F-16 Installation
Integration of the AGM-84 with the F-16 required two main changes: (i) addition of Harpoon-specific weapon control algorithms to the Stores Management System, and (ii) development of an interface adapter kit. The interface adaptor is basically an electronic component that converts weapons control instructions from the F-16 Stores Management System into instructions that can be interpreted by the weapon (Harpoon in this case).
The work started during Operation Desert Storm on Korea-based USAF Block 30G aircraft. Two factors complicated the actual development of the interface adaptor and algorithms. First of all, the "heavy stations" (hardpoints 3 and 7, capable of carrying a heavy weapon such as the Harpoon) did not offer access to the 1553 data bus. Second, there were some initial software problems with the jet as well. To circumvent the limitations, the
AGM-65 Maverick interface was re-used initially. The Maverick interface did not require the F-16 SMS to do anything extra, as all control software was in the adapter kit. Weapon modes and targeting were all selected on the video provided in lieu of the normal Maverick video.
As the Storm wound down, USAF lost interest and the initial effort was cancelled. The project was picked up again later when foreign F-16 customers expressed interest in the Harpoon. By that time, the software problems had been solved and the Harpoon was properly integrated. The AGM-84 Harpoon was officially cleared on the F-16 on August 11th, 1994.
All recent F-16 aircraft (
block 20, 30/32, 40/42, 50/52, and 60) can be made Harpoon-capable. It requires the installation of the interface adapter, plus installation of system software that supports the Harpoon.
Blogitekstissä asiavirheitä, muttta ihan mielenkiintoista silti, kuten myös kommenttiosio.
