Kraków 2004-08-17
Lockheed Martin F-16 C, D Advanced Block 52 + Jastrząb.
315 Section 2006-11-08 Poland.
History
History from the award of the tender on December 27, 2002 to the arrival of the first "Jastrząb" aircraft to Poland on November 8, 2006.
The chapter discusses the four-year period of Poland's preparation for the adoption of WSB, i.e. the period from the moment of awarding the tender to the moment of accepting the first machines, and strictly from December 27, 2002 to November 8, 2006. As we found out, it was a very important period in the history of the Polish Armed Forces, sanctioning the character of the Polish Military Aviation for many years. This time also testified to the great prudence and wisdom of our nation. About actions aimed at farsightedness and long-term, systematic work. At the same time, all forces hostile to Poland revealed themselves. Seeking every opportunity to discredit Polish activities, and even mock and ridicule. These voices were presented in the liberal media, both in the press and on television. For nearly ten years, they urged the nation to force politicians to buy new planes, and when this happened, questions were asked - why this plane?
A characteristic example was the alleged protest of residents living in the vicinity of the airport in Krzesiny. It was characteristic that all the banners (sheets) hung on the fences, strangely enough, looked as if they were made by one hand. In turn, the statements of the inhabitants did not really confirm the words "huge protest". These residents have always had warplanes over their heads, for 80 years now. Another example is the publicity of faults that occurred in the first machines. Masonic journalists behaved as if it was a miracle that the first machines reached Poland at all.
The tender was settled on December 27, 2002.
On Friday, December 27, 2002, the Ministry of National Defense officially announced the victory of Lockheed Martin in the competition for the WSB for Poland. The tender was won by Lockheed Martin, offering the F-16 C/D block 52+ aircraft, beating the consortia of Gripen International (JAS-39 C/D Gripen) and Dassault Aviation (Mirage 2000-5 EPL/DPL). During the work of the committee that was to select the winner, the bid price, tactical and operational values, meeting the tactical and technical requirements (WTT) and offset were taken into account. The American offer received over 90 points out of 100 possible. The declared offset amounted to over USD 9.5 billion (277% of the offer price), however, after conversion by the Polish side, USD 6 billion (170%) was included. The second place in the competition was taken by the Swedish-British consortium Gripen International with the JAS-39 C/D Gripen aircraft, scoring about 90 points. The offset offer was supposed to be around EUR 7.5 billion (233%), but only EUR 4.7 billion (146%) was passed. Third place was taken by the French consortium Dassault Aviation offering the Mirage 2000-5 EPL/DPL aircraft. However, it was disqualified because the offset offered (EUR 3.8 billion - 105%), after conversion by the Polish side, was valued at EUR 2.1 billion, which was only 60% of the contract value (the Polish side required at least 100%).
Although Lockheed Martin won the tender, it did not mean that the Polish squadrons would definitely receive F-16 aircraft. If the offset agreement was not signed, talks would automatically start with the second-place bidder, i.e. the Gripen International consortium. The signing of the contract was expected in May 2003. The first 10 single-seater F-16 C and 6 two-seater F-16 D were planned to be delivered to Poland in 2006. The first unit equipped with the new aircraft will be the 3rd ELT from Krzesiny near Poznań, previously operating various versions of the MiG-21. The 31st Air Base in Krzesiny has become the main training base in the operation of F-16 aircraft. In the period 2007 - 2008, the next planes will go to the 10th ELT from Łask (which ended the operation of the MiG-21 and temporarily converted to PZL TS-11 Iskra aircraft) and the 6th ELT from Powidz (previously equipped with Su-22). This time, the series will consist of 13 single-seaters and 3 two-seaters. Originally, it was planned that the 41st ELT from Malbork would receive new aircraft, but it was decided that it would be rearmed with MiG-29 aircraft acquired from Germany. After the completion of deliveries of the currently ordered 48 machines, it is likely that further 32 aircraft will be purchased in the period 2010 - 2012 to replace the withdrawn Su-22 M4 aircraft. The planes will go to Powidz. The squadron will reach initial operational readiness in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
The contract was signed on April 18, 2003.
