[NOT REALISTIC] GBU-54,EGBU-12,GBU-39

Will F-16C join MLU's GBU-54, EGBU-12, GBU-39?

M4 tape

From this tape onwards the first release was already a subrelease starting at MX.1

M4.1 tape

Introduction of advanced short-range missile, as a replacement for the current Sidewinder (AIM-9X, IRIS-T)

Integration of advanced Link-16 functions

Integration of SNIPER targeting pods

M4.2 tape

Integration of the latest HARM Targeting System (HTS) and its R7 software

Integration of SNIPER targeting pod and its S3 software (capable of cataloguing, storing and relaying target images using the Link 16 data-link. M4.2 gives the capability to use the HTS and Sniper ATP on the same aircraft)

This tape was the first common software for USAF CCIP upgraded block 40/50 airframes.

M4.3 tape

"Clean-up" tape (intended as correction to imperfections found in earlier phases)

M5 tape

M5.1 tape

Integration of capability for stand-off weapons (AGM-154)

Introduction of more advanced A/G weapons (EGBU-12)

Introduction of advanced Stores Management System and Joint Mission Planning System

Introduction of an improved GPS/INS system (more accurate and jamming proof)

Introduction of new Link-16 message standards to improve interoperability between different aircraft types

Installation of AN/ARC-210 VHF radios to enable radio contact with FAC’s on the ground

M5.2 tape

"Clean-up" tape (intended as correction to imperfections found in earlier phases)

M6 tape

M6.1 tape

Improved IFF system (Mode 5 waveform with better distinction between friendly and enemy aircraft)

Introduction of AIM-120D missile (two-way datalink, improved navigation and High-Angle Off-Boresight capabilities, a doubled range)

Introduction of more advanced A/G weapons (GBU-39 SDB, GBU-54 LJDAM)

Integration of improved Link-16 functions with net-centric capability

Integration of a new Universal Armament Interface to standardize communication between the aircraft and the weapons, illuminating the need for new OPF tapes with every new weapon system

M5.1+ did not come out until late 2008 or 2009. The latest we can have is M4.3+ if they still with a 2007 versions. M4.2+ would be the more likely one.

M5.1+ did not come out until late 2008 or 2009. The latest we can have is M4.3+ if they still with a 2007 versions. M4.2+ would be the more likely one.

It's a pity that there is no SDB. Including AGM-154 and AGM-158 may need to be re-examined.

It's a pity that there is no SDB. Including AGM-154 and AGM-158 may need to be re-examined.

According to this article the F-16C Block 50's did indeed receive the AGM-154 JSOW

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article9.html

M5.1+ did not come out until late 2008 or 2009. The latest we can have is M4.3+ if they still with a 2007 versions. M4.2+ would be the more likely one.

got any actual proof to back this up?

According to this article the F-16C Block 50's did indeed receive the AGM-154 JSOW

http://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article9.html

 

 

got any actual proof to back this up?

The modification to allow those munitions didn't happen until 2008-2009. DCS F-16C Viper is a 2007 version, which will be M4.2 maybe M4.3, and did not allow for the AGM-154 JSOW.

The modification to allow those munitions didn't happen until 2008-2009. DCS F-16C Viper is a 2007 version, which will be M4.2 maybe M4.3, and did not allow for the AGM-154 JSOW.

So what is now the point of getting the F-16C instead of the F/A-18C Hornet, apart from the "But it is an F-16" part. It now lacks in stand off munitions, it already lacked in anti-ship.

I don't see why it needs to be 1000000% accurate and have playability of the module suffer because of it. The removal of JASSM i can get behind as that was introduces much later, but JSOW is only a year (if it even is a full year, and not early 2008 ) later then the DCS version (if it didn't take them 2008/2009 to upgrade the entire fleet).

(if it didn't take them 2008/2009 to upgrade the entire fleet).

You right it probably took to around 2014 for this specific update/upgrade if not more for the entire fleet.

got any actual proof to back this up?

Nope

So what is now the point of getting the F-16C instead of the F/A-18C Hornet, apart from the "But it is an F-16" part. It now lacks in stand off munitions, it already lacked in anti-ship.

I don't see why it needs to be 1000000% accurate and have playability of the module suffer because of it. The removal of JASSM i can get behind as that was introduces much later, but JSOW is only a year (if it even is a full year, and not early 2008 ) later then the DCS version (if it didn't take them 2008/2009 to upgrade the entire fleet).

ikr basically F/A18C despite being earlier period than 2007 is more capable plane than the F16C blk 50 , having a a better radar ( longer a2a detection range and

SAR mapping for A/G unlike AN/APG68 v5) and longer stand off munitions like JSOW and the AGM84E.

So your right There really is no point in buying F16 over F18 unless you happen to want to fly it "because its an F16", which understandably for some of people is enough of a reason.

Well it being a F-16 is enough.

but...

CBU 97's

There really is no point in an F16 over F18 unless you happen to want to fly it "because its an F16"

Real-world sales say otherwise. Besides, why else would you drop $$ on a DCS module, e-peen points? :)

I'm invested in the F-18C myself so I've no axe to grind 1v1, but having flown the F-16 since my DX386-40 days I'm drooling at a the thought of an accurate simulation in the modern DCS environment. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

but...

 

CBU 97's

...and the HTS. Plus a proper HOTAS that lets you switch AA/AG modes instantly... and aerobraking! :lol:

Bottom line.... variety is the spice of life. More choice = more consumers = more income - more improvements.

