Difference between revisions of "F-16A MLU (China)"

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(Adding the description and history of Blk. 20s)
(changed this in Pros and cons because it the countermeasure amount has been reduced to 60 in game)
 
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{{About
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| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = F-16 (Family)
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=f_16a_block_20_mlu
 
|code=f_16a_block_20_mlu
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== 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.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ; also known as F-16 Block 20, is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', also known as the F-16 Block 20, was the cornerstone of the ROCAF before they were upgraded in the 2020s. The introduction of the F-16 to the ROCAF can be traced back to the late 1990s. After Dassault sold a wing of Mirage 2000-5Ei to the ROCAF to counter the menacing PLAAF with more advanced fighter jets, the US also agreed to supply some F-16s. These jets were approved while the F-16C was the standard variant of the F-16 family so, having to comply with the treaties between Mainland China and US regarding not providing US-equivalent equipment, F-16A/B Block 20s were delivered. As one of the most advanced jets of the era, F-16 Block 20s served as the cornerstone of ROCAF, both in their initial form and after being upgraded to the latest F-16V standards against the ongoing PLAAF patrols.
  
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The hybrid version between F-16A Block 15 MLU and the airframe of F-16C exclusively for ROCAF; this variant of F-16 provided the long-awaited, reliable multirole fighter featuringa pulse-doppler AN/APG-66 radar as well as sporting some of the latest AAMs in-game. For players who need both interception and ground-attacking capabilities, the Mavericks and LDGP bombs onboard will also make sure ground targets will have a bad day.  
+
Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]], the F-16A MLU is a hybrid version between the F-16A Block 15 MLU and the airframe of the F-16C exclusively for the ROCAF; this F-16 provides a long-awaited, reliable multirole fighter featuring a pulse-Doppler AN/APG-66 radar as well as sporting some of the latest AAMs in-game. For players who need both interception and ground-attacking capabilities, the Mavericks and LDGP bombs onboard will also make light work of any ground targets.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{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.'' -->
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''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
Instead of [[F-16A|Block 10]] or [[F-16A ADF|Block 15 ADF]], in ROCAF's case, their F-16A MLU (Block 20) has major differences in terms of thrust and appearance: to tell a Block 20 and others apart, there are two parts to differentiate- IFF antenna and the tail; while Block 10 has no antenna and ADF has the "bird-slicer" antenna, MLU received  AN/APX-113 IFF with a rounded antenna. The tail in this case also received a drogue chute for highway strip operations. Other than that, the MLU performs mostly identically to its counterparts with slightly less military thrust. The F-16s are known to be one of the most manoeuvrable jets with their impressive engine thrust and design features for dogfights. In most cases, jets that are an era behind the F-16 will very likely having a hard time biting onto the tail of F-16, since their relatively light weight does help in dogfights and acceleration. The F-16 is also the first mass-produced fighter to use FBW (Fly-by-wire)
  
 
{| 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)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 2,093 || 2,063 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.3 || 20.6 || 252.7 || 240.3 || rowspan="2" | 850
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 2,198 || 2,146 || 19.3 || 19.8 || 340.7 || 295.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| 1,555 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
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| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
+
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
−
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
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| colspan="2" | 7,990 kg || colspan="2" | 403 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
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|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
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! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
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| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
−
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 8,962 kg || 10,213 kg || 11,230 kg || 16,048 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
−
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
+
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
+
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel || MGW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 6,490 kgf || 8,985 kgf
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.00 || 0.88 || 0.80 || 0.56
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 7,434 kgf<br>(1,555 km/h) || 15,225 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 1.70 || 1.49 || 1.36 || 0.95
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
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''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
Other than the airframe and alloy skins, the F-16 MLU has no extra protection for pilot or critical equipment. While the jet has equipment like self-sealing fuel tanks and EFS for the engine, if the engine does suffer from a fire, due to only having a single engine, it will still have lesser chance to make it back to the airfield.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
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! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 +
|-
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! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
 +
|-
 +
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
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* A choice between two presets:
+
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
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** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
+
* 60 x countermeasures
−
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 90 x countermeasures
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
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<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.' -->
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<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
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''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! 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="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16A.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
 +
| || || 3 || 3 || || 3 || 3 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
 +
| || || 3 || 3 || || 3 || 3 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
 +
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
 +
| || || 1 || || || || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! 300 gal drop tanks
 +
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! 370 gal drop tanks
 +
| || || || 1 || || 1 || || ||
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 370 gal drop tanks + 1 x 300 gal drop tank
 +
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
 +
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 2 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
 +
* 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 12 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (6,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
 +
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
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''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).''
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Thanks to its late introduction in 1998, the F-16A MLU has the strengths from both the baseline A series and ADF, where players could utilize the jet both for intensive air-defense operations and makeshift ground attacker.
 +
 
