Still looks cool, but you're right:
Posted on 04/08/2016 7:54:27 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Israel received its first F-16s a few months before they took out the Iraqi reactor at Osirak in June 1981. The IAF did some amazing modifications to the news planes to increase fuel load, range, and bomb load...
Ya think?
Plus it was funny.
The LOA makes this clear. And source code is aircraft specific and can’t be swapped like you would for an OS for your computer.
Bottom line is Israel is a sovereign country and what they do with their equipment after they buy it is their business.
Not exactly. External tanks were added (as approved by flight testing and engineering and the LOA.
Aircraft are not cars—they require software adjustments and flight testing to ensure the jet cane fly safely AND safe seperation occurs when the “empties” are jettisoned.
FMS is quite specific in prohibiting changes. They are specifically prohibited in the LOA and that is standard in the T&Cs.
Like mentioned before, aircraft are not cars—they can’t just swap programming, change configuration, plug in their own kit WITHOUT USG approval.
Not only prohibited by law, such changes require extensive flight testing and verification — finally, there is a whole supply train and support package that can be suspended (and jets need that), and imperiles further deliveries and place at risk FMF funding- and that can really hurt.
Please do not think it is a simple process, legally and technologically. Jets need spare parts and that is another issue that complicates things even further-especially jets make with composites.
Obey Amendment prohibited F-22 export.
Can’t offer what you can’t sell.
I mean you no offense and I am not trying to be argumentative. The fact of the matter is that Israel has done these things in the past and I have every expectation that they will do them again and with the tacit understanding of the US government.
IIRC, the concern was that the drop tanks were very, very close to the bomb racks. The fear was that when the empty tanks were released, they could strike the bombs...either causing detonation or affecting their ability to be released over the target..
None taken.
Cheers.
Still looks cool, but you're right:
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