Turkey Get Russian S-400 and United States F-16 Block 70 Viper

Mytips.id, NEWS - In recent days, there have been numerous reports highlighting Turkey's potential acquisition of the F-16 Block 70 Viper, manufactured by the United States. 

According to Defense News on January 26th, 2024, President Joe Biden has urged members of parliament to approve the sale of 40 units of the F-16 Block 70 Viper to Turkey, with a value of approximately $20 billion. The decision to sell F-16 Block 70 Viper jets to Turkey came after Ankara completed its accession to NATO. 

The sale of these fighter jets from Lockheed Martin also includes 80 modernization equipment. Unfortunately, the explanation does not provide a detailed breakdown of the 80 modernization equipment for the Turkish F-16 Block 70. 

However, it is highly likely that Turkey has a significant chance of obtaining the F-16 Block 70 Viper. With the presence of the F-16 Block 70 Viper in Turkey, it is hailed as the most advanced fighter jet in Ankara to date.

 The purchase of the F-16 Block 70 by Turkey is highly beneficial, as the capabilities of the F-16 Block 70 are highly advanced in the class of 4.5-generation fighter jets. The combination of the S-400 and F-16 Block 70 strengthens Turkey's air defense space. 

Furthermore, the presence of the F-16 Block 70 in Turkey has the potential to enhance the country's air power. According to Lockheed Martin, the F-16 Block 70 is equipped with an array of extraordinary new avionic technologies. 

One of these technologies is the APG-83 Active Electronically-Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which is integrated into the nose of the F-16 Block 70. This radar is designed to engage air, surface, and ground targets, providing pilots with heightened awareness of multiple targets.

Additionally, it is claimed that the range of the F-16 Block 70 radar is significantly greater and more reliable than previous versions. The radar of the F-16 Block 70 also specializes in electronic warfare and jamming countermeasures. 

Moreover, the F-16 Block 70 is equipped with a new technology called Viper Shield. With the assistance of Viper Shield, the F-16 Block 70 can conduct electronic warfare with the support of its advanced radar. The updated operating system and advanced cockpit features of the F-16 Block 70 make it superior within the F-16 family.

 The larger display and new features in the cockpit of the F-16 Block 70 make it easier for pilots to operate. Furthermore, the F-16 Block 70 is powered by a new and more advanced engine compared to its predecessors. 

The F-16 Block 70 is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 or General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engine, depending on the user's preference. 

The F100-PW-229 engine of the F-16 Block 70 can produce a thrust of approximately 29,100 pounds, while the F110-GE-129 engine can deliver a thrust of 29,500 pounds. With either engine option, the F-16 Block 70 can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.

 Additionally, the range of the F-16 Block 70 is capable of reaching up to 1,740 nautical miles or approximately 3,222 kilometers. This means that the F-16 Block 70 can fly from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base to the southern China or Perth Australia airspace. 

It is worth noting that the F-16 Block 70 has a significant advantage in terms of its weapon system capabilities. For air-to-air combat, the F-16 Block 70 can carry 10 air-to-air missiles, comprising of AMRAAM and Sidewinder missiles. In terms of air-to-ground attack, the F-16 Block 70 can carry 16 GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) on its wings. 

Alternatively, it can carry 8 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) bombs or 8 GBU Paveway bombs on both wings of the F-16 Block 70. With this weapon configuration, the F-16 Block 70 can also carry additional fuel tanks or Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT) if necessary. 

The combination of CFTs and additional fuel tanks allows the F-16 Block 70 to fly even further without refueling in mid-air. However, if air-to-air refueling is necessary, the F-16 Block 70 can perform aerial refueling using the boom method. 

Furthermore, the most advanced feature of the F-16 Block 70 is the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System. 

This system enables the F-16 Block 70 to automatically avoid ground collisions, providing pilots with significant assistance. Overall, the acquisition of the F-16 Block 70 Viper by Turkey would greatly enhance their air defense capabilities and strengthen their position as a leading military force. 

The advanced avionic technologies, superior engine power, and impressive weapon systems make the F-16 Block 70 a formidable fighter jet in its class.