderings: War Thunder, warthunder.com