A: Conformal Fuel Tanks

The
most distinguishing external feature of an Advanced Block 50/52, when
installed, is a set of conformal fuel tanks attached to the upper
fuselage. All of these latest F-16s have structural, plumbing, and
wiring provisions for the conformal tanks. The tank set holds 450
gallons (more than 3,000 pounds) of additional JP-5/8. The extra fuel
increases range, loiter time, and combat persistence as well as reduces
the demand for tanker support. Range increase is on the order of twenty
to forty percent, depending on the stores configuration and mission
profile.
The conformals, which can be used in lieu of wing tanks,
free the inner wing store stations and can double the primary
air-to-ground payload. The tanks have an imperceptible effect on the
F-16's agility, handling qualities, flight limits, and signature.
Moreover, the tanks do not interfere with daily inspections and
servicing, and the impact on maintenance access is minimal. A complete
set can be removed or replaced in two hours by a small crew and a hoist.

B: 600-Gallon Wing Tanks

The
Advanced Block 50/52 variant is certified to carry the 600-gallon wing
fuel tanks. These tanks increase range or persistence up to thirty
percent over the standard 370-gallon wing tanks. The tanks are mounted
on non-jettisonable pylons that can also carry the more common
370-gallon tanks.

C: Landing Gear

The Advanced Block 50/52 versions have heavy-weight landing gear designed for up to 52,000 pounds maximum takeoff gross weight.

D: Radar

Northrop
Grumman's AN/APG-68(V)9 multimode radar will enable crews to detect
airborne threats from a range 30% greater than the existing APG-69
system and adds a synthetic-aperture radar mode for high-resolution
ground mapping.

A major enhancement is the Northrop Grumman
600-gallon wing fuel tanks multimode radar, one of the most advanced
radars in the skies today. This radar has more than fivefold faster
processing speed and tenfold greater memory capacity over the previous
APG-68(V)7/8 radar. The new processors have even higher growth
potential.

A high-resolution synthetic aperture radar mode
allows the pilot to locate and recognize tactical ground targets from
considerable distances. In conjunction with inertially aided weapons,
such as GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition, the AGM-154 Joint Standoff
Weapon, and CBU-103/104/105 Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser, the
F-16 gains an enhanced capability for all-weather precision strike from
standoff distances. The radar features an inertial measurement unit
that improves dynamic tracking performance and provides an
auto-boresight capability, which increases accuracy and eliminates the
need for time-consuming mechanical boresighting.

Air-to-air
improvements in-clude a thirty percent increase in detection range and
improvements in functionality and tracking quality in various modes.
Radar
reliability is increased by fifty percent to nearly 400 hours mean time
between failures. Commercial off-the-shelf technology is expected to
improve supportability significantly. Using off-the-shelf technology
resolves existing issues with availability and cost of spare parts and
also makes technology refreshes more affordable.


E: Targeting System

The
Advanced Block 50/52 can employ the latest generation targeting
systems, such as the Lockheed Martin Sniper XR/Pantera targeting pod
that is mounted on the right inlet sensor station. In conjunction with
laser-guided bombs, the pod provides day/night precision strikes from
high altitudes. Among other uses, the targeting systems can be used for
seeker cueing of a variety of guided weapons and covert air-to-air
operations.


F: Navigation and Reconnaissance Pods

A
navigation pod, such as LANTIRN/Pathfinder, can be fitted to the left
inlet sensor station. A variety of reconnaissance pods can be carried
on the centerline fuselage station.

G: Cockpit

The
Advanced Block 50/52 cockpit features a helmet-mounted cueing system,
color multifunction displays and recording equipment, cockpit lighting
and external strip lighting compatible with night vision goggles, and
large-capacity data transfer sets. A choice of helmet-mounted cueing
systems is available. These systems allow a pilot to direct sensors or
weapons to his line of sight or to help him find a designated target.
The helmet display also provides critical flight and target information
to the pilot — similar to a head-up display, but in any direction the
pilot looks.

H: Dorsal Avionics Compartment

All
two-seat models of the Advanced Block 50/52 have a distinctive dorsal
avionics compartment that allows these aircraft to accommodate all of
the systems of the single-seat model as well as some special mission
equipment and additional chaff/flare dispensers. The rear cockpit can
be configured for either a weapon system operator or an instructor
pilot and can be converted with a single switch in the cockpit.

I: Engines

The
Advanced Block 50/52 aircraft have a common engine bay that allows
customers a choice of engines in the 29,000-pound thrust class. The
Block 50s are powered by the General Electric F110-GE-129 and have the
Modular Common Inlet Duct (known as the large mouth inlet). The Block
52s are powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 and have a
Normal Shock Inlet (known as the small mouth inlet