freeflir29 0 #26 December 8, 2004 I could be wrong but I believe the F-16 MUST have a missle on one of the wingtip rails. Can't remember which side. Usually they are inert. However, if GW was in town I'd be willing to bet they were both hot. I think they fly CAP (Combat Air Patrol) while GW makes his visits. That way they are airborne and ready to intercept those guys in Cessna 152's that don't know a TFR from their ass. Anyway........where's Wingnut when you need him? He's an F-16 crew chief! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotdave 0 #27 December 8, 2004 QuoteI could be wrong but I believe the F-16 MUST have a missle on one of the wingtip rails. Why? What happens if it doesn't? Is that what holds the whole plane together? Just falls apart after firing the 2nd missile? Kinda like a bee...dies after stinging something. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #28 December 8, 2004 QuoteWhy? What happens if it doesn't? Is that what holds the whole plane together? Just falls apart after firing the 2nd missile? Kinda like a bee...dies after stinging something. I think it has something to do with making the "targeting systems" work properly for training missions. Like I said though.....I could be wrong. I never worked on F-16's as a mechanic and as a Forward Air Controller I only know that they ABSOLUTELY SUCK at Close Air Support. My next question was "How did Viking know it was a "C" model?" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #29 December 8, 2004 something like that.. several of the F16s target acquisitionsystems (like the IR for air to air missles) are not onboard the aircraft, but are relayed to the pilot from the weapon itself... same thing with several versions of Hellfires on Apache's, if the sensor were based in the aircraft they wouldnt be 'fire and forget' the pilot would be required to keep each target 'locked' and could not engage the next.... you cant train if you dont have the sensor present...____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #30 December 8, 2004 QuoteQuotei saw the plane through a pair of 16x50 bino's. I know the difference between fuel tanks and dumb bombs, and between munitions rails and the tail and nose fins of a missle. What color were the missiles? -Blind back end was gray just like the plane, front end was black.I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #31 December 8, 2004 Quote My next question was "How did Viking know it was a "C" model?" b/c the plane i saw was a single seater. and the F-16A has been phased out of usaf use for years. The F-16D is the double seat trainer model. the attached is a picture i took at the last Mirimar Airshow of a D model.I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #32 December 8, 2004 Quoteback end was gray just like the plane, front end was black. That'd be the real thing. All the inert stuff is normally painted a light blue color. Quoteb/c the plane i saw was a single seater. and the F-16A has been phased out of usaf use for years. The F-16D is the double seat trainer model. I think the "Block 40" is still a C model but I'm not positive on that. We always referred to them as "Block 40's." Anyway......it's a 2 seat version with a LANTIRN targeting pod. Has an "Air Interdiction" roll. There's also the "Wild Weasel" version that takes on the SEAD (Supression of Enemy Air Defenses) roll. It's a 2 seater as well. But.......as far as I know.....if it only has one seat......you are correct sir. It's a C model. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #33 December 8, 2004 well technically the D variant with the CAS package is a Block 42, but otherwise you are correct...____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #34 December 8, 2004 Quote well technically the D variant with the CAS package is a Block 42 See........10 years in the Air Force and I have retained something. I just got out 4 years ago and with the war things are changing EVERY day with new stuff coming out. I couldn't even come CLOSE to doing my job anymore. There are literally hundreds of new "gadgets" that have come out since I left. Whew......9 more months and I guess I'll have to figure it out again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #35 December 9, 2004 your going back in the airforce?I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #36 December 9, 2004 Quote your going back in the airforce? Oh HELL NO!!!!! Just getting a new job where things like knowing how to control an air strike, shoot artillery, and set up a hasty ambush just MAY come in handy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
