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With the introduction of
inertially aided
weapons, such as the GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM),
and the AGP-68(V)9 SAR imagery, the F-16 gains an enhanced
capability for all-weather precision strike from standoff distance. The aircraft can also
deliver the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), and
CBU-103/104/105 Wind Corrected Munitions Dispensers. So far, the
use of such advanced precion attack weapons capability was
available in the IAF only with the Boeing F-15I (Raam).
By 2005, the IAF is expecting to
complete acceptance testing and fielding of the RAFAEL SPICE
guided weapon kit for Mk84 bombs.
Later, the Israel Air Force is expecting to get the RAFAEL Have-Lite standoff
attack missile, which will further enhance the range, and
survivability of these aircraft. Current versions of F-16Is are
equipped with the Python 4 close range (dogfight) all aspect
missile, and AIM-120A (AMRAAM) Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles.
Pyhon 5 a fifth generation of the air/air missiles, currently
undergoing advanced flight testing, are developed by RAFAEL as full
sphere air/air missiles, which will offer extended range
capability both at long range and short range engagement. The
missile has a unique lock-on after launch capability, which
enables its employment over long ranges, as well as at chasing the
launching aircraft. SPICE is an advanced, autonomous navigation
system that can be added on to conventional Mk-83/84 weapons,
transforming them into autonomous, precision weapons. SPICE uses a
combination of inertial and scene matching navigation to home-in
on point targets that have distinctive shapes. Since the system
uses a combination of navigation methods, is immune to GPS errors
and jamming.
A future addition will be the employment of the
RAFAEL/Lockheed Martin Have Lite missile. A derivative of the Have
Nap, which is already in use with the USAF, and the air forces of
Israel, Australia and Turkey, Have Lite enable improved day/night
capability, operation by a single pilot, and is adaptable to
smaller platforms such as the F-16. The missile offers high
precision attack capability of time sensitive targets, as it
enables "man-in-the-loop" control, at the terminal phase of the
mission, by the use of imaging homing sensor and a two-way
datalink to the transmit a real-time image of the target to the
controller. The controller can decide what parts of the target
should be attacked, and instruct the missile to aim to these
points.
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