So what is now the point of getting the F-16C instead of the F/A-18C Hornet, apart from the "But it is an F-16" part. It now lacks in stand off munitions, it already lacked in anti-ship.

Your right the hornet is much better! ;) who needs 9Gs I’ll get you with 6. Work smarter not harder.

something something top speed...

The reason to get the DCS F-16 is the same reason that every other modules has: Because you are interested in it. I don't have a F-14, F/A-18, F-5, etc. because I am not interested in them. I see nowhere where anyone mention you have to buy one or the other, so I don't get that point.

...and the HTS. Plus a proper HOTAS that lets you switch AA/AG modes instantly... and aerobraking! :lol:

There's no switch on the F-16 HOTAS to instantly access A-G modes. :smilewink:

I tend to like the F-16 HOTAS system a bit more than the F/A-18 one, but it's not one of its features.

Why do they produce all the WWII arcraft when I can fly an F-18? There is no reason to fly a Spitfire when I can have a Hornet!

So what is now the point of getting the F-16C instead of the F/A-18C Hornet, apart from the "But it is an F-16" part. It now lacks in stand off munitions, it already lacked in anti-ship.

I don't see why it needs to be 1000000% accurate and have playability of the module suffer because of it. The removal of JASSM i can get behind as that was introduces much later, but JSOW is only a year (if it even is a full year, and not early 2008 ) later then the DCS version (if it didn't take them 2008/2009 to upgrade the entire fleet).

It's F16C! That's enough, like MiG 21, F-5, AV8B. It can not be said that because it is relatively not advanced enough, fighting capacity is not strong enough. Let people have no desire to buy. If we want to experience advanced long-range missiles, we can buy F/A18C and JF17. There is no point in arguing about this matter unless they compromise and change the year to 2008 or even closer. For this less "advanced" F16C, players who like it will still choose to buy it.

Moreover, it is almost impossible for them to change to 2008 or even more recently. Because some unpleasant things have happened recently. Although the final finding has nothing to do with the company, it is undeniable that this will make them more cautious and conservative. A relatively obsolete aircraft will have more declassified data and less risk

Never happened in USAF F-16 block 50 circa 2007, same with CFT, AGM-154/158, GBU-39 nor 54, Will not have TFR, No beyond the horizon communication, no AGCAS, no APG-68V9, no 600g external tanks, no internal jammer, no MWS, no large HUD like a block 40/42, not a two seater in DCS, no AIM-2000, no AIM-132, no anti ship missiles, LAU-88, no additional chaff and flare buckets on the weapons pylons, not recce pod, not gun pods, python 4 or 5 missiles, AGM-142, no EGBU, no EGI...the list goes on.

I think I going to make this my new response to every post.

There's no switch on the F-16 HOTAS to instantly access A-G modes. :smilewink:

That's what happens when you take too long away from something (or just get old).... the memory plays tricks. I was sure you could enable the mode via the DMS if configured pre-flight. :doh:

I'll pre-order on Wednesday because I want a DCS-quality F-16C. Anyone who doesn't do likewise is still okay by me... this is a hobby and a form of relaxation, not a religion. Besides, if we ever get a 'Dynamic Campaign', we'll need variety in airframe capability to make it realistic and interesting.

A-G is only selectable from the ICP, not the HOTAS.

ikr basically F/A18C despite being earlier period than 2007 is more capable plane than the F16C blk 50 , having a a better radar ( longer a2a detection range and

SAR mapping for A/G unlike AN/APG68 v5) and longer stand off munitions like JSOW and the AGM84E.

 

 

So your right There really is no point in buying F16 over F18 unless you happen to want to fly it "because its an F16", which understandably for some of people is enough of a reason.

The radar might be a tat bit better, yet the RCS is also quite significantly different. I'd like to see things play out later on.

But yeah, it's a bit of a pity that the FA/18 comes without almost no restrictions on weaponry, and the F-16 has a preset limit to actuality. But we'll live with that.

What the viper has over the hornet is the (what you would call nowadays) usability.

In HTS, in the WPN page of MAV and HARM (which I can switch to using just hotas in the F-16) I use the same mnemonics than for the radar and the HSI. I just use the TDC and TMS UP to select.

In the hornet when doing TOO with the HARM I am left pressing FLIR and UNCAGE and my brain is like: wat?

Also the radar elevation selector in the Hornet .. just seriously wtf .. who thought of that thing? The navy did it right in the F-14. no idea why you'd do such a thing. It's incredibly hard to snap back to previous altitudes you had "muscle memorised".

I am by now joking around that to later select targets for the HARPOON and fire it, you'll have to select IR COOL to ORIDE, deactivate the OBOGS and then handoff with the gear lever. That's Hornet usability for you. Every weapon requires a complete retraining.

But on a serious note ... the CCIP version of the F-16 that we get has and is capable of carrying B-61s, right? :-D

There's no switch on the F-16 HOTAS to instantly access A-G modes. :smilewink:

I tend to like the F-16 HOTAS system a bit more than the F/A-18 one, but it's not one of its features.

A-G is only selectable from the ICP, not the HOTAS.

You can go into A/G mode, go MRM override and then instantly switch back to A/G modes through the HOTAS cancel.

You can go into A/G mode, go MRM override and then instantly switch back to A/G modes through the HOTAS cancel.

You're right, that's a way to circumvent the matter of not being able to directly select A-G mode with the HOTAS. That's how I usually fly in the other sim as well.