Difference between revisions of "F-16AJ"

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(Suspended armament: Updated)
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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.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' represents the proposed introduction of the F-16C Block 40 into JASDF service, as suggested by General Dynamics on multiple occasions, including Japanese airshows and their executive summary. The JASDF had plans to import third-generation jet fighters from NATO or allied countries to replace their existing fleet of F-86 and F-104J aircraft as part of a parallel program to develop the successor to the Mitsubishi F-1 by the 1980s. However, due to various complications within and outside Japan, the introduction plans were ultimately abandoned, and Mitsubishi chose to develop the F-2 with the support of General Dynamics instead.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' represents the proposed introduction of an F-16 closely resembling a YF-16 into JASDF service, as suggested by General Dynamics. The JASDF had plans to select a winner from 13 candidates proposed by different aircraft companies as part of a program to replace its aging fleet of F-104Js and to serve alongside their F-4EJ aircraft. Ultimately, the program came down to a choice between the F-14, F-15, and F-16 where the F-15 emerged as the victor, becoming the F-15J.
  
Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], the F-16AJ is currently one of only two truly multirole F-16s in the game, alongside the ROCAF's [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16A MLU]]. The F-16AJ also marks the introduction of the AGM-65 series into JASDF service, providing much-anticipated precision air-to-ground weaponry for the JGSDF. With one of the latest airborne radars in the game and weapon systems mostly identical to other F-16 variants, the F-16AJ now presents a good option for players who require both air interception and ground attack capabilities. Its available payloads will not disappoint players.
+
Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], the F-16AJ is currently one of only two truly multirole F-16s in the game, alongside the ROCAF's [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16A MLU]]. The F-16AJ also marks the introduction of the AGM-65 series into JASDF service, providing much-anticipated precision air-to-ground weaponry for Japanese pilots. With one of the latest airborne radars in the game and weapon systems mostly identical to other F-16 variants, the F-16AJ now presents a good option for players who require both air interception and ground attack capabilities. Its available payloads will not disappoint players.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* A choice between two presets:
+
*1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, port wing root-mounted (512 rpg) + 60 x countermeasures
** 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
 
** 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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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
 
* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
 
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
 
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
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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:'''
 
<!-- ''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:'''
  
* Excellent acceleration and climb rate at any speed and highly manoeuvrable at low to medium speeds
+
* Excellent acceleration and climb rate at any speed and highly maneuverable at low to medium speeds
 
* Excellent 20 mm Vulcan cannon, with a high precision, fire rate and damage
 
* Excellent 20 mm Vulcan cannon, with a high precision, fire rate and damage
 
* Able to carry a drop tank to increase flight time
 
* Able to carry a drop tank to increase flight time
* Capable of carry 6 powerful air-to-air missiles, such as 6 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] or mixed with 2 x [[AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-7F]]
+
* Capable of carry 6 powerful air-to-air missiles, such as 6 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] or 4 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] with 2 x [[AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-7F]]
 
* 360° unobstructed bubble canopy perfect for simulator battles
 
* 360° unobstructed bubble canopy perfect for simulator battles
 
* Capable of carrying an extremely diverse wide range of bombs, rockets and AGM-65Bs
 
* Capable of carrying an extremely diverse wide range of bombs, rockets and AGM-65Bs
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* As the airframe is based on the earlier F-16A models, the elevator is significantly smaller than the late variants of the F-16A and has a worse manoeuvrability compared to a ADF or MLU models
 
 
* Internal M61 cannon has a low ammo pool and trigger time
 
* Internal M61 cannon has a low ammo pool and trigger time
* Control surfaces compression above 850 km/h, greatly decreasing the manoeuvrability above this speed
+
* No thermal imaging pod for ground attack purposes
 +
* Control surfaces compression above 850 km/h, greatly decreasing the maneuverability above this speed
 
* Very high fuel consumption with afterburner on, and high engine temperature
 
* Very high fuel consumption with afterburner on, and high engine temperature
  
 
== 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).'' -->
Historically, JASDF is not an user of F-16 series (while USINDOPACOM operates F-16C in Japan airbases); as JASDF was seeking for a new domestic jet fighter to replace the fleet of earlier jets (F-86F, F-104J), as well as pre-development for Mitsubishi F-1 replacement jet. The ambitious plan for a domestic 3rd generation jet fighter came into plan as the Mitsubishi-led enterprises tried to "make Hinomaru flies into the skies again" and further enhancing the Japan's defense industry by mobilizing the whole industry for a new jet. While this plan was given the green light, there were plans for importing foreign jets from the NATO systems; one of these plan was introducing F-16AJ to JASDF service as shown in a twitter post where General Dynamics advertised their jet in 5th Japan International Aerospace Exhibition in 1976<ref>https://twitter.com/Fighterman_FFRC/status/1633781167546859520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1633786947650072577%7Ctwgr%5Ecd07cbf618c6ac31bc6c1de1ca7e6fcc4e0c9014%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.warthunder.com%2Findex.php%3Fapp%3Dcoremodule%3Dsystemcontroller%3Dembedurl%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FStormovikForeve%2Fstatus%2F1633786947650072577</ref> and from an executive summary from GD (numbered F16-120-1)<ref>As shown in the jet's suggestion page at the forum
+
Historically, JASDF is not an user of F-16 series (while USINDOPACOM operates F-16C in Japan airbases). In the 1970's, the Japanese government was seeking to replace its outdated fleet of F-104J Starfighters in response to advances in the aircraft technology of neighboring countries. As such, they launched a program and eventually got 13 proposals from different aircraft companies, including the Grumman F-14, McDonnell Douglas F-15, and General Dynamics F-16<ref>As shown in the jet's suggestion page at the forum
  
https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/545474-f-16ajbj-a-possible-solution/</ref>.
+
https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/545474-f-16ajbj-a-possible-solution/</ref>. After much consideration and testing, the program was narrowed down to the F-14, F-15, and F-16. Discussion and flight tests continued and the F-15 prevailed as the winner of the competition, shattering any hopes for the F-16AJ, and ultimately any F-16 to see service with the JASDF.
  
