chile F-16AM MLU M4

Chilean_Thunder · June 7, 2023

F-16AM MLU M4

Spoiler

In 2005, Chile purchased 18 F-16 MLU Tape 2, 11 F-16AM Block 20 MLU and 7 F-16BM Block 20 MLU aircraft from the Netherlands, which would serve as replacements for the Mirage M-5M Elkan. These aircraft kept the Pratt & Whitney F-100-PW-220 engine and before being delivered to Chile they received the Tape 2 software package of the MLU (M2) program. In 2009, 18 additional aircraft were purchased from the Netherlands corresponding to F-16AM Block 20, the negotiated aircraft had the Tape 4 (M4) a mid-life modernization that included the integration of Link-16 secure communication systems and the possibility of integrate the pod for target acquisition. these aircraft began to arrive in 2010 being registered with the 739 to 758 series and were placed under the improvement program called "Pacer AMSTEL" which includes deep structural interventions, reinforcements of surface areas, rewiring and specific modernizations required by the FACH and Tape 4 level certification. Both groups of F-16s have a modular mission computer (MMC) that replaces the old equipment. Regarding the radar, AN/APG-66(V)2, the modernization allows it to engage up to six targets with AIM-120 and keep another 10 simultaneously tracked. At the cabin level, it integrates the brand's 10 x 10 cm LCD MFD Honeywell, replacing the only monochrome display that existed on the plane before the modernization. To this day these F-16s are in service in Chile and a modernization was recently announced.

Spoiler

Crew:
- 1
Armament:
- Primary: one M-61A1 20mm multibarrel cannon with 500 rounds
- Secondary: AIM-120C-5/7 AMRAAM, Rafael Derby, Python IV, AIM-9P4 Sidewinder, AIM-9L/M Sidewinder, Griffin LGB, Opher LGB, GBU-10, GBU-12 Paveway II and III, GBU-31 JDAM, Raytheon LGB GBU-16, AGM-65F/G Maverick, AGM-84L Harpoon II.
Dimensions:
- Length: 15.0 m
- Wingspan: 10.0 m
- Height: 5.0 m
- Weight: 29,896 lbs. loaded
Performance:
- Powerplant: One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220
- Maximum speed: 2164 km/h
- Cruising speed: 928.5 km/h
- Range: 2264 km
- Service ceiling: 16764 m