OVERVIEW: The F-16BM ADF (Air Defense Fighter) is a two-seat, single-engine, all-weather, multirole fighter aircraft. 

DETAILS: The F-16BM ADF is based on the original F-16 Fighting Falcon design, with upgrades tailored to meet air defense requirements. The ADF variant includes improved radar systems, a more advanced Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, and upgraded avionics that allow for superior detection and tracking of airborne targets. This version was primarily developed during the late 1980s to address the need for a dedicated air defense role

The F-16BM ADF were converted from Block 15 airframes.  It features a two-seat cockpit configuration, making it suitable for both pilot training and combat missions. The second seat allows for a weapons systems officer, providing enhanced situational awareness and operational flexibility. Although the aircraft retains the F-16’s multirole capability, the ADF variant’s primary focus is on air-to-air combat, with secondary ground-attack capabilities.

The ADF upgrade package included modifications to the F-16's APG-66 radar, enabling it to carry AIM-7 Sparrow medium-range air-to-air missiles, in addition to the standard AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. This enhancement significantly improved the aircraft's beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagement capabilities, allowing it to perform in a more advanced air defense role.  

The aircraft is powered by the P&W F100-220E turbofan engine with 14,590 lb thrust (23,770 lb afterburner)

Specifications:

Max Speed: 	Mach 2.05 at altitude
Max Range: 	2,002 nm (ferry range); 340 nm (combat radius)
Max Payload:	17,000 lb (7,700 kg) on 9 hardpoints
G-limit:		 +9.0 g
Crew: 		2 

NOTES: The F-16BM ADF reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in the late 1980s.  The Italian aircraft were in service from 2003-2012, and were drawn from aircraft retired from US ANG units.   

SOURCES: "F-16 Versions - A/B Versions and the ADF." F-16.net. Accessed August 12, 2024. https://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article14.html; "F-16 Operators - United States Air National Guard." F-16.net. Accessed August 12, 2024. https://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article10.html. ; "F-16 Fighting Falcon." U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet. Last modified August 12, 2024. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104505/f-16-fighting-falcon.

Authors: ChatGPT; CV60