Summary

  • F-16 Block 70/72 matches new-gen combat needs with upgraded radar tech and advanced weaponry.
  • Advanced features like Auto GCAS boost pilot survivability against current threats effectively.
  • Global militaries desire aircraft with superior weaponry, technological integration, and pilot protection.

The General Dynamics F-16 is one of the most popular fighter jets. More than 30 global military forces operate the fourth-generation design. The high maneuverability and combat radius enable the aircraft to enter air combat, stay, fight, and return quickly. The purpose of Block 70/72 is to transform the fourth-generation design to match new-generation technologies and combat capabilities.

  • Primary function: Multirole fighter
  • Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp.
  • Power plant: F-16C/D: One Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 or General Electric F110-GE-100/129
  • Thrust: F-16C/D, 27,000 pounds
  • Wingspan: 32 feet, 8 inches (9.8 meters)
  • Length: 49 feet, 5 inches (14.8 meters)
  • Height: 16 feet (4.8 meters)
A render of an F-16 Block 70 flying in the sky.

Photo: Lockheed Martin

  • Weight: 19,700 pounds without fuel (8,936 kilograms)
  • Maximum takeoff weight: 37,500 pounds (16,875 kilograms)
  • Fuel capacity: 7,000 pounds internal (3,175 kilograms); typical capacity, 12,000 pounds with two external tanks (5443 kilograms)
  • Payload: Two 2,000-pound bombs, two AIM-9, two AIM-120 and two 2400-pound external fuel tanks
  • Speed: 1,500 mph (Mach 2 at altitude)
  • Range: more than 2,002 miles ferry range (1,740 nautical miles)
  • Ceiling: above 50,000 feet (15 km)

Global air forces, particularly those operating older F-16s, are pressingly needing to match the capabilities of the latest-generation fighters. Air forces desire an aircraft that can offer comprehensive weaponry, integrated technologies, and advanced communications while protecting pilots during combat missions.

Related

Comparative Analysis: F-16 Block 70 Vs. Other 4th Generation Fighters

F-16 Block 70/72 continue to be produced for air forces around the world and are considered advanced 4.5 generation fighters.

Block 70/72 provides commonality with the latest-generation platforms

For the F-16 to match the capabilities of fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II, radar and communication capabilities must be enhanced. The Block 70/72 is equipped with Northrop Grumman’s advanced APG-83 AESA radar to digitally control the transmitted radio waves, unlike passive electronic array-based systems. Whether it is the detection of enemy noise signals or resistance to signal jamming, the AESA-based radar technology has a software commonality with the latest-generation fighter platforms.

Internal displays of the F-16 Block 70

Photo: Lockheed Martin

The situational awareness is increased by incorporating advanced Center Pedestal Display (CPD), further enhancing tactical capabilities through imaging and critical information. According to Lockheed Martin,

“The Block 70/72 features a new, high resolution Center Pedestal Display (CPD), which provides critical tactical imagery to pilots and allows them to take full advantage of AESA and targeting pod data. The new CPD enables color moving maps, larger and easier to manage air-to-air Situation Displays, zoom functionality with the ability to switch information among displays, digital display of Flight Instrument Data, and a color/night helmet mounted display. Additional integration of the Lockheed Martin Sniper® Advanced Targeting Pod and Legion-ES™ IRST system increase pilot situational awareness and enhance warfighter survivability.”

Advanced weaponry

The F-16 Block 70/72 features advanced weaponry that is not only compatible with existing platforms but also incorporates newer attack technology. Some of the highly capable weapons within the manufacturer’s weapon capability are used on Block 70.

An F-16 Block 70 taking off.

Photo: US Air Force

According to Lockheed Martin,

“Lockheed Martin has more than 36 years of weapon integration experience with the F-16 – enabling it to be one of the most versatile multirole fighters ever. No one else can match this weapons integration experience. In concert with the U.S. Air Force and multiple F-16 Foreign Military Sales customers, Lockheed Martin has certified more than 3,300 carriage and release configurations for greater than 180 weapon and store types.”

Related

5 Features That Make The Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 The Ultimate Viper

The Block 70 model is expected to serve global air forces for at least another four decades.

Greater survivability against growing threats

F-16 Block 70
Crew One
Length 49.3 ft (15.027 m)
Wingspan 31.0 ft (9.449 m)
Height 16.7 ft (5.090 m)
Empty weight 20,300 lb (9,210 kg)
Maximum take-off weight 48,000 lb (21,800 kg)
Maximum speed Mach 2+
Engine GE F110-GE-129
Thrust 29,400 lbf (131 kN)
Radar AN/APG-83

Radar and satellite technologies have significantly advanced in recent years. That means today’s fighter aircraft are more vulnerable to enemy attacks, including cyberattacks, infrared detection, radar-based interception, etc. Such attacks result in the loss of aircraft, infrastructure, and, most importantly, pilots.

An F-16 Block 70 parked in a hangar.

Photo: Lockheed Martin

The F-16 Block 70/72 provides several pilot and aircraft safety layers compared to previous-generation jets. The jet features the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto GCAS) to prevent catastrophic crashes. Lockheed Martin claims that since the type’s service entry with the United States Air Force (USAF) in 2014, the Auto GCAS has saved the pilots’ lives on multiple occasions.

Related

How Does the F-16 Block 70 Enhance Pilot Safety and Combat Efficiency?

Enhanced capabilities will extend the service life of the aircraft by over 50%.

According to Lockheed Martin,

“The Auto GCAS is designed to reduce incidents of what is known as controlled flight into terrain, or CFIT. According to U.S. Air Force statistics, CFIT incidents account for 26 percent of aircraft losses and a staggering 75 percent of all F-16 pilot fatalities.”

What are your thoughts on the characteristics and specifications of F-16 Block 70? What do you think about its role in modern global air forces? Share your views in the comments section.

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