F-16I Sufa in IAF Service

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has become a very potent combat aircraft during its development, with the Block 40/42 becoming purpose-built nighttime strike aircraft and Block 50/52 becoming the next generation of SEAD (Wild Weasel) aircraft. Unlike previous purpose built combat aircraft, these F-16 variants retained the agility and awesome dogfight capabilities of the previous versions. With the introduction of the CCIP-modified Block 50/52s into the fleet, the SEAD aircraft can now also carry the night attack pod of the Block 40/42 and the advanced intercept IFF system which is a major improvement over the earlier IFF system used on the F-16A ADF.

Many of the innovations that have found there way into the F-16 were due in large measure from the combat experience and several generations of Israeli modifications to their aircraft that would later find their way into the Lockheed-Martin production lines. One of the more interesting modifications was the dorsal spine added to the F-16D to allow room for additional avionics. This spine modification used to be exclusive to the Israeli Air Force F-16Ds, but the design has found its way into the Singapore Air Force as well as elsewhere.

While many of the F-16s flown by the IDF were configured over time while in Israeli service, the F-16I was unique in that it was essentially an F-16D Block 52 built to Israeli specifications and equipped with advanced Israeli avionics. The Sufa is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine which powers the Block 52 series of F-16s. In addition to the dorsal spine and the unique avionics, the F-16I can also employ the dorsal conformal fuel tanks to increase range with less drag and without occupying the heavy-weight underwing inboard pylons.

IsraDecal Publications has done a magnificent job in bringing the Sufa up-close and in detail. The title starts off with a brief developmental history of the type and launches into a wide array of magnificent color photographs of the aircraft in action. The title is then rounded out with loads of full-color photos of an extensive photo walk around of the aircraft from all of the usual perpectives and quite a few more that would get the average enthusiast shot! Very nice work indeed.

The title is written in English and provides a detailed look at the aircraft that will satisfy both the modeler and the Israeli Air Force aviation historian/enthusiast.

If you're a follower of the exploits and accomplishments of the Israeli Air Force, this is one title you won't want to miss. This title is highly recommended!