 +
'''Air: The Falcon'''
 +
 
 +
For players who were frustrated from the inferior radar performance of [[J-8B]] or [[J-7E]], the F-16A MLU brings new AN/APG-66 radar to the table. This also marks the introduction of the long awaited PD-capable radar and all-aspect IR AAMs for the Chinese tech tree. The later blocks of F-16A were upgraded with access with radar-guided missiles while the baseline models already has at most 6 IR AAMs for disposal; in terms of air-to-air operations, the jet itself performs exactly like ADFs with very similar engine thrust (albeit slightly lower in military thrust). In terms of AAMs, as mentioned there are at most 6 of them in either full-IR AAM or 4 IR AAMs+ 2 SARH AAMs loadouts. If players want to gain situational awareness to enemy jets, the AN/APG-66 won't disappoint players with its long detection range and being a pulse-Doppler radar, jets even at lower altitude will be visible to the radar. Make sure to check the radar and RWR in regular basis for best efficiency, bringing AIM-7M for high-altitude targets at front aspect is always a good option for extra XP or at least forcing these targets to lower altitude; while full IR AAM loadout can make sure MLU has the chance to take down careless targets given the missile tracks onto the jet itself instead of their flares (both AIM-9P and 9L are susceptible to flares).
 +
 
 +
While bringing some bombs for extra XP and credit is viable, only make sure to use them when the skies is mostly cleared out; if any enemies come into play, it's better jettison the bomb pylons for good, more bombs or payloads means lesser chance to win a dogfight.
 +
 
 +
'''Ground: Jack-of-all-trades'''
 +
 
 +
The introduction of the F-16A MLU means the Chinese tech tree finally has the upper-hand in terms of being a support fighter. While the F-16A has no radar-guided missiles at all and the F-16A ADF trades all its ground-attacking ordnance for better interception capability, the MLU has access to both types of weapons. If players found previous top-tier jets of PLAAF/ROCAF are less capable for either interception or ground attack missions, or if the SPAAs are less than desirable, this will be a great alternative to all these aforementioned flawed vehicles; while there are up to 12 bombs at disposal, for overall safety of the jet itself, options for 6 AGM-65Bs are also available as well where these missiles are still effective on taking out ground vehicles via its TV search camera. Using the custom loadouts can also means it can takes six 500 lbs, six AGM-65Bs for ground-attacking while leaving the 2 pairs of outer-board pylons for IR AAMs; after taking out high-value ground targets from altitude using the aforementioned air-to-ground ordnance, this leaves its capability to also send enemy attackers or rotorcraft straight back to their hanger, 4 x AIM-9L also can make sure careless attackers will have lesser chance to evade the missiles when they are too concentrated on ground-attacking, while the AIM-7M can be used to take out high-altitude targets or force them to quit attacking for their own survival. Do also beware either missiles SPAAs or enemy missiles from aircraft though, leave the battlefield if the tides have turned to get the best of the jet.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->'''Pros:'''
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Equipped with both SARH missiles and air-to-ground weapons, unlike most counterparts in different nations
 +
* Radar has TWS unlike early F-16 variants
 +
* Impressive payload for interception missions with up to 6 x AAMs
 +
* Impressive manoeuvrability at almost all speeds
 +
* Equipped with a drogue chute for shorter landing distance
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Rather small 20 mm ammunition count
 +
* Engine consumes jet fuels at high rate when afterburning, will run out of fuel relatively quickly without drop tanks
 +
* Lacks IRST sensor for target acquisition
 +
* Not equipped with guided bombs for safer ground attacking approach
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
Dated back to 1980s, there were plans to buy '''F-16/79''' ''(equipped with J79 engine and worse radar to F-16A)'' and '''F-20 Tigershark''' for ROCAF but failed due to the improving Sino-US relationship as well as limitations of the 1979 Communique. In 1990s, after PLAAF has purchased numbers of Su-27SK Flanker-B and the increase in number for new domestic jets of PLAAF, ROCAF considered the expansion of PLAAF to be the major threat as the ROCAF fleet still consists of masses of obsolete '''F-104 and F-5E''', as well as very few '''F-CK-1 Indigenous Defense Fighter''' ''(IDF; aka Ching-Kuo 經國號)'' and '''Mirage 2000-5E/F''' series; in fact way back in 1989 after the sale for Mirage 2000s to ROCAF, George H. Bush, who were by the time going for presidency, agreed for 150 F-16A/B alongside with its weaponry and maintenance equipment for ROCAF during his election campaign and the sale was dubbed '''"Peace Pheasant"''' ''(和平鳳凰)''.
+
In the 1980s, plans were made for the ROCAF to buy F-16/79s (equipped with J79 engine and worse radar than the F-16A) and F-20 Tigersharks, but failed due to the improving Sino-US relationship as well as limitations of the 1979 Communique. In the 1990s, after the PLAAF purchased numbers of Su-27SK Flanker-B and the increase in new domestic PLAAF jets, ROCAF considered the expansion of the PLAAF to be a major threat as the ROCAF fleet still consisted of masses of obsolete F-104 and F-5E, as well as very few F-CK-1 Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF; aka Ching-Kuo 經國號) and Mirage 2000-5E/F series. In 1989, after the sale of Mirage 2000s to ROCAF, George HW Bush, who was at the time going for presidency, agreed to the sale of 150 F-16A/B alongside weaponry and maintenance equipment to the ROCAF during his election campaign and the sale was dubbed "Peace Pheasant" (和平鳳凰).
  
