Not as crazy as the trailer launched F-100.
Posted on 09/15/2014 7:19:21 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
The Israeli air force is developing a short field operating capability for its Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters, based on the use of a rocket-assisted take-off.
A first test is scheduled for next year, with the air force having decided to develop such a system for its F-16A/B, C/D and I-model variants.
Rocket assistance can be used by some military transports to provide additional thrust when an aircraft is heavy or a runway is short.
As part of the new plan, rockets will be placed under the wing of the F-16 and released after they have burned out.
Close attention will be paid to aircraft safety, according to an article in the Israeli air force magazine, which reports that the addition will havea "meaningful" effect on the F-16's aerodynamics.
In recent years the Israeli air force has taken steps to allow uninterrupted operations in a situation where its bases come under attack. The most realistic scenario is heavy rocket attacks on its facilities, some of which were targeted during the recent Protective Edge operation in the Gaza strip.
Other measures include the ability to rapidly fix damaged runways.
Not as crazy as the trailer launched F-100.
I launched a trailer from My F-100 once..............
I am of the opinion that Israel would be better off designing a smaller STOL capable A-10 Warthog equivalent. Something that can takeoff and land on a couple hundred feet of roadway; able to knock out tanks; able to provide ground fire support; and spend a long time in the air.
“What could go wrong?”
341 Bulkhead for one. It’s only a crack prone bulkhead that sits behind the main landing gear, and also has the accessory drive gearbox mounted to it.
Naw, rocket assisted take-offs shouldn’t put any extra strain on the main landing gear or the bulkhead.
Seems like drones are the air force of the future. So many possible uses. You can hover right outside HAMAS’s window.
That would be an RPA, UAV, or drone.
Funny I always thought the F-16 was originally built by General Dynamics.
It’s not to be done outside emergencies, in which case the risk is OK.
One other alternative is to use some sort of cable-assisted launch to get that extra 100mph right away.
Didn’t have my coffee yet, spoke a bit too soon. Makes a lot more sense.
However... much speculation about Israel's ability to strike at Iran's nuclear sites focuses on the distances involved..either mid-air refueling or a refueling stop ( which now seems impossible given how the Middle East is going to hell. So, could these be some type of extended range fuel tanks, which would make the mission possible..and meant to deceive Iranian spies..?
That makes more sense. Perhaps a large conformal fuel tank, and the need for additional TO performance for the huge increase in gross weight.
They’ve even launched B-47 and B-29’s (B-50’s) with rocket-assisted take-off.
Will they have to jettison unused arms to safely land?
KATZ: TAKE OFF EVERY ‘ZIG’.
KATZ: MOVE ‘ZIG’. FOR GREAT JUSTICE.
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