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A new concept, developed by FAR Technologies can
apply to various military aircraft, fighters and trainers,
adapting existing fuel tanks to be carried under weapon stations. Under the patent pending design, an installation of
fuel lines, flowing fuel from the outboard weapon stations (3 and 7
on the F-16) to
fuel tanks pylons, (stations 4 and 6 on the F-16). In Israel, IAI/Lahav
is promoting the implementation on the F-16 and is working on the
necessary adaptations. The installation can be
applied in only two hours, and enable the Falcon to carry a total
of up to five external fuel tanks, reduce the need of air
refueling, extend ferry range by 40% and add 25% to the mission radius (on attack and
reconnaissance missions, for example), and up to doubling
endurance on combat air patrol missions.
Israel's IMI is also offering a higher capacity
external fuel tanks (600 Gallon) for the F16, which can
significantly extend the F-16 range, These tanks can replace the
370 gallon tanks or carried in addition to other tanks, especially
on long haul ferry missions. However, the 600 Gal version cannot
be dropped when the aircraft enters a dogfight and therefore, can
be carried when the aircraft is armed for all aspect combat (when
maneuvering relative to the target is not required), or maintained
in relatively safe flight pattern (such as various mission support
roles) or being escorted by other fighters.
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