A new central computer with significantly improved processing speed and memory capacity upgraded the F from 70s to 90s technology, adding capacity needed to support new radar and other systems.
The original Eagle had less computer capacity than a s car. Some of the work prefaced the addition of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, adding space, power, and cooling that would allow the new avionics to run in the harsh environments in which the Eagle operates. The new programmable armament control set PACS with a multi-purpose color display MPCD for expanded weapons control, monitoring, and release capabilities featured a modern touch screen that allowed the pilot to talk to his weapons.
A data transfer module DTM set provided pre-programmed information that customized the jet to fly the route the pilot had planned using mission planning computers. An upgrade to the APG Radar for multiple target detection, improved electronic counter-countermeasures ECCM characteristics, and non-cooperative target recognition capability enabled the pilot to identify and target enemy aircraft before he was detected or before the enemy could employ his weapons. An upgrade of the advanced medium range air-to-air missile AMRAAM , that carried up to eight missiles, represented an improvement that complimented the combat-proven AIM-7 Sparrow by giving the pilot capability to engage multiple targets to launch and leave, targeting and destroying enemy fighters before they could pose a threat.
F combat capabilities can be improved substantially with upgraded radars, jammers, and helmet mounted targeting systems. The most cost effective upgrade may be a new datalink which allows aircraft to share target information.
Air Force testimony to the House Appropriations Defense Committee in described the so-called "Link 16" datalink as "the most significant increase in fighter avionics since the introduction of the on-board radar. The th Aircraft Sustainment Group of the th Aircraft Sustainment Wing at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center serves as the single focal point for cradle-to-grave sustainment management for the F aircraft to sustain mission effectiveness throughout the system's life cycle.
Responsible for all sustainment activities required to ensure F aircraft availability is adequate for the weapon system to fulfill its assigned missions. Primary activities include engineering,worldwide logistics,weapon system readiness, and wartime sustainability support. Manages aircraft overhaul, modernization and modification programs, and unscheduled depot level maintenance repair for the F aircraft to include foreign military sales.
Projected to remain in service past , avionics modernization is key to long-term weapon system viability. This modernization is built on a foundation of technical studies both internal to the Air Force and through outside contractors , forestalling obsolescence, exploiting proven technological advances, and leveraging new technology. Major avionics upgrades center around radar modernization both hardware and software upgrades and the exploitation of enhanced capability via wideband radome, precision timing, data delivery and processing technology, precision registration systems, cockpit Head Up Display HUD and instrumentation digitization and modernization, central computer processing power increases, digital mission event recording systems and an infrared IR based fire control system.
The proliferation of fourth generation enemy aircraft and sophisticated "double-digit" anti-aircraft missile systems pose a significant threat to F survivability. A fully integrated electronic warfare suite holds the promise of providing survivability as well as expanded electronic attack capability. Nearly all improvements are linked to an aircraft operational flight program update schedule that works to integrate new capabilities with the airframe.
It can detect and track aircraft and small high-speed targets at distances beyond visual range down to close range, and at altitudes down to treetop level. The radar feeds target information into the central computer for effective weapons delivery. For close-in dogfights, the radar automatically acquires enemy aircraft, and this information is projected on the head-up display. The F's electronic warfare system provides both threat warning and automatic countermeasures against selected threats.
A variety of air-to-air weaponry can be carried by the F An automated weapon system enables the pilot to perform aerial combat safely and effectively, using the head-up display and the avionics and weapons controls located on the engine throttles or control stick.
When the pilot changes from one weapon system to another, visual guidance for the required weapon automatically appears on the head-up display. The FE is a two-seat, dual-role, totally integrated fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and deep interdiction missions.
The rear cockpit is upgraded to include four multi-purpose CRT displays for aircraft systems and weapons management. The digital, triple-redundant Lear Siegler flight control system permits coupled automatic terrain following, enhanced by a ring-laser gyro inertial navigation system. For low-altitude, high-speed penetration and precision attack on tactical targets at night or in adverse weather, the FE carries a high-resolution APG radar and low-altitude navigation and targeting infrared for night pods.
The first Eagle FB was delivered in November In January , the first Eagle destined for a combat squadron was delivered. These new models have Production Eagle Package PEP improvements, including 2, pounds kilograms of additional internal fuel, provision for carrying exterior conformal fuel tanks and increased maximum takeoff weight of up to 68, pounds 30, kilograms. The final 43 included a Hughes APG radar.
FC, D and E models were deployed to the Persian Gulf in in support of Operation Desert Storm where they proved their superior combat capability.
In the case of the FE, CFTs allow air-to-ground munitions to be loaded on stations which would otherwise carry external fuel tanks. For example, if the warning receiver detects a threat before the radar jammer, the warning receiver will inform the jammer of the threat. The addition of new hardware and software, known as Band 1.
The equipment is expected to go into full production sometime in late Without FY procurement, the F production line would begin to close in the absence of new foreign sales. These six additional aircraft, together with the six aircraft approved by Congress in FY , will sustain the present plane combat force structure until about FY Designed in the s and built in the s, the FA — D aircraft has now been in service for over twenty years.
However, all air-to-air Eagles gain improved radar, central computer, weapons and fire control, and threat warning systems. The purpose of the F Multi-stage Improvement Program MSIP was to provide maximum air superiority in a dense hostile environment in the late s and beyond. All total, Eagles received the new avionics upgrades. A new central computer with significantly improved processing speed and memory capacity upgraded the F from 70s to 90s technology, adding capacity needed to support new radar and other systems.
The original Eagle had less computer capacity than a s car. Some of the work prefaced the addition of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, adding space, power, and cooling that would allow the new avionics to run in the harsh environments in which the Eagle operates.
The new programmable armament control set PACS with a multi-purpose colour display MPCD for expanded weapons control, monitoring, and release capabilities featured a modern touch screen that allowed the pilot to talk to his weapons. A data transfer module DTM set provided pre-programmed information that customized the jet to fly the route the pilot had planned using mission planning computers.
An upgrade to the APG Radar for multiple target detection, improved electronic counter-countermeasures ECCM characteristics, and non-cooperative target recognition capability enabled the pilot to identify and target enemy aircraft before he was detected or before the enemy could employ his weapons. An upgrade of the advanced medium range air-to-air missile AMRAAM , that carried up to eight missiles, represented an improvement that complimented the combat-proven AIM-7 Sparrow by giving the pilot capability to engage multiple targets to launch and leave, targeting and destroying enemy fighters before they could pose a threat.
The F initial operational requirement was for a service life of 4, hours.
0コメント