Lockheed Martin F-16I Sufa - The Storm that is approaching

Surbaissemaxxing · November 16, 2024, 8:41pm

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G’day lads. I want to suggest a very well known Israeli F-16 variant, which would be the F-16I “Sufa”, meaning Storm :)

Description:

Spoiler

The F-16I Sufa, meaning “Storm” in Hebrew, is a highly specialized version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, developed specifically for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). This aircraft features several unique modifications to enhance its performance and combat capabilities. It is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 Increased Performance Engine, allowing it to reach speeds over Mach 2. The F-16I Sufa includes conformal fuel tanks designed by Israel, which significantly increase its operational range by 50% and provide extra space for weapons storage. The avionics suite of the Sufa is highly advanced, featuring the Elbit Dash IV helmet-mounted cueing system that offers pilots a 360-degree view for targeting. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with an enhanced electronic warfare suite, which includes radar warning and jamming systems to increase survivability in hostile environments. Also, something I should probably mention is that the Sufa can be easily identified by the big nose blisters next to its radar cone, and not all Sufa’s must carry CFT.

History:

Spoiler

The history of this aircraft dates back to the late 1990s when Israel identified the need to modernize its fleet. In 2001, Israel placed an order for 102 F-16I Sufa aircraft under the Peace Marble V program, part of the ongoing U.S.-Israel military cooperation.

The first F-16I Sufa jets arrived to Israel in February 2004. The deliveries commenced at Ramon Air Base, which played a significant role in integrating the new aircraft into the IAF’s operational framework. The delivery process was systematic, with approximately two aircraft arriving each month, concluding in 2009 when the final jet was delivered.

This introduction of the F-16I Sufa allowed the IAF to phase out its older F-4 Phantom II jets, which had been a mainstay of Israel’s air power for many years. The newer F-16I brought with it a range of advanced features and modifications, tailored specifically to Israel’s requirements.

The Peace Marble V program was significant as it represented the fifth major acquisition of F-16s by Israel, resulting in the IAF having the largest fleet of F-16s outside the United States. This program involved substantial co-production efforts, with Israeli companies like Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Cyclone Aviation Products manufacturing key components for the aircraft.

The F-16I Sufa saw its maiden flight in December 2003, marking the beginning of a new era for the IAF. Over the years, the F-16I Sufa has been actively involved in numerous military operations, showcasing its advanced capabilities and reinforcing Israel’s air superiority in the region.

By the time the final aircraft was delivered in 2009, the F-16I Sufa had firmly established itself as a critical component of Israel’s aerial defense strategy, significantly enhancing the operational effectiveness and reach of the IAF.

Armaments:

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I am not exaggerating for what I’m about to say, but the Sufa can carry every modern Israeli weapon, as it was meant to, so if I forget any, then please tell me! Anyway, it still can carry US weapons too. It can carry, but isn’t limited too:

1 M61A1 Vulcan six-barrel cannon

Python 4/5

Derby series (Such as not only the basic Derby, but also the I-Derby and I-Derby ER)

Stunner (air variant)

Aim-9 Sidewinder M/X

Aim-120 AMRAAM B/C

All dumb bombs the current IL F-16’s can carry in-game

GBU-10/12/15/16

E-GBU-15

JDAM, such as JDAM GBU-31

SPICE series (Like SPICE 250, 1000, 2000)

Popeye AGM (LITE)

AIR LORA

Griffin Laser guided bombs/Opher IR guided bombs

RAMPAGE

Deliah

ITALD/TALD

MSOV

Mavericks (B/D) (?)

GUILLOTINE (?)

PYRAMID guided bomb (?)

GABRIEL ASM (?)

LITENING II/III targeting pod

LANTIRN navigation pod

AGP-68(V)X radar

DASH IV HMD

Video of the F-16I using Spice 250, which I have taken from Rafaels website from the code (sorry if its low quality, as I had to heavily compress it under 4MB due to max file upload size being that)

Specifications:

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The Sufa has a length of 14.93m, a height of 5.10m and a wingspan of 9.45m (10m with missiles). It has a empty weight of 10 tons, its typical weight being 12.8 tons with full fuel and weapons, and a max weight of 23.5 tons. Powering this hefty aircraft is a one Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229, with a maximum thrust of 29,1000 Lbs, while the engine weights around 1,680 Kg, giving the engine itself a thrust to weight ratio of 8:1. It is not specified, but it can go over Mach 2 at high altitude, and at low altitude speed around 1,440km/h.