66 FIGHTER JETS:
The aircraft is likely undergoing preparations for its transfer to Taiwan — a significant step forward in the nation’s modernization program, a lawmaker said
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By Aaron Tu and William Hetherington / Staff reporter, with staff writer
The first of Taiwan’s order of F-16V Block 70 aircraft has been sighted in Texas ahead of delivery, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) said.
Taiwan’s first F-16V Block 70 two-seat aircraft, tail number 6831, was seen flying from Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Greenville, South Carolina, to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in Texas, Wang wrote on Facebook yesterday.
The plane is likely undergoing preparations for its transfer to Taiwan, marking a significant step forward in the Republic of China Air Force’s modernization program, Wang said, citing military analysts.
Photo: Screen grab from Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wang Ting-yu’s Facebook page
The F-16V Block 70 is a new-build version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon featuring a more powerful F110-GE-129 engine, upgraded avionics, improved electronic warfare systems and a longer structural service life.
Taiwan’s F-16V fleet consists of 1990s-era F-16A/B Block 20 airframes that have been retrofitted with modern systems including AESA radar, new mission computers and cockpit upgrades under a mid-life upgrade program.
The procurement of 66 new-build F-16V Block 70 jets from the US was approved in 2019 as part of efforts to modernize the air force, strengthen long-range strike and air defense capabilities, and replace aging aircraft while improving deterrence amid rising military pressure from China.
Wang said that tail number 6831 was fitted with conformal fuel tanks, a luggage pod and three external fuel tanks. The conformal fuel tanks mounted along the fuselage provide an additional 450 gallons (1,703 liters) of fuel, while the external tanks consist of two 370-gallon wing-mounted tanks and one 300-gallon centerline tank.
Combined with the aircraft’s internal fuel capacity, the configuration provides approximately 17,294 pounds of fuel. Factoring for aerodynamic drag, weight, climb requirements, reserve fuel and routing considerations, the aircraft’s maximum range should be about 2,200 nautical miles (4,074km), roughly the distance from Taiwan to Guam or Beijing, Wang said.
The aircraft might be conducting preliminary training and preparation flights before making the journey across the ocean, reports said.
Taiwan’s receipt of 66 F-16V Block 70 jets was scheduled to begin in 2023, but deliveries were delayed by factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, relocation of production lines, systems integration issues and labor shortages.
After adjusting production schedules, US manufacturer Lockheed Martin has accelerated output, with most of the aircraft expected to be delivered this year or next.
Once preparations are complete, the new aircraft are expected to be ferried in groups and assigned to the air force’s 7th Tactical Fighter Wing at Chihhang Air Base in Taitung County, reports said.
They would join Taiwan’s fleet of 139 F-16V Block 20 jets stationed in Chiayi and Hualien counties.
The aircraft are expected to follow the same delivery process used before for the upgraded F-16V Block 20 jets, flying from the US to Taiwan with aerial refueling support from US military tanker aircraft.
The Ministry of National Defense is reportedly planning a formal acceptance and welcoming ceremony in the second half of this year for the arrival of the first aircraft and the beginning of a new phase in the air force’s modernization efforts.
Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) told lawmakers earlier this year that the first aircraft is expected to arrive in Taiwan during the third quarter.
He added that 59 aircraft are on the production line at this time.
