June 13, 1998 in Information, Analysis and News : Security of Israel : Security of Israel-- General Printer friendly version   E-Mail this article   Subscribe to the Article Digest

Israel Defense Force / Air Force with F-16

-Original Reference of Article-

Inventory

Peace Marble I

The Israel Defense Forces Air Force (IAF) got its first chance to test the Fighting Falcon with the 388 TFW at Hill AFB, which was the first USAF unit operational on type.The IAF test pilot team recommended the purchase of the airplane. In August of 1978, when the Carter Administration's arms-sales restrictions policy had reached its zenith, the government of Israel announced plans to acquire 75 F-16A/Bs. The fact that Israel had just signed the Camp David agreements with Egypt however, had established an Israel-friendly climate in Washington, and the acquisitions plans were approved. Referring to the decisions leading to the acquisition of the F-16s, former IAF commander Brigadier David Ivri explains: "The decision to buy the General Dynamics F-16s, resulted mostly from the very high price of the McDonnell-Douglas F-15 Eagles". At the F-16 hand-over ceremony (which was held on Januari 31, 1980, right after the Iranian F-16 deal was cancelled because of the fall of the Sjah), Ivri explained: "After all quantity counts, and it is a major factor in the chances to win, ...so we chose a solution combining quantity and quality". The first IDF/AF F-16 , together with some other Vipers, was then flown to Hill AFB, where initial pilot and groundcrew conversion took place.The first F-16 deliveries to Israel (all 75 Block 10 / Block 15 aircraft, except for 18 F-16A's and 8 B's that were originally built as Block 5 but had already been converted to Block 10) took place under the Peace Marble I Foreign Military Sales program. These planes were originally intended for the Imperial Iranian Air Force, but the demise of the Shah in 1979 and the consequent rise of the Islamic fundamentalist regime caused these planes to be diverted to Israel. They had a number of internal changes that were unique to Israeli requirements, including the fitting of chaff/flare dispensers. The first four F-16s, known as Netz (Hawk) in IDF/AF service and wearing standard sand/brown/green camouflage colors, arrived in Israel in July of 1980 after an 11 hour delivery flight. IOC was achieved a few weeks later. Although the last 22 of these aircraft were put on hold by the Reagan Administration following the Raid on the Osirak reactor, final deliveries took place in 1981.