−
By the time this sale was approved, General Dynamics has already started the production run for the new F-16C/D series; to reduce the overhead for reopening production line of previous models, ROCAF and GD agreed for a hybrid version- the '''Block 20''' with '''F-16 MLU electronics''', '''F100-PW-220 engine''', '''airframe and parts of both A and C variants''' to be delivered to ROCAF. The new jet rolled-off in July 1996, which happened to be the heat of 2nd Taiwan Strait Crisis and they were delivered to ROCAF a year later to the '''455th FW''' at Chiayi Airbase ''(嘉義水上基地)'', then '''401st FW''' at Hualien Airbase ''(花蓮基地)'' in 2002 at the total of 150 jets delivered (120 F-16A and 30 F-16B variants). The new jets solved the major problem of the replacement of F-104 series and strengthen ROCAF's self-defense capability while the BVR capability was hindered by the AIM-7M Sparrows delivered alongside with the jet; during the first decade of 21st Century, US also approved for the sales of '''AIM-120C-5/7, AGM-65G Mavericks and AGM-84L Harpoons''' for delivery in 2002 and 2007.  
+
By the time this sale was approved, General Dynamics had already started the production run for the new F-16C/D series. To reduce the overhead for reopening production lines of previous models, ROCAF and GD agreed on a hybrid version - the Block 20 with F-16 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) electronics, F100-PW-220 engine, and airframe and parts of both A and C variants to be delivered to the ROCAF. The new jet rolled off the line in July 1996, which happened to be the heat of 2nd Taiwan Strait Crisis and they were delivered to ROCAF a year later to the 455th FW at Chiayi Airbase (嘉義水上基地), then 401st FW at Hualien Airbase (花蓮基地) in 2002 for a total of 150 jets delivered (120 F-16A and 30 F-16B variants). The new jets solved the major problem of the replacement of F-104 series and strengthened ROCAF's self-defense capability. While the BVR capability was hindered by the AIM-7M Sparrows delivered alongside with the jet, during the first decade of 21st Century, the US also approved the sales of AIM-120C-5/7, AGM-65G Mavericks, and AGM-84L Harpoons for delivery in 2002 and 2007.
  
