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F-16 Block 70/72

It is a common misconception to regard the F-16 Block 70/72 as a 50-year-old aircraft simply because the original F-16 design dates back to the 1970s. In reality, the Block 70/72 represents a fundamentally modern fighter jet that only shares the general airframe shape and aerodynamic lineage of its predecessors. Everything else—from its avionics and radar to its flight controls and mission systems—has been redesigned, modernized, or newly developed. The result is an aircraft that meets or exceeds current 4.5-generation fighter standards.

New Build, Modern Airframe

The Block 70/72 variants are not upgrades of old airframes. They are newly manufactured aircraft, built on an advanced production line in Greenville, South Carolina. The new airframes are rated for 12,000 flight hours—50% longer than earlier F-16s—and incorporate structural enhancements that improve durability and survivability in modern combat environments.

21st-Century Avionics and Radar

One of the defining features of the Block 70/72 is the inclusion of the Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This radar brings the F-16 into the modern era with:

  • Faster target tracking

  • Greater detection range

  • Resistance to jamming and electronic warfare

  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for high-resolution ground mapping

These capabilities are comparable to those found in fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and ensure the aircraft can operate effectively in contested airspace.

State-of-the-Art Cockpit and Flight Controls

The cockpit of the Block 70/72 has been completely modernized. It features:

  • A glass cockpit with color multifunction displays

  • Digital flight instruments

  • Hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls

  • Compatibility with advanced helmet-mounted cueing systems

These updates dramatically improve pilot situational awareness, reduce workload, and enable faster reaction times in high-threat environments.

Modern Electronic Warfare and Survivability

The Block 70/72 is equipped with the Viper Shield electronic warfare suite. This system provides:

  • Threat detection

  • Radar warning

  • Electronic countermeasures

  • Decoy and jammer coordination

These defensive measures ensure survivability against modern surface-to-air missile systems and airborne threats.

Fully Compatible with Modern Weapons and Networks

The aircraft supports an extensive range of modern weaponry and is fully interoperable with NATO and allied forces. It includes:

  • Compatibility with precision-guided munitions (JDAM, SDB, etc.)

  • Air-to-air missiles like AIM-9X and AIM-120D

  • Advanced datalink and secure communications (including Link 16)

Conclusion

While the F-16’s design heritage traces back to the 1970s, the Block 70/72 is not a 50-year-old aircraft in any meaningful sense. It is a new-production, modern fighter jet incorporating the latest in radar, avionics, weapons, and survivability systems. Its combination of combat effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and global interoperability makes it a viable platform for 21st-century air forces.

By Skeeter Wesinger

April 4, 2025

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Cold War 2.0 in all but name

In recent remarks made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, who criticized the United States for approving a proposed sale to the Philippines of 16 F-16C Block 70/72 fighter aircraft, four F-16D models, Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, radar systems, spare parts, and associated training support.

Guo’s pointed questions—“Who exactly is fueling the flames? Who exactly is instigating military confrontation? Who exactly is turning Asia into a ‘powder keg?’”—are emblematic of Beijing’s rhetorical strategy. These lines are crafted not merely for domestic consumption, but also to influence ASEAN neighbors and cast the U.S. as the aggressor, destabilizing the region. It is classic deflection: presenting China as the stabilizing force while accusing the United States of militarization.

In reality, the proposed sale reflects a growing demand from regional partners for credible deterrence in the face of China’s escalating assertiveness in the South China Sea. The inclusion of modern Block 70/72 F-16s, advanced radar, and Sidewinder missiles is not symbolic—it is strategic. These systems enable the Philippines to better monitor, patrol, and defend its exclusive economic zone and sovereign airspace. More importantly, the inclusion of training support suggests a deepening partnership and interoperability with U.S. forces, indicating that this is not a simple arms transaction but part of a long-term commitment.

China’s objections, particularly the phrase “regional countries are not blind,” are a not-so-subtle warning to its neighbors. But these nations are not blind. They see repeated Chinese incursions, coercive maritime tactics, and an ever-growing presence in disputed waters. In this context, the U.S. response is not only justified—it is measured.

This is Cold War 2.0 in all but name: a contest of influence, where China uses information operations and economic levers, while the United States reinforces alliances and deterrence postures. As history reminds us, arming the perimeter is not an act of aggression—it is an act of preparation.

By Skeeter Wesinger

April 3, 2025

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cold-war-20-all-name-skeeter-wesinger-z9kee

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The U.S. Equips Japan with Additional Advanced E-2D Hawkeyes

In a move emblematic of the growing strategic partnership between the United States and Japan, the U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Tokyo valued at $1.38 billion. The sale includes up to five E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, along with a suite of associated equipment and support systems. This decision reflects not only the deepening military cooperation between the two nations but also the ongoing challenges of maintaining security in the increasingly tense Asia-Pacific region.

The deal builds on Japan’s earlier acquisition of 13 E-2D aircraft, underscoring Tokyo’s commitment to fortifying its airborne early warning capabilities. These latest additions to Japan’s arsenal will feature cutting-edge technology designed to ensure superiority in the contested airspaces of the modern battlefield.