Since December 2002, preparatory talks to agree on a contract have been held. Much attention was paid to the issue of offset. On Friday, April 18, 2003, at the Air Force Academy in Dęblin, a contract was signed finalizing the delivery of 48 WSBs worth $ 3.52 billion, which gives a result of $ 73.33 million per copy, together with armament, training equipment and training staff. Poland bought 36 F-16 C and 12 F-16 D. The contract was implemented under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Peace Sky program. Together with 48 aircraft, the Polish Air Force received: 178 AIM-9 X Sidewinder missiles, also 178 AIM-120 C-5 medium-range missiles, 360 AGM-65 G Maverick missiles, 280 AGM-154 JSOW gliding pods, 340 Mk 82 bombs ( 227 kg), 230 Mk 84 bombs (907 kg), 270 installation packages for the above-mentioned bombs in order to convert them into GBU-31 or -38, 270 bomb packages in order to convert them into GBU-22 and GBU-24 Paveway III. Several thousand BDU-33 school bombs, tens of thousands of rounds of 20 mm cannon ammunition. At the same time, we also received 22 Pantera observation and targeting pods (export Sniper-XR), 7 DB-110 reconnaissance pods, about 20 helmets integrated with the JHMCS helmet-mounted aiming system. The battlefield training and simulation system has undergone a revolution, mainly due to the acquisition of an extensive single mission simulator, two squadron training devices, and two simulators of ground procedures from Link. On that day (April 18, 2003) four contracts were signed; main contract, financing agreement, credit agreement in the amount of $ 3.8 billion and offset agreement. In 2004, training of 12 pilots and 140 ground personnel began in the USA.
A few words of comment.
It's not worth crying over spilled milk. We made what some have said a political choice. We stood by the United States, along with Great Britain. Good company, and most importantly, that the decision was finally made. We believe that economic reason and "raison d'état" decided. The choice was certainly made with great care and without haste. And very well. By choosing the F-16, Poland decided to be associated with American defense technology for many years, which is good and bodes well for the acquisition of modern F-35 fighters in the future.
The situation of the Polish Air Force after signing the contract in 2003.
Three, even the most modern squadrons, in Polish conditions is not enough. Therefore, the air force command expects further purchases after 2010. There was talk of 32 F-16 aircraft in 2010-2012 that would replace the Su-22 aircraft. Currently, the share of WLiOP is 16-18% of the budget of the Ministry of National Defence. In other European countries, it is 40% and more. Modern aviation technology is expensive. Therefore, the air force staff expected higher expenditures.
31st Air Base - Krzesiny.
The highest authorities decided that the unit located at the airport in Krzesiny will be the main WSB base. This airport has been used by military aircraft for over 80 years. In order to become a real base that meets the standards and procedures for the operation, WSB had to be thoroughly rebuilt.
In 2001, the renovation of the runway (RWY) was completed. On November 29, 2003, a new hangar for WSB was opened. The base received a new airport with an air traffic control tower. New composition of propellants and lubricants that meet environmental standards. Building with trainers. The barracks for the professional staff of the private corps have been renovated. Several new shelter-hangars were built. Even a new fence was put up. Infrastructure is important, but you can't forget about the equipment. Purchased AS-900 multifunctional airport vacuum cleaners on a Mercedes chassis, fire and rescue vehicles on a MAN 19.364 FAC chassis, LUZES starters on a STAR 994 chassis, an M-TET-30 self-propelled platform with a lifting capacity of 13 tons, a HIAB 800 ET-5 self-loading crane . Experts say that it is the latest generation equipment. Krzesiny is the first air base where only professional and contract soldiers work. A novelty on the scale of the Air Force is that the unit is a direct recipient of aviation materiel that comes from the USA. The base in Krzesiny is the first in this respect. So far, it was the case that the means of supply went to the material bases, and only later to the units. The structure of the technical squadron includes an expedition section whose role is to receive these deliveries from abroad and deal with customs and tax procedures. In December 2005, a "trial" delivery of equipment and supplies that will be needed to service the F-16 aircraft took place. It was about checking many matters, for example, practical practice of customs and tax procedures - whether the persons responsible for this are properly prepared to complete the necessary documentation, whether the reloading equipment owned will allow to secure unloading. The first larger shipments are expected already in the second quarter of 2006. They will arrive by land and air. The air bases in Krzesiny and Łask are equipped with modern communication, navigation and flight insurance systems compatible with NATO systems: TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation), GCA (Ground Control Approach) and ILS (Instrument Landing System). In accordance with the LOA, the Air Force received IT systems to manage the technical documentation of the F-16 aircraft. Lockheed Martin provided an IT system for airframe and avionics maintenance - International Technical Order Digitization (ITOD), and Pratt & Whitney provided an IT system for engine maintenance - Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM). The remaining documentation (Technical Order) provided by the US Air Force is partly public and classified. Since the Polish side provides the entire ICT infrastructure for these systems, local LAN networks and an extensive WAN computer network have been built at the airports in Krzesiny and Łask aviation and the Air Force Command. According to the LOA, the Polish Air Force will receive 200 computers for the IT security of the F-16 aircraft. Other IT equipment was purchased: printers, active elements of computer networks, software. The Polish F-16s are equipped with the latest automated command system, based on the Link 16 combined radio tactical data distribution system. Therefore, ADSI (Air Defense System Integrator) to integrate data exchange systems with the previously existing automated command system. In 2006, devices for designing and monitoring the Link 16 network were implemented. An electronic warfare laboratory was built for the needs of the F-16 aircraft. It was created in a new hangar at the Krzesiny air base. This laboratory is the first in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland to be able to analyze and program the database of aircraft threats. The Krzesiny base for F-16 receptions was ready on June 30, 2006.
