Wild Weasel launches with newest upgrades

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  • By 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Is newer better?

Ask Capt. Nicholas Edwards, 14th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot and chief of weapons and tactics, and he will say yes.

Edwards flew the 35th Fighter Wing's first F-16 modified with a few of the newest upgrades in the Air Force's fleet, Dec. 6, and put the equipment to the test. Upgrades include a new internal navigation system, new software program for the jet's mission computer and an on-board oxygen generating system.

"Long story short, all of the new upgrades operated flawlessly and will add to our combat effectiveness," said Edwards.

The new computer program provides more situational awareness to pilots to simplify air-to-surface attacks, said Capt. Matthew Clark, 14 FS F-16 instructor pilot. INS increases the accuracy of the F-16's navigation system and improves the accuracy of its global positioning system-guided munitions. The new oxygen system replaces the liquid oxygen system and reduces maintenance hours required to service and fill the old systems, he added.

"These upgrades increase the operational capability of the 35 FW and improve Pacific theater security," Clark said. "Continued upgrades of the F-16 maintain its status as the greatest multi-role fighter in the world."

All Air Force active-duty F-16 units are scheduled to receive these upgrades.

For more information about the F-16 Fighting Falcon, visit http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=103.