Peace Marble II Under Peace Marble II, the Tsvah Haganah le Israel / Cheil Ha'avir (Israel Defense Force/Air Force) was supplied with late-model F-16C/Ds ( Block 30), the first F-16C of which arrived in October 1987. The first F-16D was received by the IAF on December 21, 1987, and was seen in "First Combat squadron" colors, carrying the tail number '031'. A total of 75 Block 30 aircraft was delivered: 51 F-16Cs (locally known as Barak or Lightning) and 24 F-16Ds (Brakeet or Thunderbolt). Peace Marble III Following the cancellation of the indigenous Lavi fighter project in May of 1988, a follow-on order was placed for 60 F-16C/D Block 40 aircraft (30 F-16Cs, 30 F-16Ds), plus an option for 15 more. This was under Peace Marble III. The first of these Fighting Falcons, all nicknamed "Barak II", arrived in Israel in August of 1991. Peace Marble IV As payment for restraint during the 1991 Gulf War, Israel was provided with 50 surplus USAF F-16A/Bs, all Block 10 aircraft. Contrary to earlier deliveries, these aircraft retained their USAF air superiority grey color scheme.The first of these (ex- 'DO' 907th FG and 'MI' 127th FW aircraft) were delivered on August 1, 1994 under the Peace Marble IV program. The delivery was completed in late 1994. About half of these were ex-ANG/AFRes aircraft, with the remainder being brought out of storage at Davis-Monthan AFB. The largest batch delivered to Israel were 12 F-16A/Bs from the 157th Fighter Interceptor Squadron from the South Carolina ANG. These F-16A/Bs will be used primarily for training, but will undergo a number of modifications prior to entering IDF/AF service. Further purchases of F-16s by Israel appear likely, probably Block 50 aircraft that are LANTIRN-capable. Some of these might be built under license in Israel by IAI. IDF/AF Inventory Order Model Block Qty. US Serials Delivered Peace Marble I F-16A Block 5 18 78-0308/78-0325 1980-1981 F-16B Block 5 8 78-0355/78-0362 1980-1981 F-16A Block 10 29 78-0326/78-0354 1980-1981 F-16A Block 10 11 80-0649/80-0659 1980-1981 F-16A Block 15 9 80-0660/80-0668 1980-1981 Peace Marble II F-16C Block 30 15 86-1598/86-1612 1987-1988 33 87-1661/87-1693 1987-1988 3 88-1709/88-1711 1987-1988 F-16D Block 30 15 87-1694 / 87-1708 1987-1988 9 88-1712 / 88-1720 1987-1988 Peace Marble III F-16C Block 40 1 89-0277 1991- 25 90-0850/90-0874 1991- 4 91-0486 / 91-0489 1991- F-16D Block 40 24 90-0875 / 90-0898 1991- 6 91-0490 / 91-0495 1991- Peace Marble IV F-16A Block 10 15 285-299 1994-1995 21 ? 1994-1995 F-16B Block 10 3 305-307 1994-1995 11 ? 1994-1995 On July 1st, 1997, Ilan Biran, director-general of Israel's Ministry of Defense, declared Israel intends to purchase a new batch of U.S. fighters (either F-16s or more F-15I's) in early 1998, with deliveries shortly after 2000. The acquisition would proceed under a buy-now, pay-later scheme that essentially will drain Israel's annual $1.8 billion U.S. aid account through 2005 or 2006. 3 days later, the IFD/AF commander Maj. Gen. Eitan Ben-Eliahu declared the IDF/AF has a need for 50 to 100 new fighters during the next seven or eight years to replace A-4, F-4 and older F-16 fighters. Range and quantity are the top two priorities in the estimated $3 billion fighter competition. The latest rumors suggest that Israel plans to buy a supposed number of 30 new F-16, probably block 60s with partially-israeli avionics. Around the same time, F-4E's (that were not upgraded), will phase out from sevice. The rest of the order would consist of F-15Is then, but if a 2nd batch of F-15Is would prove to be too expensive, then the obvious alternative would be to buy improved F-16D. Modifications & Armament Seventeen technical modifications were made to the Israeli F-16A/Bs, most of them in the software and in the mission computers, which enabled the F-16 to operate the unique weapon systems, designed by the IAF and Israeli military industries. Fin-root fairings on Early F-16As house the Rapport system. In 1992 all IAF F-16A/Bs (excluding the latest batch of Nets 2 aircraft) went into an upgrade phase at Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI), where wings were structurally reinforced, and Elbit's advanced flight and mission management system was installed. By the end of this phase, all F-16A/Bs were system equaled with the F-16Cs; however, the engine remained the original F-100. Externally the Israeli F-16C differs from other F-16Cs by having an extension to the base of it's vertical stabilizer, similar to the Norwegian F-16's parabrake compartment; however, no parachutes are used on IAF F-16s. Israeli F-16s have extensive local modifications, with different avionics fits and higher gross weights, requiring changes in the landing gear and the use of new wheels. The maximum all-up weight of an Israeli F-16 is 48,000 pounds, as compared to 42,300 pounds for a USAF 40 F-16C. The third batch of F-16C/Ds is fitted with Elta's EL/L-8240 ECM, replacing Lockheed Martin Defence Systems (LMDS, formerly Loral) AN/ALQ178 Rapport III internal ECM. While the F-16B is a two seat version of the F-16A used for pilot conversion, the F-16D is a completely different from the F-16C. The back seat is reserved for the F-16's Weapon System Operator, just as one can find at the F-4 Phantom. Externally, this fighter differs from other F-16Ds by having a boxlike extension from the cockpit to the vertical stabilizer, as seen on the AFTI/F-16. The dorsal fairing was designed, mocked up, fabricated and installed during regular routine assembly while these aircraft were on the production line in Ft Worth. At no time has IAI had anything to do with initial design, fabrication of assemblies or production installation of any dorsal assemblies. The dorsal spine is believed to accommodate Wild Weasel equipment (a.o. Elisra's SPS-3000 self-protection jammer) which detects emissions from enemy radar sites and pinpoints their locations, and specialized weapon delivery systems, such as "smart bombs" guided using the back seat's side stick for control. The IAF would confirm only that this space is filled with various electronic systems. According to the IDF/AF Magazine, this version of the