−
While the combat capability of new 4th generation jets surpassed PLAAF in early 2000s, as the prediction of the amount of 4th gens in PLAAF increased significantly by late 2010s; ROCAF also agreed on purchasing upgrades from '''Lockheed Martin''' (the current manufacturer of F-16) where they would receive '''new electronics''', '''radar-absorbing paints''' and '''better ECM capabilities''' against PLAAF. These upgrades listed on the 2011 and 2018 military sales would become what's known as the '''F-16V''' ''(Viper; listed as AM and BM respectively in ROCAF; dubbed '''Project Phoenix Soar''' 鳳展計劃)'', after the systems were finalized in late 2010s in US, the current fleets of F-16s would need to fly to Taichung Ching-Chung Kang Airbase ''(台中清泉崗基地)'' for upgrades by AIDC ''(漢翔航空工業)'' with the first of them upgraded in September 2019 while receiving addition 66 F-16C Block 70s and AGM-158s from US to "balance" the airpower between the Taiwan Strait.  
+
While the combat capability of the new 4th generation jets surpassed PLAAF in early 2000s, as the estimate of the number of 4th gens in the PLAAF had increased significantly by late 2010s, ROCAF also agreed on purchasing upgrades from Lockheed Martin (the current manufacturer of F-16) where they would receive new electronics, radar-absorbing paints, and better ECM capabilities against PLAAF aircraft. These upgrades listed on the 2011 and 2018 military sales would become what's known as the F-16V (Viper; listed as AM and BM respectively in ROCAF; dubbed Project Phoenix Soar 鳳展計劃). After the systems were finalized in the late 2010s in the US, the current fleets of F-16s would fly to Taichung Ching-Chung Kang Airbase (台中清泉崗基地) for upgrades by AIDC (漢翔航空工業), with the first of them upgraded in September 2019 while receiving an additional 66 F-16C Block 70s and AGM-158s from US to "balance" the airpower across the Taiwan Strait.
  
−
The upgraded F-16AM/BMs (sometimes dubbed a ''Yellow-Skin Snake 黃皮蛇'' by enthusiasts from the anti-corrosion paint during upgrade) now served as the cornerstone of ROCAF and having intensive CAP missions against the intensified ongoing patrol missions from PLAAF aircrafts, alongside with F-CK-1s and Mirages.
+
The upgraded F-16AM/BMs (sometimes dubbed a ''Yellow-Skin Snake 黃皮蛇'' by enthusiasts from the anti-corrosion paint during upgrade) now serve as the cornerstone of the ROCAF and perform intensive CAP missions against the intensified ongoing patrol missions from PLAAF aircraft, alongside with F-CK-1s and Mirages.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16a_block_20_mlu Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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;Related development
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[F-16 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
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{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
 
{{China jet aircraft}}
 
{{China jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 17:06, 14 October 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the jet fighter F-16A MLU (China). For other versions, see F-16 (Family).
␗F-16A MLU
f_16a_block_20_mlu.png
GarageImage F-16A MLU (China).jpg
␗F-16A MLU
China flag.png China
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.7 12.7 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 20 MLU Fighting Falcon, also known as the F-16 Block 20, was the cornerstone of the ROCAF before they were upgraded in the 2020s. The introduction of the F-16 to the ROCAF can be traced back to the late 1990s. After Dassault sold a wing of Mirage 2000-5Ei to the ROCAF to counter the menacing PLAAF with more advanced fighter jets, the US also agreed to supply some F-16s. These jets were approved while the F-16C was the standard variant of the F-16 family so, having to comply with the treaties between Mainland China and US regarding not providing US-equivalent equipment, F-16A/B Block 20s were delivered. As one of the most advanced jets of the era, F-16 Block 20s served as the cornerstone of ROCAF, both in their initial form and after being upgraded to the latest F-16V standards against the ongoing PLAAF patrols.

Introduced in Update "Apex Predators", the F-16A MLU is a hybrid version between the F-16A Block 15 MLU and the airframe of the F-16C exclusively for the ROCAF; this F-16 provides a long-awaited, reliable multirole fighter featuring a pulse-Doppler AN/APG-66 radar as well as sporting some of the latest AAMs in-game. For players who need both interception and ground-attacking capabilities, the Mavericks and LDGP bombs onboard will also make light work of any ground targets.

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
Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 10 973 m2 146 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude15 240 m
EnginePratt & Whitney F100-PW-220
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight15 t

Instead of Block 10 or Block 15 ADF, in ROCAF's case, their F-16A MLU (Block 20) has major differences in terms of thrust and appearance: to tell a Block 20 and others apart, there are two parts to differentiate- IFF antenna and the tail; while Block 10 has no antenna and ADF has the "bird-slicer" antenna, MLU received AN/APX-113 IFF with a rounded antenna. The tail in this case also received a drogue chute for highway strip operations. Other than that, the MLU performs mostly identically to its counterparts with slightly less military thrust. The F-16s are known to be one of the most manoeuvrable jets with their impressive engine thrust and design features for dogfights. In most cases, jets that are an era behind the F-16 will very likely having a hard time biting onto the tail of F-16, since their relatively light weight does help in dogfights and acceleration. The F-16 is also the first mass-produced fighter to use FBW (Fly-by-wire)

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 2,093 2,063 15240 20.3 20.6 252.7 240.3 850
Upgraded 2,198 2,146 19.3 19.8 340.7 295.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
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 ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 680 < 750 < 700 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 1 7,990 kg 403 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel
1,470 kg Afterburning low-bypass turbofan 8,962 kg 10,213 kg 11,230 kg 16,048 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 1.00 0.88 0.80 0.56
Optimal 7,434 kgf
(1,555 km/h) 		15,225 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		1.70 1.49 1.36 0.95

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

Other than the airframe and alloy skins, the F-16 MLU has no extra protection for pilot or critical equipment. While the jet has equipment like self-sealing fuel tanks and EFS for the engine, if the engine does suffer from a fire, due to only having a single engine, it will still have lesser chance to make it back to the airfield.

