| F-16C PEACE BRIDGE | KF-16C | KF-16C Block 52D |
The F-16C PEACE BRIDGE is a variant of the American F-16 Fighting Falcon, used by the Republic of Korea Air Force.
History
The F-16A Fighting Falcon was developed by General Dynamics as part of the United States Air Force Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program. The aircraft, first flown on 20 January 1974, was exported to several NATO members starting in the mid-to-late 1970's. Originally envisioned as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather Multi-Role aircraft. Over 4,500 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976.
South Korea became the first F-16C/D operator outside of the United States when they ordered 36 such aircraft in 1981 under the Foreign Military Sales program known as PEACE BRIDGE. The Block 30 F-16C entered service in 1987, and featured a series of updates to include the APG-68 radar, compatibility with Shrike and HARM anti-radar missiles, and the AIM-120 AMRAAM. It featured a new engine as well, the General Electric F110-GE-100, which produced just under 29,000 pounds of installed thrust in afterburner. These were used by 11 Fighter Wing in a air defense role.
Overview
The F-16C PEACE BRIDGE is a relatively inexpensive Air Superiority Fighter available to South Korean and BLUFOR decks. At 100 points per aircraft, the F-16C PEACE BRIDGE provides good capabilities for its cost. It has a tight turning circle, moderate ECM, a compliment of six AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles and a 20mm Vulcan cannon. It is an ideal choice for helicopter hunting, or surprise strikes against enemy aircraft that get far over friendly territory. The 20mm Vulcan cannon adds tactical flexibility to the airframe, allowing the Block 30 to strafe lightly armored vehicles and infantry.
The F-16C PEACE BRIDGE is not without its drawbacks. It carries no long range air to air missile, and so is vulnerable to longer range fighters. While the PEACE BRIDGE does have ECM, it is of modest power and does not protect it well from long range SAMs and AAMs. For its cost, these drawbacks are far from prohibitive, and the F-16C PEACE BRIDGE is an ideal choice for anti-helicopter and short range aerial attacks.
Weapons
| Weapons | 
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Vulcan Cannon | AAM | No Weapon |
| Name | M61A1 Vulcan | AIM-9M Sidewinder | |
| Caliber | 20mm AoE | Infrared AoE, F&F | |
| Ammo | x 564 | x 6 | |
| Range | Ground = 2100 m Helicopters = 1575 m  Airplanes = 2800 m
|
Ground = N/A m Helicopters = 1750 m Airplanes = 3850 m
|
|
| Accuracy | 40% | 60% | |
| Stabilizer | 40% | 60% | |
| AP Power | N/A | N/A | |
| HE Power | 1 | 5 | |
| Suppression | 92 | 200 | |
| Rate of fire | 4028 r/min | 2 s r/min |
Gallery
See also
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