Japan eventually opted for co-development between Japan and US based on the airframe of F-16 and some revisions for better anti-ship payload known as F-2 in the future; marking the attempted sales of F-16AJ failed.
+
Even though the F-16 proposal failed, a derivative of the F-16 was chosen by Japan in order to serve as a multirole aircraft for the FS-X program. This aircraft ultimately became known as the Mitsubishi F-2, which is still in service with the JASDF today.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==

Revision as of 06:45, 25 July 2023

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Japanese jet fighter F-16AJ. For other versions, see F-16 (Family).
F-16AJ
f_16aj.png
GarageImage F-16AJ.jpg
ArtImage F-16AJ.png
F-16AJ
AB RB SB
12.7 12.7 13.0
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 080 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The F-16AJ Fighting Falcon represents the proposed introduction of an F-16 closely resembling a YF-16 into JASDF service, as suggested by General Dynamics. The JASDF had plans to select a winner from 13 candidates proposed by different aircraft companies as part of a program to replace its aging fleet of F-104Js and to serve alongside their F-4EJ aircraft. Ultimately, the program came down to a choice between the F-14, F-15, and F-16 where the F-15 emerged as the victor, becoming the F-15J.

Introduced in Update "Sky Guardians", the F-16AJ is currently one of only two truly multirole F-16s in the game, alongside the ROCAF's F-16A MLU. The F-16AJ also marks the introduction of the AGM-65 series into JASDF service, providing much-anticipated precision air-to-ground weaponry for Japanese pilots. With one of the latest airborne radars in the game and weapon systems mostly identical to other F-16 variants, the F-16AJ now presents a good option for players who require both air interception and ground attack capabilities. Its available payloads will not disappoint players.

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
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 2,072 15240 20.0 20.2 262.9 250.8 850
Upgraded 2,209 2,156 19.0 19.5 350.9 305.0

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 - 470 463 ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ___ < ___ < ___ > ___

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full internal fuel)
Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 1 7,690 kg 392 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 16,848 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

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.

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 modifications305 000 Rp icon.png
469 000 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
340 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
50 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
77 000 Sl icon.png
1 400 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
JM61A1_belt_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
340 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
340 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
400 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
JLAU-3/A
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
JM61A1_new_gun
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
AGM-65B
Research:
50 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
77 000 Sl icon.png
1 400 Ge icon.png

Armaments

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

Offensive armament

Main article: JM61A1 (20 mm)

The F-16AJ is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, port wing root-mounted (512 rpg) + 60 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The F-16AJ 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
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 57 57
AGM-65B missiles 1, 3 1, 3
AIM-7F 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
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
Default weapon presets
  • 1 x 300 gal drop tank
  • 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AIM-7F Sparrow 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)
  • 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:

  • Excellent acceleration and climb rate at any speed and highly maneuverable at low to medium speeds
  • Excellent 20 mm Vulcan cannon, with a high precision, fire rate and damage
  • Able to carry a drop tank to increase flight time
  • Capable of carry 6 powerful air-to-air missiles, such as 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder or 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder with 2 x AIM-7F
  • 360° unobstructed bubble canopy perfect for simulator battles
  • Capable of carrying an extremely diverse wide range of bombs, rockets and AGM-65Bs

Cons:

  • Internal M61 cannon has a low ammo pool and trigger time
  • No thermal imaging pod for ground attack purposes
  • Control surfaces compression above 850 km/h, greatly decreasing the maneuverability above this speed
  • Very high fuel consumption with afterburner on, and high engine temperature

History

Historically, JASDF is not an user of F-16 series (while USINDOPACOM operates F-16C in Japan airbases). In the 1970's, the Japanese government was seeking to replace its outdated fleet of F-104J Starfighters in response to advances in the aircraft technology of neighboring countries. As such, they launched a program and eventually got 13 proposals from different aircraft companies, including the Grumman F-14, McDonnell Douglas F-15, and General Dynamics F-16[1]. After much consideration and testing, the program was narrowed down to the F-14, F-15, and F-16. Discussion and flight tests continued and the F-15 prevailed as the winner of the competition, shattering any hopes for the F-16AJ, and ultimately any F-16 to see service with the JASDF.

Even though the F-16 proposal failed, a derivative of the F-16 was chosen by Japan in order to serve as a multirole aircraft for the FS-X program. This aircraft ultimately became known as the Mitsubishi F-2, which is still in service with the JASDF today.

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

Japan jet aircraft
IJNAS 
Experimental  Kikka
Reconnaissance  R2Y2 Kai V1 · R2Y2 Kai V2 · R2Y2 Kai V3
IJAAS 
Fighters  Ki-200
JASDF 
Fighters  F-86F-30 ▅ · F-86F-40 ▅ · F-86F-40 JASDF▅
  F-104J
  F-4EJ Phantom II · F-4EJ ADTW · F-4EJ Kai Phantom II
  F-15J · F-15J(M)
  F-16AJ
  F-1
Trainers  T-2 Early · T-2
Foreign 
Thailand  ▄AV-8S · ▄F-5E FCU