"For a strike on Iran": Israel showed the F-16 with unusually large PTB

7

Images of a fourth-generation F-16 multifunctional fighter with unusually large outboard fuel tanks (PTB) in the service of the Israeli Air Force appeared on social networks. The aircraft are part of the duty squadron in the international Blue Flag maneuvers. It is reported that fighters in this configuration were used to attack pro-Iranian formations in Syria.

Unnaturally large PTBs increase the range of the F-16 by three times, while reducing the maneuverability of the aircraft. Here are some comments from users of military communities on the social network VKontakte on this matter:



Not only does the range increase, but also the gluttony of the fighter due to the increased drag. The radar luminosity increases, the payload decreases. Bucky is an attempt from a light aircraft to make a kind of heavy

- Artem Kotov thinks so.

This is definitely training to strike Iran. Why else would they need such huge hanging tanks? The Gaza Strip is nearby, Lebanon too. Iran alone is almost 2000 km away

- suggests Vitaly Romanov.

Those on the sides are definitely not less than 4000 liters each. They are actually larger than our PTB-3000. Under the belly, the tank is two times smaller, liters per 2000

- Alexey Komnik believes.



Israel has been conducting a Blue Flag military exercise in the Negev Desert since 2013. This year, along with the Israelis, French, American, German and British pilots are taking part.
7 comments
Information
Dear reader, to leave comments on the publication, you must sign in.
  1. greenchelman
    greenchelman
    +2
    27 October 2021 16: 12
    Great, two PTBs of 4t and one in 2t. Total 10 tons. Carrying capacity of the F-16 is about 10 tons. How will they shoot at Iran, from the side cannon and throw off a couple of bombs from the belly? The Israelis themselves still cannot understand what for, they riveted it ... https://www.iaf.org.il/9448-53763-he/IAF.aspx
    1. Michael1950
      Michael1950
      -1
      28 October 2021 00: 19

      - 2536.8 liters - 2030 kg. Multiply by 2 - 4060 kg. Plus a 1564 liter tank under the fuselage - 1251 kg. Total in PTB - 5311 kg.
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Dynamics_F-16_Fighting_Falcon#Specifications_(F-16C_Block_50_and_52)
      Empty weight: 8,573 kg
      Max takeoff weight: 19,187 kg
      Fuel capacity: 3,200 kg
      =============
      19187-8573-5311-3200 = 2103 kg. You can hang 2 more bombs, 1 ton each ...
      Despite the fact that on a combat mission after running out of fuel in the PTB, they are dropped ...
    2. Binder
      Binder
      -2
      28 October 2021 21: 58
      Quote: greenchelman
      The Israelis themselves cannot understand yet what for, they riveted it ...

      Do you consider yourself smarter and more professional than Israeli aviation specialists? Oh well... fool
      1. Ulysses
        Ulysses
        0
        28 October 2021 22: 20
        Do you consider yourself smarter and more professional than Israeli aviation specialists? Well, well ... fool

        Binder, how are they different from you.? smile
        1. Binder
          Binder
          -1
          28 October 2021 22: 41
          They differ from me in that I am not an aviation specialist. However, it is much more important that they differ from most of their foreign colleagues by a higher professional level.
          1. Ulysses
            Ulysses
            +1
            28 October 2021 23: 05
            it is much more important that they differ from most of their foreign colleagues by a higher professional level.

            Do you consider the "ability" to hide behind civil liners and Lebanese territory as a high professional level?

            Then do not be surprised why you are so disliked.
            1. Binder
              Binder
              -2
              29 October 2021 00: 35
              Primitive cover stories are entirely on the conscience of your MO.