Difference between revisions of "Netz"

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−
{{About
 
−
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| usage = other versions
 
−
| link = F-16 (Family)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=f_16a_block_10_iaf
 
|code=f_16a_block_10_iaf
Line 11: Line 6:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a supersonic, 4th generation fighter aircraft, produced by General Dynamics. The F-16 was produced for the USAF as a part of the Lightweight Fighter Program, and notably the early blocks such as the Block 10 did not carry the [[AIM-7 Sparrow (Family)|AIM-7 Sparrow]]; this is carried over to the Netz in Israeli service. Israel is notably the second largest user of the F-16 after the USAF, and also achieved the first air to air kills with it.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. Compared to the [[F-16A ADF|Block 15]] and [[F-16A MLU (China)|Block 20]], the Netz is lighter and is able to pull an extra 1-2 Gs, making it one of the best dogfighters in the game. Compared to the [[F-16A|Block 10]] in the US tree it has a massive advantage, as it possesses the extremely potent [[Python 3]], one of if not the most potent heat-seeking missiles in-game. In exchange it loses the [[GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|GBU-8 "Hobo"]] for ground support. This leaves it as one of the best dogfighters in high tier battles, with reasonable multirole capability for CAS as well.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 17: Line 14:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
The F-16A Netz is very strong in a dogfight due to its excellent TWR and energy retention, its highly manoeuvrable and can easily reach its top speed even when climbing. Its so good that you will often experience the effects of the G-limit, so when making a sharp turn keep that in mind.
+
The F-16A Netz is very strong in a dogfight due to its excellent TWR and energy retention, its highly manoeuvrable and can easily reach its top speed even when climbing.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 10,973 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 30: Line 27:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 2,103 || 2,037 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.2 || 262.9 || 250.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| ___ || 2,156 || __._ || 19.5 || __._ || 305.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
+
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
 
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* A choice between two presets:
+
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
−
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
+
* 60 x countermeasures
−
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
Line 148: Line 144:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
 
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
−
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16A.png]]</div>
+
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16A.png]]</div>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
 
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
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! 300 gal drop tanks
 
! 300 gal drop tanks
 
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
 
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! 370 gal drop tanks
 +
| || || || 1 || || 1 || || ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
 
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
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{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
−
* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
+
 
 +
* 2 x 370 gal drop tanks + 1 x 300 gal drop tank
 
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
Line 210: Line 210:
 
* 20 mm Vulcan cannon has high velocity and rate of fire
 
* 20 mm Vulcan cannon has high velocity and rate of fire
 
* Able to carry a drop tank to extend flight time
 
* Able to carry a drop tank to extend flight time
−
 
 
* Has access to a wide range to air-to-ground loadouts
 
* Has access to a wide range to air-to-ground loadouts
−
 
+
* Access to 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder or 6 x Python 3 missiles
−
* Access to 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
+
* Python 3 missiles are very potent IR-guided missiles
 
* Bubble canopy with excellent unobstructed 360° visibility gives great situational awareness in simulator mode
 
* Bubble canopy with excellent unobstructed 360° visibility gives great situational awareness in simulator mode
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Consumes fuel quickly
 
* Consumes fuel quickly
−
* G limit
+
* No radar-guided AAMs
−
 
+
* The AGM 65 B does not have access to a thermal camera, which limits its use due to weather conditions
−
* Cannot pull tight turns at high speed
 
−
* No radar guided AAMs
 
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
By the end of the 1970s, Israel had established itself as the dominant air force in the Levant, having achieved technological superiority over the Soviet-equipped Syrian army - the only adjacent threat remaining after the signing of the peace deal with Egypt. This was mainly thanks to the purchase of F-15s into the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in 1976, which provided both a defensive and offensive umbrella that could not be challenged effectively by the Syrians. Nevertheless, the IAF still had two critical issues with the F-15: its prohibitive cost, and its relative unsuitability for low-altitude bombing, interdiction, and dogfighting. As the pressure mounted to replace the ageing [[F-4E_Phantom_II_(Israel)|F-4E Phantom II]], [[Nesher]] and [[Kfir C.7]], the IAF finally decided to purchase General Dynamics's new F-16 multi-role jet.
+
By the end of the 1970s, Israel had established itself as the dominant air force in the Levant, having achieved technological superiority over the Soviet-equipped Syrian army - the only adjacent threat remaining after the signing of the peace deal with Egypt. This was mainly thanks to the purchase of F-15s into the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in 1976, which provided both a defensive and offensive umbrella that could not be challenged effectively by the Syrians. Nevertheless, the IAF still had two critical issues with the F-15: its prohibitive cost, and its relative unsuitability for low-altitude bombing, interdiction, and dogfighting. As the pressure mounted to replace the ageing [[Kurnass|F-4E Phantom II]], [[Nesher]] and [[Kfir C.7]], the IAF finally decided to purchase General Dynamics's new F-16 multi-role jet.
  
