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F-15T? F-16E/F? (Read 1049 times)
Oct 12th, 2003 at 1:39am

pilotjj1   Offline
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The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) had just shortlisted 3 out of 6 possible contenders to replace their A-4SU fleet. One of them (gotten it from my local paper) is the F-15T. I had never heard of the variant and information available on the web are vague. Anyone had any idea on this variant.

Also, one of the planes that is in the final 6 but did not make it into the final 3 is the F-16E/F. I had known the F-16E/F as the delta winged F-16XL. However, the scaled down model shown at the Lockheed Martin booth during the recent RSAF Open House (I went there) shows the F-16E as a conventional wing fighter with two bulge at the wingroots. I suspose the F-variant is the 2 seat version. Any ideas on these? Thanks.
 
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Reply #1 - Oct 13th, 2003 at 8:27am

C   Offline
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I've been looking around for this, and as no one else has replied...

All I can assume is that Lockheed-Martin are following the C/D designation with the E/F, even though in the past these have been associated with the XL.

The bulges I believe are conformal fuel tanks (like on the F-15).

Can't find anything relating to the F-16T designation though...

Charlie
 
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Reply #2 - Oct 13th, 2003 at 6:15pm

HawkerTempest5   Offline
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Sometimes the manufacturer will give a type a designation specificlly for an export model for a certain country. I know that the IAF's version of the Strike Eagle is not called an F-15E and is a specific type for the IAF. Maybe this is the case here and the "T" model is a variation specifically for the RSAF?
 

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Reply #3 - Oct 14th, 2003 at 5:10am

pilotjj1   Offline
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Quote:
Sometimes the manufacturer will give a type a designation specificlly for an export model for a certain country.

Well, I'm aware of this. In fact, the A-4SU (the one to be replaced) is a typical example. However, I don't think it is possible in this instance. This is in a way a competition and in the end, the order may not be placed. Then, why would Boeing go ahead with designing another version? Won't they be suffering a loss if it is not selected.

As for the F-16E/F, there are some new findings. I think it is actually a redesignation of the still unbuilt Block 60/62 F-16C/D that is initially designed for the UAE. The conformal fuel tanks is one of the external feature of the new aircraft. However, I need confirmation.
 
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Reply #4 - Oct 14th, 2003 at 6:05am

HawkerTempest5   Offline
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What you tend to find with export versions is that they are a downgraded version of the type the US is using. THe US has a favoured nations policy and everyone else gets an export model.
I'm just gussing here because I've never come accross a "T" model before either.
 

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Reply #5 - Oct 14th, 2003 at 9:09am

Felix/FFDS   Offline
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Paper holds anything. - F-15T, based on the -E.

Call it the "working name" for the Singapore competition.

It could easily have been the F-15ES.

 

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Reply #6 - Oct 15th, 2003 at 3:25am

pilotjj1   Offline
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Ok, it sounds more logical now. Singapore currently operated 2 models with export designations. The F-5S/T (Original F-5E/F Tiger II), and the A-4SU Super Skyhawk (Originally A-4S Skyhawk, redesignated after a major upgrade). The F-15 can't be designated S as it is used by the Saudis already.

By the way Felix, where do you get the info?
 
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Reply #7 - Oct 15th, 2003 at 9:23am

Felix/FFDS   Offline
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Quote:
By the way Felix, where do you get the info?


I'm lazy - Google search - Boeing web site - news release.  Also, possible subliminal retention from reading magazines such as Air Forces Monthly, Air Illustrated, etc.



 

Felix/FFDS...
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