F-16 and (Mitsubushi) F2

[dy031101]

Judging from what looks like a fairing cover at the base of the probe, I assume the probe itself is retractable?

[ChernayaAkula]

^ Yup. The annotation to the fourth pic in Nev's link above says the probe is retractable and that only the forward portion of the right-hand CFT was changed.

Pretty nifty solution. Although a Viper with a Kfir- or F-4E-like bolt-on IFR probe would be a rather cool whif.

[pyro-manic]

Could also do a Tonka-style fairing down the side of the cockpit?

[Shasper]

Think the Israelis did try a fixed probe for their Vipers, among other ideas (a retractable probe mounted in a 600gal droptank was most notable).

Switching gears here, I read in AVST that Japan is seriously considering another batch of 20 or so F-2s as a partial F-4 replacement. I'm lead to believe that these will be "stock", however it would be pretty cool if they decided to expand the capabilities of the aircraft in lieu of a Tiffy/Turd/Rhino/Ego buy. 

[nev]

Interesting - especially given the exorbitant cost of the F-2 and the fact it is optimised for AtG/AtS.

Guess we need the profilers to do some grey F-2s in 301 & 302 Hikotai markings!

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

Export F-2's would be VERY welcome too 

Ian

[ChernayaAkula]

Interesting - especially given the exorbitant cost of the F-2 and the fact it is optimised for AtG/AtS.
<...>

Wasn't there some talk of fitting them with state-of-the-art multi-mode radars? Don't remember where I read it though.

[dy031101]

Don't ask me...... 

[anthonyp]

I love that heavy Japanese F-16.  Makes a great Naval Fighter when Whiffed.

[Shasper]

Wasn't there some talk of fitting them with state-of-the-art multi-mode radars?

Several years ago there were quite a few ideas tossed around for a F-4EJ replacement based on the F-2, including multi-mode radar, LANTIRN & IRST integration IIRC, and CFTs . . . Wonder if anyone at MHI is dusting those plans off now?

[GTX]

Wasn't there some talk of fitting them with state-of-the-art multi-mode radars?

Several years ago there were quite a few ideas tossed around for a F-4EJ replacement based on the F-2, including multi-mode radar, LANTIRN & IRST integration IIRC, and CFTs . . . Wonder if anyone at MHI is dusting those plans off now?

Well, I saw some discussions not long ago on just this idea - Japan considering advanced F-2 versions instead of foreign designs for the F-4EJ replacement.

Regards,

Greg

[jynx]

Interesting pics of a Viper with a probe!



http://www.codeonemagazine.com/gallery_slideshow.html?item_id=40

Thats the probe that they developed for the UAE F-16E/Fs

[anthonyp]

Getting back to my Ching-Kuo/F-16/F-2 question, anyone know how accurate this pic is?



Because if it's accurate, those Kiddy-land kits are really, really messed up.

[dy031101]

Because if it's accurate, those Kiddy-land kits are really, really messed up.

Can't see the picture, but the Kiddyland kit was allegedly created when the F-CK-1 was still known to the public only in artist impression forms, so the outrageous inaccuracy (I knew as I handled one in the past) is to be expected.

[anthonyp]

GRRR....

OK, fixed the pic.