 
Israel received its first four F-16s on July 2nd, 1980 - a mix of F-16A and F-16B fighters (single-seat and two-seat, respectively) - with a total of 75 arriving by the end of 1981. These planes, mostly F-16As from production Block 10, were originally sold to Iran's Shah regime, a US ally since the 1950s; however in 1979 the Islamic Revolution deposed the Shah, marking a significant change in the balance of power in the region and solidifying Israel's status as one of the only remaining trustworthy US allies in the Middle East. Since the planes could no longer be delivered to Iran, they were instead sold to Israel.
 
Israel received its first four F-16s on July 2nd, 1980 - a mix of F-16A and F-16B fighters (single-seat and two-seat, respectively) - with a total of 75 arriving by the end of 1981. These planes, mostly F-16As from production Block 10, were originally sold to Iran's Shah regime, a US ally since the 1950s; however in 1979 the Islamic Revolution deposed the Shah, marking a significant change in the balance of power in the region and solidifying Israel's status as one of the only remaining trustworthy US allies in the Middle East. Since the planes could no longer be delivered to Iran, they were instead sold to Israel.

Revision as of 20:59, 23 March 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
Netz
f_16a_block_10_iaf.png
GarageImage Netz.jpg
ArtImage Netz.jpg
Netz
Israel flag.png Israel
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
13.0 13.0 13.0
Class:
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 080 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The F-16A Block 10 Netz is a supersonic, 4th generation fighter aircraft, produced by General Dynamics. The F-16 was produced for the USAF as a part of the Lightweight Fighter Program, and notably the early blocks such as the Block 10 did not carry the AIM-7 Sparrow; this is carried over to the Netz in Israeli service. Israel is notably the second largest user of the F-16 after the USAF, and also achieved the first air to air kills with it.

It was introduced in Update "Apex Predators". Compared to the Block 15 and Block 20, the Netz is lighter and is able to pull an extra 1-2 Gs, making it one of the best dogfighters in the game. Compared to the Block 10 in the US tree it has a massive advantage, as it possesses the extremely potent Python 3, one of if not the most potent heat-seeking missiles in-game. In exchange it loses the GBU-8 "Hobo" for ground support. This leaves it as one of the best dogfighters in high tier battles, with reasonable multirole capability for CAS as well.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 10 973 m2 156 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude15 240 m
EnginePratt & Whitney F100-PW-220
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight14 t

The F-16A Netz is very strong in a dogfight due to its excellent TWR and energy retention, its highly manoeuvrable and can easily reach its top speed even when climbing.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 10,973 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,103 2,037 15240 20.0 20.2 262.9 250.8 850
Upgraded ___ 2,156 __._ 19.5 __._ 305.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,555 482 N/A 470 463 ~10 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ___ < ___ < ___ N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 1 7,690 kg ___ kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel
1,470 kg Afterburning low-bypass turbofan 8,662 kg 9,913 kg 10,930 kg 16,849 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel MGW
Stationary 6,490 kgf 8,985 kgf 1.04 0.90 0.82 0.53
Optimal 7,434 kgf
(1,555 km/h) 		15,225 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		1.76 1.53 1.39 0.90

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear482 km/h

The F-16A Netz is not very armoured, so enemy aircraft can easily tear into your jet with some good timed shots. Its advised that you try to avoid being shot in the first place. The F-16A Netz has access to flares however so in the event of an enemy missile coming your way you'll be able to defend yourself, if not you can be lucky and survive some hits if the missile doesn't damage any vital components that are critical for your flight.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 148 → 4 388 Sl icon.png
RB9 094 → 12 677 Sl icon.png
SB10 725 → 14 950 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications304 000 Rp icon.png
468 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 080 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 320 / 490 % Sl icon.png
250 / 250 / 250 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
1 000 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-27/B
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9P
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-65B
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
1 000 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
Python 3
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
1 000 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) EEGS
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M61A1 (20 mm)

The Netz is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
  • 60 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Netz can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Hardpoints F-16A.png
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 3 3, 6 1 3, 6 3
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs 3 3, 6 1 3, 6 3
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1 1 1 1
BLU-27/B incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 57 57
AGM-65B missiles 1, 3 1, 3
AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
Python 3 missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
300 gal drop tanks 1
370 gal drop tanks 1 1
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
Default weapon presets
  • 2 x 370 gal drop tanks + 1 x 300 gal drop tank
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x Python 3 missiles
  • 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
  • 19 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,500 lb total)
  • 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
  • 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
  • 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 6 x AGM-65B missiles

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High power-to-weight ratio gives it an incredible acceleration
  • Highly manoeuvrable at lower speeds
  • 20 mm Vulcan cannon has high velocity and rate of fire
  • Able to carry a drop tank to extend flight time
  • Has access to a wide range to air-to-ground loadouts
  • Access to 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder or 6 x Python 3 missiles
  • Python 3 missiles are very potent IR-guided missiles
  • Bubble canopy with excellent unobstructed 360° visibility gives great situational awareness in simulator mode

Cons:

  • Consumes fuel quickly
  • No radar-guided AAMs
  • The AGM 65 B does not have access to a thermal camera, which limits its use due to weather conditions

History

By the end of the 1970s, Israel had established itself as the dominant air force in the Levant, having achieved technological superiority over the Soviet-equipped Syrian army - the only adjacent threat remaining after the signing of the peace deal with Egypt. This was mainly thanks to the purchase of F-15s into the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in 1976, which provided both a defensive and offensive umbrella that could not be challenged effectively by the Syrians. Nevertheless, the IAF still had two critical issues with the F-15: its prohibitive cost, and its relative unsuitability for low-altitude bombing, interdiction, and dogfighting. As the pressure mounted to replace the ageing F-4E Phantom II, Nesher and Kfir C.7, the IAF finally decided to purchase General Dynamics's new F-16 multi-role jet.