32nd Air Base - Łask.
13 copies of the F-16 C and 3 copies of the F-16 D will be stationed in this base. Similarly to the base in Krzesiny, it has been thoroughly modernized for the WSB reception. The scope of work and purchase of equipment was very similar. The differences result from the tasks assigned to the 32nd Base - (it does not conduct basic training at WSB) and to the 10th ELT - (which additionally conducts reconnaissance). The base in Łask will be ready to receive the F-16 on June 30, 2007. A Reconnaissance Group was established at the Łask air base, whose task is to develop the results of air reconnaissance conducted by F-16 aircraft operating from this airport. The aircraft will be equipped with the DB-110 tactical air reconnaissance system by Goodrich. A reconnaissance data analysis center for the entire territory of our country was organized in a special building. The problem of reconnaissance is closely related to the reform of the Radio Engineering Troops, which have now begun to closely cooperate with the Air Force. In the latest projects regarding air surveillance (Concept of Air Surveillance), in accordance with the idea of the International Military Staff, it was assumed that, depending on the situation, zones with parameters and dimensions corresponding to the level of military or non-military threat are designated in NATO airspace. The Air Force Command developed a concept for the functioning of the Radio Technical Forces in 2007–2012. The Radiotechnical Forces consist of four radiotechnical battalions, which include long-range radar posts of the Backbone system and radiotechnical companies. Long-range radar posts of the Backbone system, equipped with SR RAT-31DL and NUR-12M, together with the stationary component of radio engineering companies equipped with NUR-12 radar stations, are the main element of the radiolocation reconnaissance system of the Radiotechnical Forces. SR works around the clock, and short shutdowns are only for technical services. The task of the maneuvering component of the radio engineering companies, equipped with the Odra-type SR, is to lower the lower limit of the radar reconnaissance zone over important objects and areas in the territory of the country. The headquarters of the radio engineering battalions were relocated to air bases. They are responsible for the logistic support of their subunits, the organization of specialist and general military training, and for personnel matters. The command function of all forces and resources of the Radiotechnical Forces was performed by the appropriate Command and Guidance Centre. A separate issue is the issue of introducing the AWACS system into the air defense system of the borders of the Republic of Poland. The Air Force started in 2006. the main stage of integration with the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Forces (NAEW&CF) and the NATO Integrated Air Defense System (NATINADS). Poland strives to ensure that these systems are fully integrated when the F-16 aircraft is introduced to the Air Force, i.e. by the end of 2008. This will make it possible to fully exploit the combat capabilities of the F-16 aircraft and streamline the training process for the crews of these aircraft. It will also make it possible to meet NATO directive requirements regarding the radar detection zone, which is impossible without the use of the AWACS system. However, full integration of our Air Force with the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Guidance Force will be impossible without joining the NAPMO (NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Program Management Organization), which manages these forces. Poland has only observer status in this organization. Therefore, legal steps have been taken to obtain full membership. This is possible even at the end of 2006.
33rd Air Base - Powidz.
The base in Powidz is the third base where WSB was planned to be located. It was intended to place 13 F-16 C and 3 F-16 D aircraft there. The issue of missile squadrons is connected with the base in Powidz. The process of redeploying these squadrons to air bases was undertaken, so that they would constitute elements of anti-aircraft defense of military airports. In accordance with the plan "Development of the Air Force in 2005 - 2010", it was assumed that the two missile squadrons currently stationed in Poznań Ławica will be transferred to the bases in Krzesiny and Powidz. So far (2006), detailed reconnaissance of these bases has been carried out, their capabilities have been analyzed and the needs related to the new location of the squadrons have been identified. At the airports in Krzesiny and Powidz, infrastructure has begun to be prepared so that missile squadrons can be introduced to these bases in a smooth manner, personnel are intensively trained in the field of performing tasks of protecting air bases. It was planned that the first two squadrons at the new location would be ready by the end of 2008. By 2010, further missile squadrons will be moved to the bases in Mińsk Mazowiecki, Łask and Malbork. First, squadrons intended to protect air bases will be equipped. They will receive modern, highly mobile anti-aircraft missile systems. The point is that these squadrons should be ready to be deployed by air transport together with the aviation element.
