What are these 4 things on the F-16 nose cone?


These are antennae for the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system. IFF is a system to help distinguish friendly aircraft from unfriendly ones.
This particular antenna arrangement is used on only a couple of F-16 models. The first was the F-16 Air Defense Fighter (ADF) version. This model was converted from the F-16 Block 15 for use as a fighter interceptor for the US Air National Guard. A total of 271 F-16A and F-16B aircraft were upgraded to this standard between 1989 and 1992. One of the modifications made during the conversion process was installation of the Teledyne/E Systems Mk.XII Advanced IFF system, given the designation APX-109. This system included four antennas, often nicknamed "bird slicers," placed in front of the cockpit canopy with additional antennas on the bottom of the inlet.
 

These are antennae for the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system. IFF is a system to help distinguish friendly aircraft from unfriendly ones.

If these are for the Teledyne/E Systems Mk.XII Advanced IFF AN/APX-109, how do they differ from the antennae for the Hazeltine AIFF (AN/APX-113(V), AN/APX-125(V), or AN/APX-126)?
 

Similar threads

Please donate to support the forum.

Back
Top Bottom