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 modifications303 000 Rp icon.png
463 000 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:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
50 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
77 000 Sl icon.png
1 300 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9P
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
40px
AGM-65B
Research:
50 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
77 000 Sl icon.png
1 300 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Offensive armament

Main article: M61A1 (20 mm)

The F-16A MLU (China) is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

The F-16A MLU (China) 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 3 3
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs 3 3 3 3
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1 1 1 1
AGM-65B missiles 1, 3 1, 3
AIM-7M Sparrow missiles 1 1
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
300 gal drop tanks 1
370 gal drop tanks 1 1
Default weapon presets
  • 2 x 370 gal drop tanks + 1 x 300 gal drop tank
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
  • 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 12 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
  • 6 x AGM-65B missiles

Usage in battles

Thanks to its late introduction in 1998, the F-16A MLU has the strengths from both the baseline A series and ADF, where players could utilize the jet both for intensive air-defense operations and makeshift ground attacker.

Air: The Falcon

For players who were frustrated from the inferior radar performance of J-8B or J-7E, the F-16A MLU brings new AN/APG-66 radar to the table. This also marks the introduction of the long awaited PD-capable radar and all-aspect IR AAMs for the Chinese tech tree. The later blocks of F-16A were upgraded with access with radar-guided missiles while the baseline models already has at most 6 IR AAMs for disposal; in terms of air-to-air operations, the jet itself performs exactly like ADFs with very similar engine thrust (albeit slightly lower in military thrust). In terms of AAMs, as mentioned there are at most 6 of them in either full-IR AAM or 4 IR AAMs+ 2 SARH AAMs loadouts. If players want to gain situational awareness to enemy jets, the AN/APG-66 won't disappoint players with its long detection range and being a pulse-Doppler radar, jets even at lower altitude will be visible to the radar. Make sure to check the radar and RWR in regular basis for best efficiency, bringing AIM-7M for high-altitude targets at front aspect is always a good option for extra XP or at least forcing these targets to lower altitude; while full IR AAM loadout can make sure MLU has the chance to take down careless targets given the missile tracks onto the jet itself instead of their flares (both AIM-9P and 9L are susceptible to flares).

While bringing some bombs for extra XP and credit is viable, only make sure to use them when the skies is mostly cleared out; if any enemies come into play, it's better jettison the bomb pylons for good, more bombs or payloads means lesser chance to win a dogfight.

Ground: Jack-of-all-trades

The introduction of the F-16A MLU means the Chinese tech tree finally has the upper-hand in terms of being a support fighter. While the F-16A has no radar-guided missiles at all and the F-16A ADF trades all its ground-attacking ordnance for better interception capability, the MLU has access to both types of weapons. If players found previous top-tier jets of PLAAF/ROCAF are less capable for either interception or ground attack missions, or if the SPAAs are less than desirable, this will be a great alternative to all these aforementioned flawed vehicles; while there are up to 12 bombs at disposal, for overall safety of the jet itself, options for 6 AGM-65Bs are also available as well where these missiles are still effective on taking out ground vehicles via its TV search camera. Using the custom loadouts can also means it can takes six 500 lbs, six AGM-65Bs for ground-attacking while leaving the 2 pairs of outer-board pylons for IR AAMs; after taking out high-value ground targets from altitude using the aforementioned air-to-ground ordnance, this leaves its capability to also send enemy attackers or rotorcraft straight back to their hanger, 4 x AIM-9L also can make sure careless attackers will have lesser chance to evade the missiles when they are too concentrated on ground-attacking, while the AIM-7M can be used to take out high-altitude targets or force them to quit attacking for their own survival. Do also beware either missiles SPAAs or enemy missiles from aircraft though, leave the battlefield if the tides have turned to get the best of the jet.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Equipped with both SARH missiles and air-to-ground weapons, unlike most counterparts in different nations
  • Radar has TWS unlike early F-16 variants
  • Impressive payload for interception missions with up to 6 x AAMs
  • Impressive manoeuvrability at almost all speeds
  • Equipped with a drogue chute for shorter landing distance

