OVERVIEW: The F-16A Block 15 MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) aka F-16AM Fighting Falcon is a low-cost, single-engine, very maneuverable, supersonic, 4th generation multirole fighter. 


DETAILS:  The F-16 was designed to be a cost-effective combat "workhorse" that can perform various missions and maintain around-the-clock readiness. It uses advanced aerodynamics and avionics, including the first use of a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire (RSS/FBW) flight control system to achieve enhanced maneuver performance. Highly maneuverable, the F-16 can pull 9-g maneuvers and can reach a maximum speed of over Mach 2. Innovations include a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick, and reclined seat to reduce g-force effects on the pilot. It has a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than one, providing power to climb and accelerate vertically.

The BAF F-16A MLU is a Block 15 or Block 15 OCU (Operational Capability Upgrade) that is updated to MLU standards.  The original Block 15 OCU  provide increased capability upgrades, including more reliable F100-PW-220 turbofan engine, structural strengthening an enlarged HUD and the capability to fire the Penguin Mk.3 aka AGM-119 and the AGM-65, provisions for the AIM-120 AMRAAM, a radar altimeter, the Tracor AN/ALE-40 chaff/flare dispenser and provisions for the AN/ALQ-131 ECM pod. It also has an expanded computer capacity, data transfer unit. 

The MLU upgrade provides an updated Modular Mission Computer (MMC).  The AN/APG-66(V2) radar is updated to provide a track-while-scan mode for up to ten targets and a 6-on-6 AIM-120 capability.  The radar is also has a 25% improvement in detectiona dn tracking range and improved ECCM.  


NOTES: IOC 1980 (F-16 A); 1998 (F-16 MLU). 


SOURCES: "F-16 Fighting Falcon." U.S. Air Force. Last modified September 23, 2015. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104505/f-16-fighting-falcon/#:~:text=The%20F%2D16%20Fighting%20Falcon,United%20States%20and%20allied%20nations; "F-16A/B." F-16.net - The Ultimate F-16, F-22, F-35 Reference. Accessed December 24, 2020. https://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article3.html; http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article2.html   