F-16D is much heavier than the 'standard' production F-16Ds. Its empty weight is 9525 kg, while the standard version weighs just 7900 kg. The Max takeoff weight was extended to 21770 kg - 4760 kg more than the standard version, a fact made possible by modifications made to the landing gear. The extent of the modifications called for a different model designation, hence the Israeli F-16D was designated IF-16D.As the F-16Cs in service by the IAF, the IF-16D is powered by a Turbo-Fan General Electric F110-GE-100, with an enlarged air intake. The F-16C/Ds ordered to compensate for the cancelled Lavi Project received Israeli ECM systems (manufactured by Elisra), and flight management computers (made by Elbit). The IDF/AF also operates a 'customised' F-16D Block 40 test bed aircraft, designated CK-1. IDF/AF Fighting Falcons are to be fitted with the Rafael Litening infrared targeting and navigational pod to replace the similar Martin-Marietta Sharpshooter (which is a downgraded version of the Martin Marietta AN/AAQ-14, which is the targeting pod of the LANTIRN system) The Sharpshooter pods will be transferred to the F-15I Eagles which Israel is to receive from 1997. In May 1989, the IAF revealed an F-16D, at Hatsor AFB, carrying a AGM-78D "Standard ARM" missile which was used to attack Syrian SA batteries during the Peace of Galilee operation in Lebanon. Operational Service There is not much information available on squadron service for the F-16 within the IDF/AF. Israeli F-16s carry squadron badges and insignia, but these are rarely seen due to military censorship. Israel jealously guards its security and does not want to give away any more information than necessary to potential enemies. The F-16s delivered to Israel carry USAF serials, and they carry IDF/AF three- or four-digit serial numbers on their tails. The As are primarily serving in the air defense role, but the C and D have an air-to-ground commitment. F-16A/Bs are assigned to the following units:"The defenders of the Arava" sqn,"The Negev Interceptors" sqn, and "The Iron Bird" sqn (the latter starred in the movie "Iron Eagle"). The 1994 batch of F-16A/Bs entered service in the IAF's Air Combat School and OTC. Large red and yellow hawk markings were drawn on their vertical stabilizer - markings belonging to "The Defenders of the Arava", a former Kfir C-7 squadron. The first F-16Cs, were delivered to Ramat-David AFB, and operated by "The first jet squadron". this squadron used to operate F-16A/Bs. F-16C / IF-16Ds are operated by the following squadrons: "The First Combat Squadron" (101 Sqn), "The Scorpions" (105 Sqn), "The First Jet Squadron" (117 Sqn), "The Squadron of the Valley" (110 Sqn) and the "Falcon Head Squadron" (109 Sqn). IDF/AF F-16 units Parent Unit Airbase Squadron Block Role Wing No. 1 Ramat-David AB 109 Sqn F-16C/D Block 30 ? 110 Sqn F-16C/D Block 30 ? 117 Sqn F-16C/D Block 30 ? Wing No. 4 Hatzor AB 101 Sqn F-16C/D Block 40 ? 105 Sqn F-16C/D Block 40 ? Wing No. 25 Ramon AB 140 Sqn F-16A/B Block 10/15 ? 253 Sqn F-16A/B Block 10/15 ? ?? ?? ACS/OTS F-16A/B Block 10 ? The first fighter kill of the F-16 in the world, took place at July 14, 1981, when Leutenant-Colonel Amir Nachumi, the squadron's leader (leader of the second formation during "Operation Ofra"), downed a Syrian Mig-21. During 1982, the period before the Lebanon war, 3 Syrian Mig-21s and 2 Syrian Mig-23s were shot down. In 1983-84, F-16s played a key role in Operation Drugstore, an attack on Syrian missile sites in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Numerous missile sites were attacked and destroyed and fierce air battles with Syrian fighters took place. A total of 92 Syrian fighter (more than 30% of total inventory) were shot down, and Israeli F-16s achieved a 44-0 kill ratio. One aircraft reportedly shot down four Syrian fighters in a single sortie. There is at least one IDF/AF F-16 with four Syrian kill-markings on its fuselage. First combat activity of the F-16C's in the IAF took place on April 22, 1988, when according to IDF spokesman: "Friday afternoon, IAF airplanes attacked terrorist bases south of Beirut. Targets were terrorist command centers, ammunition depots and weapon systems. Accurate hits were achieved." During an interview given to the IAF Magazine, the squadron leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Y., described the airplane:"Compared to any other fighter I know, the "Barak" maintains a very good operational profile, even, as usually is the case, it's flown in a "dirty" aerodynamically configuration.This fighter is a true breakthrough in power/weight ratio, that allows the airplane to achieve high penetration speeds while keeping high maneuverability. This fighter could penetrate at low altitudes at speeds exceeding 500 knots (927 km/h) with external loads, while other fighters would not achieve greater speeds then 450 knots (834 km/h), and this has a significant meaning for the fighters survivability and ability to carry out the mission." The First Jet squadron carries out daily interception alerts, air patrols, training for air to air and air to ground missions.The squadron leader also revealed, that the squadron carried out two "serious" missions. One of them was a direct attack with iron bombs: "This attack turned out to be so accurate, pilots said it might be the end of the era of the "smart" bombs". The other mission was an attack carried out at night, when accurate hits were achieved using a radar assisted attack mode, while no night vision aids were used. Lieutenant-Colonel Y. concluded his assessment of the F-16C fighter by saying: "Take the flying characteristics, its accurate bombing and interception ability, add to it a unique self defense system to give it exceptional survivability in the combat zone, and you've got a nearly perfect fighter !" With special thanks to Tsahi Ben-Ami and Zvi Kreisler for the unclassified information. Last Update : 13 June 1998 Editors : Lieven Dewitte and Stefaan Vanhastel Copyright © 1997 by Dewitte and Vanhastel. All Rights Reserved. Three-Four-Nine: http://studwww.rug.ac.be/~svhastel

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