Included in this tranche are five E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft, powered by ten installed T56-A-427A engines with two spares. The aircraft will also carry six Multifunction Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals (five installed and one spare), five APY-9 radars, and five AN/AYK-27 Integrated Navigation Control and Display Systems. Further enhancing their capability, the package includes twelve LN-251 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems equipped with Embedded Airborne Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Modules or M-Code Receivers, as well as six ALQ-217 Electronic Support Measures Systems (five installed, one spare).

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye represents a significant leap forward in technology from its predecessors. Central to its advancements is the AN/APY-9 radar, capable of detecting and tracking a wide array of threats with unprecedented precision. These enhancements are designed to ensure Japan’s ability to monitor and respond to a broad spectrum of regional security challenges with unmatched efficiency.

Among the pivotal upgrades is the integration of the M-Code Receiver, a linchpin in modern military GPS technology. The M-Code is a robust signal developed to supersede the older encrypted P(Y) code, addressing the increasing threats of electronic warfare. This GPS signal ensures the security, accuracy, and reliability of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data under the most challenging conditions. With its anti-jamming and anti-spoofing features, the M-Code safeguards navigational data, providing authentic and accurate readings even in environments saturated with electronic interference.

The M-Code’s binary offset carrier (BOC) modulation further bolsters its performance, enabling superior resistance to multipath interference—a common issue when signals reflect off surfaces such as buildings or water. Access to this highly secure signal is restricted to authorized military users, ensuring uninterrupted availability even when civilian GPS services are compromised or disabled.

The principal contractor for this sale, Northrop Grumman Corporation Aerospace Systems, headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, will oversee the production and delivery of the aircraft and associated systems. Beyond the aircraft themselves, the package includes radars, navigation systems, and electronic support measures—a testament to the comprehensive approach taken in enhancing Japan’s defensive capabilities.

This sale is more than a simple transfer of military hardware; it underscores the strategic depth of the U.S.-Japan alliance. As tensions continue to simmer in the Asia-Pacific region, these advanced systems represent a shared commitment to maintaining stability and countering emerging threats. In the shadow of history, where alliances and preparedness have often dictated the outcomes of great conflicts, this partnership serves as a reminder of the importance of foresight in the face of uncertainty.

By Skeeter Wesinger

December 30, 2024

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X59 Quiet Supersonic

X59 Quiet Supersonic

NASA has reached a pivotal moment in its Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QSS) mission, announcing the completion of the first full burn test for the X-59 research aircraft. This historical event, conducted on December 12 at the Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, represents a significant leap forward as the project marches toward full-flight testing.

The afterburner, a critical element of the X-59’s F414-GE-100 engine, proved its mettle during the test, operating seamlessly within the expected temperature thresholds. This component grants the aircraft its ability to breach the sound barrier, reaching supersonic speeds. Alongside this, airflow over the experimental craft’s fuselage behaved as anticipated, and the test demonstrated an encouraging synchronization between the afterburner and the aircraft’s other subsystems. In short, the results reaffirmed the team’s rigorous engineering expectations.

Notably, this achievement follows closely on the heels of the first engine test conducted in October of this year. In those initial trials, the engine was run at low speeds to detect leaks and uncover potential flaws. These early successes have laid the groundwork for the comprehensive testing now underway.

A Technological Milestone

The X-59’s engine delivers an impressive 22,000 pounds of thrust, enabling the aircraft to achieve speeds of Mach 1.4 at altitudes nearing 55,000 feet. Uniquely, the engine is housed in a nacelle atop the fuselage, reminiscent of the third engine placement on the iconic Lockheed L-1011. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it serves the critical function of reducing the noise footprint generated during supersonic flight. Tests, such as the afterburner’s full burn, are invaluable in revealing potential weaknesses or anomalies in this trailblazing aircraft.

The X-59 lies at the heart of NASA’s QSS mission, a bold endeavor to tame the sonic boom that has long rendered supersonic flight impractical over populated areas. Traditional supersonic aircraft produce a disruptive double-pressure wave called the N-wave when breaking the sound barrier. The X-59, by contrast, aims to transform this into a gentler pressure transition—a “sonic thump”—or even render it imperceptible. If successful, this revolutionary technology could resurrect the dream of supersonic transport, which has lain dormant since the retirement of Concorde.

A Vision for the Future

NASA’s ambitions extend beyond technological achievement; the agency envisions a paradigm shift in commercial aviation. The Quesst mission, in collaboration with commercial partners, seeks to dramatically shorten long-haul flight times. The ability to operate supersonic aircraft over land without disturbing those on the ground would herald a new era of efficiency and connectivity.

As testing progresses, the X-59 team’s immediate focus will shift to “aluminum bird” trials, where the aircraft will endure rigorous data-driven evaluations under both normal and simulated failure conditions. Taxi tests, during which the X-59 will maneuver independently on the ground, will follow. These steps are vital in ensuring the readiness of the aircraft for its maiden flight, slated for 2025.

NASA’s quest is as much about public perception as it is about technological innovation. By gathering data on how communities respond to the “sonic thump,” the agency aims to provide regulators with the evidence needed to reconsider bans on supersonic flight over land. This pioneering effort holds the promise of restoring supersonic travel to the skies, forging a future where speed and sustainability coexist seamlessly.

By Skeeter Wesinger

December 24, 2024

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/x59-quiet-supersonic-skeeter-wesinger-xndhe

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