Whats this?

[Vytautas]

http://k41.pbase.com/v3/27/134727/1/45570726.CRW_4191.JPG
I would like to know what are those attachments on the upper side of the hull.They arent on a normal f16 if im not mistaken

[Totoro]

That looks like F16 sold to UAE


from wikipedia:

F-16 E/F
Block 60
Based on the F-16C/D, it features conformal fuel tanks and improved radar and avionics; it has only been sold to the United Arab Emirates. The General Electric F110-132 is a development of the -129 model and is rated at 32,500 lbf (144 kN). A major difference from previous Blocks is the Northrop Grumman APG-80 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Block 60 allows the carriage of all Block 50/52 aircraft-compatible weaponry as well as ASRAAM and the AGM-84E Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM). The CFTs provide an additional 450 US gallons (2,045 litres) of fuel allowing increased range or time on station. This has the added benefit of freeing up hardpoints for weapons, i.e. hardpoints that would have been occupied by underwing fuel tanks.

UAE f16 arent the only ones with conformal fuel tanks. C/D block 50/52 plus have them too, plus F16I, sold to Isreal.

[ger_mark]

http://www.eurofighter.com/images/medialibrary/med_GL-020699-35.jpg
http://www.airpictorial.com/media/pic13_sep_farn.jpg
eurofighter with additional tanks

[Vytautas]

Ok thx

[Totoro]

eurofighter with additional tanks

Thanks, i was wondering what that'd look like since i read about 'em. I must say, easthetically, they're kinda inferior to f16s tanks. Sure, both aircraft are made more ugly with them, but somehow EF more so. Ultimately, it doesn't matter, they make the planes more effective, that's what matters. :)

[SABRE]

The 1st seems more like Israeli Sofa F-16 Block 52+ C than UAE's Block 60 but both have almost similar looks. Israeli F-16s have a long spine on the top of the F-16 & the pic above has it. I dnt knw wheather Block 60 has the same spine or not.

[BrotherofSnake]

Those things protruding out the sides of the F-16's are additional fuel tanks.

[SABRE]

Those things protruding out the sides of the F-16's are additional fuel tanks.

We know thats what every one has been trying to discuss. But no one is replying to this poor guy :D even though he knows what they are.

On the other hand I was talking abt the spine starting from the end of cocpit to the tail. I come to knw of its reason but have forgotten. If any one remembers or knws pleae inform me again.

[Totoro]

Okay, I change my guess and agree with sabre, the plane in the pic is israeli F16I. I didn't think they had such a colour scheme on their planes but they do. I don't know if UAE planes have the enlarged dorsal spine but this one does, and it's used for storing additional avionics equipment. It's additional 850 liters of volume, over a regular f16. They chose to put extra stuff there cause it'd cause least additional drag.

[chinawhite]

its israeli.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/images/f-16i-11.jpg

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/israel/images/f-16i-15.jpg

[SABRE]

Okay, I change my guess and agree with sabre, the plane in the pic is israeli F16I. I didn't think they had such a colour scheme on their planes but they do. I don't know if UAE planes have the enlarged dorsal spine but this one does, and it's used for storing additional avionics equipment. It's additional 850 liters of volume, over a regular f16. They chose to put extra stuff there cause it'd cause least additional drag.

I guess I am right :D

Actualy Israelis have this Scheme. Most of the other Arab nation F-16s r off usual gray colour scheme e.g: Jordon's. I have also seen USAF F-16 in the similar scheme.

The UAE F-16s have bluish dark & Light gray colour scheme & has similar looks to the one u see now. Same dorsal spine & external fuel tanks. Have a look:

http://www.acig.org/artman/uploads/uae_f16_23_37086b.jpg

Latest Block 52C/D+ are coming with external fuel tanks. PAF has also asked for external fuel tanks. This frees up the wet points for more weapons & also reduces wait of drop tanks from AC + Saves the money being spent on Drop Tanks which pilots usualy drop away.

I think the Dorsal Spine also contains some liquid data from the Radar. My guess is that the avionics in it are all related to AESA Radars specialy if it is APG-80.

[sumdud]

Israeli F-16i.

The tanks are there because the F-16 can't store much internally, and when used on ground attack, you save a lot of space using conformal tanks.

[MIGleader]

how does the fuel tanks affect aero dynamic performance? they look like they disturb the airframe and put on more weight.

[walter]

how does the fuel tanks affect aero dynamic performance? they look like they disturb the airframe and put on more weight.

there would have to be some detrimental effect to aerodynamic performance, just like anytime you hang or stick something onto a clean airframe. As far as putting more weight on the airfram goes, the conformal tanks are a better solution than underwing tanks. With underwing tanks the wing roots are constantly being stressed with every roll, turn, takeoff and landing. The more they are stressed the shorter the ariframe life. They will also reduce rollrate. With the conformal tanks mounted on the fuselage, these structural effects are greatly reduced. Additionally, the roll rate will be less affected.