L'objectif est de garder une flotte de 60 appareils portés au standard logiciel "Tape M6.5" permettant principalement d'intégrer de nouveaux emports et équipements.
Ces Vipers conserveront leur actuel AN/APG-66.
En fait, un petit lifting pour les maintenir ops 10 / 15 ans de plus
Les ajouts commandés pour les F16 A/B MLU :
69 LN-260 Embedded Global Positioning System-Inertial Navigation Systems (GPS-INS).
8 Remote Operated Video Enhanced Receivers IV (ROVER IV) terminals, which greatly improve coordination with ground forces.
62 BAE AN/APX-125 Transceivers (AN/APX-125 Air Identification Friend of Foe Radios), with the latest NATO Mode 5/ Mode S capabilities so they can operate with other NATO countries. IFF Mode 5 needs the M6 OFP software to work.
43 AN/ARC-210(V) RT-1990(C) Ultra High Frequency/Very High Frequency (UHF/VHF) radios. They need the M5 OFP tape to work.
32 KIV-78 encryption devices.
1 Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS).
4 BRU-61/A Carriage Systems, used for the GPS-guided GBU-39 Small Diamater Bomb I. SDB-I needs the M6 OFP software to work.
Plus spare and repair parts, support equipment, repair and return services, software development/ integration, test and equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, and other forms of US Government and contractor support. The estimated cost is up to $113 million.
Le change log de l'Operational Flight Program (OFP, core mission software) des tapes M5 et M6 :
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
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
Included minor updates like Auto GCAS capability nearly eliminating Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents, a leading cause of F-16 loss of pilot and aircraft accidents.
Rectification of some earlier weapon integration shortcomings
Integration of new weapons (JASSM, JDAM, EGBU-12, SDB, AIM-120D and AIM-9X)
Integration of advanced racks (BRU-69), pylons, adapters and the UAI (ensuring nuclear surety and compatibility)
Update of the Link-16 protocol
Upgrade of the AN/AAQ-14 interface software
Update of the AN/ALR-56M system
Update of the GPS system
Sources :
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/bel ... 6s-024093/
http://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article2.html
)qu'une adaptation au Rafale est impossible ou "risquée" du point de vue de la sécurité ou que sais-je