Cons:

  • Rather small 20 mm ammunition count
  • Engine consumes jet fuels at high rate when afterburning, will run out of fuel relatively quickly without drop tanks
  • Lacks IRST sensor for target acquisition
  • Not equipped with guided bombs for safer ground attacking approach

History

In the 1980s, plans were made for the ROCAF to buy F-16/79s (equipped with J79 engine and worse radar than the F-16A) and F-20 Tigersharks, but failed due to the improving Sino-US relationship as well as limitations of the 1979 Communique. In the 1990s, after the PLAAF purchased numbers of Su-27SK Flanker-B and the increase in new domestic PLAAF jets, ROCAF considered the expansion of the PLAAF to be a major threat as the ROCAF fleet still consisted of masses of obsolete F-104 and F-5E, as well as very few F-CK-1 Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF; aka Ching-Kuo 經國號) and Mirage 2000-5E/F series. In 1989, after the sale of Mirage 2000s to ROCAF, George HW Bush, who was at the time going for presidency, agreed to the sale of 150 F-16A/B alongside weaponry and maintenance equipment to the ROCAF during his election campaign and the sale was dubbed "Peace Pheasant" (和平鳳凰).

By the time this sale was approved, General Dynamics had already started the production run for the new F-16C/D series. To reduce the overhead for reopening production lines of previous models, ROCAF and GD agreed on a hybrid version - the Block 20 with F-16 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) electronics, F100-PW-220 engine, and airframe and parts of both A and C variants to be delivered to the ROCAF. The new jet rolled off the line in July 1996, which happened to be the heat of 2nd Taiwan Strait Crisis and they were delivered to ROCAF a year later to the 455th FW at Chiayi Airbase (嘉義水上基地), then 401st FW at Hualien Airbase (花蓮基地) in 2002 for a total of 150 jets delivered (120 F-16A and 30 F-16B variants). The new jets solved the major problem of the replacement of F-104 series and strengthened ROCAF's self-defense capability. While the BVR capability was hindered by the AIM-7M Sparrows delivered alongside with the jet, during the first decade of 21st Century, the US also approved the sales of AIM-120C-5/7, AGM-65G Mavericks, and AGM-84L Harpoons for delivery in 2002 and 2007.

While the combat capability of the new 4th generation jets surpassed PLAAF in early 2000s, as the estimate of the number of 4th gens in the PLAAF had increased significantly by late 2010s, ROCAF also agreed on purchasing upgrades from Lockheed Martin (the current manufacturer of F-16) where they would receive new electronics, radar-absorbing paints, and better ECM capabilities against PLAAF aircraft. These upgrades listed on the 2011 and 2018 military sales would become what's known as the F-16V (Viper; listed as AM and BM respectively in ROCAF; dubbed Project Phoenix Soar 鳳展計劃). After the systems were finalized in the late 2010s in the US, the current fleets of F-16s would fly to Taichung Ching-Chung Kang Airbase (台中清泉崗基地) for upgrades by AIDC (漢翔航空工業), with the first of them upgraded in September 2019 while receiving an additional 66 F-16C Block 70s and AGM-158s from US to "balance" the airpower across the Taiwan Strait.

The upgraded F-16AM/BMs (sometimes dubbed a Yellow-Skin Snake 黃皮蛇 by enthusiasts from the anti-corrosion paint during upgrade) now serve as the cornerstone of the ROCAF and perform intensive CAP missions against the intensified ongoing patrol missions from PLAAF aircraft, alongside with F-CK-1s and Mirages.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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

China jet aircraft
Fighters  J-2 · J-4 · J-6A · J-7II · J-7D · J-7E · J-8B · J-8F · J-10A · J-11 · J-11A
Strike aircraft  Q-5 early · Q-5A · Q-5L · JH-7A
Bombers  H-5
France  ␗Mirage 2000-5Ei
USA  ␗F-84G-21-RE · ␗F-84G-31-RE · ␗F-86F-30 · ␗F-86F-40 · ␗F-100A · ␗F-100F · ␗F-104A · ␗F-104G · ␗F-5A · ␗F-5E · ␗F-16A MLU
USSR  ␗MiG-9 · ␗MiG-9 (l)
North Korea  Shenyang F-5
Pakistan  A-5C · JF-17

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