More than a year earlier, in February 1980, these modifications were already effective on the F-16C/D production. In November 1981, the Block 15 introduced MSIP Stage I changes to the F-16A/B starting with subblock 15Y and continuing through subblock 15AZ. After seeing limited service in Operation Desert Storm, the were converted back to 'normal' Block 10 aircraft. 24 F-16A/B Block 10 aircraft from the New York ANG were briefly modified to carry the GPU-5/A 30mm gun pod (see CAS F-16s). Some USAF Block 10 aircraft were later (1987-1993) retrofitted to block 15OCU standard. Differences with Block 5 aircraft are again internal improvements with no apparent external modifications. The F-16s still had the blade UHF aerial and small tail. Block 10ģ12 Block 10 aircraft were build through 1980. Differences with the Block 1 are inconspicuous, involving modifications to improve reliability and mission-ready rate. Block 5 F-16s have the same blade UHF antenna under the intake as the Block 1, as well as the small stabilator. These aircraft were also upgraded to Block 10 specifications under Pacer Loft I and II. The Block 5 production batch totaled 197 aircraft. On Block 5, the gray radome was introduced, which became standard for all later Fighting Falcons. Pilots flying the early Block 1 F-16A's complained that the black radome stuck out like a sore thumb during simulated air-to-air combat and made it easy for the enemy to visually acquire the F-16. Note the UHF antenna under the air intake and the small stabilators. Block 5īelgian F-16A Block 5 painted in special color scheme to celebrate the 50th birthday of 349 sqn. Block 1 (and block 5, 10) aircraft originally had a small horizontal tailplane and a single UHF blade antenna under the air intake. These upgrades involved the graying of the radomes. Between late-1981 and mid-1984 however, these aircraft were brought up to block 10 standard under projects Pacer Loft I (starting 1982) and Pacer Loft II (1983). Block 1 F-16s (and the FSD aircraft) can be distinguished from all subsequent Fighting Falcons by a black radome. A total of 94 Block 1 aircraft rolled off the production line at the Fort Worth facility they were all delivered to the USAF and the 4 initial European customers ( Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands and Norway). It was assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, Utah. The first F-16A Block 1, #78-0001, made its maiden flight in August 1978, and was delivered to the USAF in that same month. The two YF-16s and the eight FSD F-16A's were immediately followed by the first operational F-16s, designated Block 1. This version is easily recognized by the black radome and small stabilators.
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