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F-16A Fighting Falcon, Israel
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Photography by Action Asia Photo |
The F-16 evolved from a 1972 USAF Lightweight Fighter prototype program seeking a small, lightweight, low cost, air superiority day fighter designed for high performance and easy maintenance. It achieved combat ready status in October 1980. In August of 1977, Israel ordered 67 F-16As and 8 two-seater F-16Bs from General Dynamics under the Peace Marble I program. Deliveries began in 1980. Used by the Israeli A, B and C Squadrons for fighter-bomber duties, the aircraft are called "Netz" which, in Hebrew means "Hawk". Referring to the decisions that lead to the acquisition of the F-16s, former Israeli Defense Force Air Force commander Brigadier David Ivri explained: "The decision to buy the General Dynamics F-16 resulted mostly from the very high price of the McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagles". At the F-16 hand-over ceremony (which was held on January 31st, 1980, right after the Iranian F-16 deal was cancelled because of the fall of the Shah), Ivri stated: "After all quantity counts, and it is a major factor in the chances to win, ...so we chose a solution combining quantity and quality". Seventeen technical modifications were made to the Israeli F-16A's. Most of these were in software and mission computers, enabling the F-16 to operate unique weapon systems. Additionally, some "Netz" are equipped with chaff/flare dispensers. In 1987, under Peace Marble II, Israel was supplied with 51 late-model F-16Cs and 24 two-seater F-16Ds. Locally the F-16C is known as "Barak" or Lightning and the F-16D as "Brakeet" or Thunderbolt. From 1991 to 1993, Israel got 80 more F-16Cs and -Ds under Peace Marble III; and another 60 F-16As and -Bs under Peace Marble IV in 1994. Finally, Peace Marble V is currently providing another 102 F-16Ds with deliveries to complete in 2009. Specs:
F-16A
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