Something I've been pondering:
The current USAF wild weasel aircraft is the F-16CJ Fighting Falcon (the block 50/52 F-16). They took over this role from the F-4G Phantom. As far as I know, the F-16CJ has no additional internally mounted equipment that makes it suitable for the wild weasel role. Of course they train to fulfill this mission, carry the HARM and dedicated electronic pods that help them with this mission. But the F-4G had the AN/APR-38 RHAW (Radar Homing and Warning System) which replaced the 20mm cannon in the Phantom design, was specifically designed for the SEAD/DEAD role, and from what I have read was very capable.
So here's what I'm wondering: Does the F-16CJ have dedicated SEAD/DEAD internal equipment. Does the RHAW make the F-4G a better wild weasel aircraft, or does the newer gadgetry associated with the much newer F-16 outweigh this. Why does the USAF not develop a more dedicate SEAD/DEAD suite for the F-16CJ (cost? airframe numbers?).
It seems a dangerous time to let the capability of the SEAD/DEAD aircraft in inventory slack, as better SAM's and airspace defense networks seem to be coming online every year.
If anyone would like to chime in, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
Boomer
The current USAF wild weasel aircraft is the F-16CJ Fighting Falcon (the block 50/52 F-16). They took over this role from the F-4G Phantom. As far as I know, the F-16CJ has no additional internally mounted equipment that makes it suitable for the wild weasel role. Of course they train to fulfill this mission, carry the HARM and dedicated electronic pods that help them with this mission. But the F-4G had the AN/APR-38 RHAW (Radar Homing and Warning System) which replaced the 20mm cannon in the Phantom design, was specifically designed for the SEAD/DEAD role, and from what I have read was very capable.
So here's what I'm wondering: Does the F-16CJ have dedicated SEAD/DEAD internal equipment. Does the RHAW make the F-4G a better wild weasel aircraft, or does the newer gadgetry associated with the much newer F-16 outweigh this. Why does the USAF not develop a more dedicate SEAD/DEAD suite for the F-16CJ (cost? airframe numbers?).
It seems a dangerous time to let the capability of the SEAD/DEAD aircraft in inventory slack, as better SAM's and airspace defense networks seem to be coming online every year.
If anyone would like to chime in, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
Boomer
Comment