Israel received its first four F-16s on July 2nd, 1980 - a mix of F-16A and F-16B fighters (single-seat and two-seat, respectively) - with a total of 75 arriving by the end of 1981. These planes, mostly F-16As from production Block 10, were originally sold to Iran's Shah regime, a US ally since the 1950s; however in 1979 the Islamic Revolution deposed the Shah, marking a significant change in the balance of power in the region and solidifying Israel's status as one of the only remaining trustworthy US allies in the Middle East. Since the planes could no longer be delivered to Iran, they were instead sold to Israel.

The IAF named the model "Netz" (Hawk), making no distinction between the F-16A and B. Due to its amazing capabilities as a low-altitude fighter-bomber, the Netz effectively replaced all other IAF combat jets except for the F-15. By the late 1980s, the F-15 and F-16 together comprised nearly the entirety of the IAF's active combat jet force.

On April 28th, 1981, less than a year after its introduction into the IAF, Netz #126 codenamed "Magen" (Shield) made the world's first aerial kill by an F-16 when it shot down a Syrian Mi-8 over the Bekaa Valley in Syria. Only a few months after that, on June 7th, 1981, eight Netz F-16A/Bs comprised the attacking element in Operation Opera - the Israeli surprise attack on the Osirak nuclear facility near Baghdad, Iraq - in which the reactor was completely destroyed. All attacking fighters returned to base unharmed. The fact that Israel had concealed its preparations from the United States caused President Reagan to withhold the transfer of the final two dozen F-16s to Israel, but this decision was rescinded after only a short while.

One year later, on June 6th, 1982, Israel began "Operation Peace for the Galilee", later known as the First Lebanon War. A few days into the war, on June 9th through June 11th, Israel conducted "Operation Mole Cricket 19", a massive SEAD campaign that obliterated the entire Syrian air defense network along the Syrian border with Lebanon. Dozens of Netz F-16s participated in this attack as interceptors, fighting alongside F-15s to shoot down any Syrian jets scrambled against the wild weasels. By the end of the second day of this operation, Israel's Netz F-16s alone had shot down a total of 44 Syrian MiG-21s, MiG-23s and Su-22s - more than half the total number of enemy jets shot down during the battle - while suffering no losses in the process. This massive, one-sided air battle has become known as the "Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot".

One Netz in particular - Netz #107 codenamed "Sufa" (Storm) - distinguished itself in world history by becoming the jet with the highest number of aerial kills to this day. This F-16A was the second to bomb the Osirak reactor in 1981, and later shot down a total of 6 enemy aircraft (plus one "kill assist"), most of them during the Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot. Four of these kills were scored by Col. Eytan Stibbe during a single sortie on June 11th - the only F-16 pilot in the world to ever achieve this feat. Stibbe later became Israel's second-ever astronaut - the first Israeli to visit the International Space Station. Today, Netz #107 is on display at the Israeli Air Force Museum. Israel's advanced F-16I model line is named Sufa in honour of this plane.

Israel did at one point attempt to produce its own 4th-generation multi-role fighter to replace the F-16: the IAI Lavi. However pressure from the United States forced the project to be scuttled before production could begin. In compensation for torpedoing the project, the US agreed to provide Israel with 75 F-16C/Ds (codenamed "Barak" in Israel), which were delivered in 1987. Nevertheless, F-16A/Bs remained in IAF service for many years afterwards. In 1994, the United States compensated Israel for staying out of the First Iraq War by supplying it with another 50 surplus F-16A/Bs, most of them from the US National Guard and Air Force Reserves. Most F-16A/Bs in the IAF were eventually upgraded to F-16C/D standards. All Netz F-16A/Bs were retired from IAF service by around 2015.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links


General Dynamics Corporation
Jet Fighters  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
Strike Aircraft  F-111A · F-111F
Export  ▄F-16A ADF · ▄F-16A · ▄F-16AM · ␗F-16A MLU · F-16AJ · Netz · F-16D Barak II · F-16C Barak II
  F-111C
See also  SABCA

Israel jet aircraft
  Kfir Canard · Kfir C.2 · Kfir C.7 · Nesher
Britain 
Meteor  Meteor NF.13 · Meteor F.8
France 
Vautour  Vautour IIA · Vautour IIN
Super Mystere  Sambad · Sa'ar
Mirage III  Shahak
Other  M.D.450B Ouragan · Mystere IVA
USA 
F-84  F-84F
A-4  A-4H · A-4E Early (M) · A-4E · Ayit
F-4  Kurnass · Kurnass 2000
F-15  Baz · Baz Meshupar
F-16  Netz · F-16C Barak II · F-16D Barak II

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