Found these photos in the new edition of Lockheed-Martin’s Code One magazine of the F-16 Conformal Air Refuelling Tank System (CARTS), a Skunk Works led effort that began on a UAE Air Force Block 60 in 2007, specifically to meet an Indian MMRCA requirement.
The report quotes CARTS engineer Don Thompson as saying, “We needed a test aircraft version of the Block 60 aircraft. The test Block 60 aircraft in the US was tied up with avionics modification and integration to support MMRCA field trials, and we needed a dedicated aircraft for the CARTS portion of the field trials demonstration. We modified the aircraft in the UAE because it was easier and quicker than bringing another Block 60 F-16 into the US to modify and then send it right back to the UAE on the way to India for the field trials.”
The report notes that “During the flight testing and MMRCA demonstrations, the CARTS-equipped F-16 successfully received fuel from both a modified DC-10 and an Indian Air Force Ilyushin Il-78 tanker aircraft and made approximately forty aerial refueling contacts. The speed envelope, as tested, is in the range of 250 to 300 knots. The pilot flies the probe into the refueling basket of the drogue from just below at a closing speed of no more than ten knots.”
Photos: Lockheed-Martin
CFT or no CFT, I hope F-16 looses.
DONT BUY THE F-16. PERIOD. It is a 30 year old design.
Its no J-20 is it really, if I saw an F-16 still in my prospective fighter competition I would be concerned…
I love Lockheed Martin but defense companies vying for defense contracts from India need to learn our mentality. It might be the best or worst product but Indians do look with a weary eye on companies doing defense deals with Pakistan. Although we did buy C-130s but you see most of the big orders are going to Boeing, Dassault, BAE , Sukhoi..etc etc
MMRCA or no MMRCA. Will be offered to other countries soon *wink! nudge nudge*
Twenty years earlier, it could have been suitable for India. The situation was different then. But then it would have suffered sanctions due to Pokharan-2.
MMRCA will go to Eurofighter, mark my words now lockheed.
MoD should not have allowed it to compete in the first place.
Having the same aircraft as their enemy is not something pilots will be comfortable with.
I hope the Eurofighter wins.
So this now would probably be sold to Pakistan.
PAF have IL Tankers and F-16's cannot be filled by them. No wonder LM went to all such effort to develop this. They knew they already have a customer.
^^^ PAF is already inducting the F-16 compliant tankers. IL's will be platformed for JFs and FCs etc. F-16 either will use CFTs (being supplied with new kits/tranches) or will use US tankers. its done.
STRAIGHT NO NO TO F16.IS IT SO HARD?