First contact with F-16 aircraft. 2004.
From September 10, 2004 to September 24, 2004, a group of F-16 aircraft with personnel from the 149th wing of the Taskan Air National Guard stayed in Łask in Poland. Polish pilots and technicians had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Yankee procedures for piloting and servicing F-16 fighters. The Yankee group consisted of about 100 people and 5 F-16 C and one F-16 D aircraft. There were 14 pilots, all of whom had over 1,000 hours in the air and instructor licenses. The visit was financed by the American-European Headquarters of the Joint Liaison Team and takes place as part of Operation Sentry White Falcon. Although Illinois was officially selected as a partner state for Poland, the Air National Guard unit from Illinois could not come to Poland in 2004 due to the assigned operational tasks. So it was replaced by a Texas unit that is implementing a similar program in Poland. The Illinois Air Guard will deploy some additional crew in late 2004, the 149th Fighter Wing is based at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. It is part of the Texas National Guard , which serves both at the state and federal level. At the federal level, the 149th Fighter Wing is part of the US Air Force Training Command - it trains pilots who fly F-16 fighters in the US Air Force and its reserve, as well as in Air National Guard units. At the state level, the 149th Wing's task is to be ready to respond in the event of natural disasters and other emergencies in Texas; the Texas Governor has the right to summon units of the Texas National Guard. Fighters from the 149th Wing and planes of the Polish Air Force could be seen on September 18, 2004, during the Open Doors Day at the Łask airbase near Łódź. It was the first, but not the only such working meeting. Bringing us closer to the 2006 acquisition of F-16 fighters.
Polish F-16 pilots. 2005 year.
According to the standards, one and a half pilots are provided for one aircraft, that is, we need 76 pilots for new machines. The training started in 2004. In February 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Rościsław Stefaniuk was the first Polish pilot to start training in the USA. He is the commander of the 3rd ELT at the 31st Base in Krzesiny. On November 15, 2005, an F-16 fighter flew through the cloudless sky of Arizona at supersonic speed. In the vicinity of the Tucson base, no one is surprised. But for us this flight was special. Lieutenant Colonel Rościsław Stefaniuk, the first Polish soldier who independently piloted the F-16, was at the controls of the aircraft. He was trained in the 162nd Air Squadron of the US National Guard. On that day, he had flown 220 hours on the F-16 and is training his colleagues who will sit at the controls of such machines. The next pilots were Lieutenant Colonel Zawada and Lieutenant Colonel Malinowski. Their training in the USA ended in September 2006. The next four pilots - Major Wiśniewski, Major Próchniak, Capt. Skate and Capt. Pawelec. The date of completion of their training in the USA is December 2006. In January 2007, Major Bondaruk and Lt. Marut will return from training in the USA. In September 2006, they completed the ground preparation stage and began training on the T-38 C aircraft. Another group of four pilots will also be trained on this type of aircraft: Major Pszczoła, Capt. Cupryniak, Capt. Son-in-law and lieutenant Czernikiewicz. At the end of 2006, they completed the ground preparation stage before training on the T-38 C. The expected date of completion of the training in the USA for this group is March 2007. Eight pilots, and these are Capt. Nowak, Capt. Marcinkowski, Major Kurkiewicz, Lieutenant Ślusarz, Lieutenant Kalinowski, Lieutenant Chojnicki, Lieutenant Stasiak and Lieutenant Piątek, undergoing English language training at the DLI Lackland center. As part of the additional funds declared by the American side, 24 pilots on the T-38 C and F-16 aircraft and 12 pilots on the T-38 C aircraft only will be trained in the USA. In September 2006, 25 pilots were trained in the USA, including 12 on specialized language training. 6 more completed their flights with the T-38 C advanced training aircraft (60 h program), and the most advanced 7 were trained on the F-16 in Tucson, Arizona. According to the latest arrangements from 2006, a total of 49 out of 76 future F-16 pilots are to be trained in the USA. Out of the group of 49 pilots, 12 will complete training in the USA at the T-38 C level, and the F-16 training will take place in Poland. In addition to the thirteen pilots contracted under the original agreement, 12 pilots are to undergo language courses and gain the basics of fighter knowledge by flying T-38 C aircraft (80 hours with the IFF program). Another 24 pilots will follow in the footsteps of the first 13 and will return to Poland after completing their F-16 training. The USD 40 million contract was signed on February 10, 2006 in Washington, D.C. and is financed from additional financial assistance for the Polish Armed Forces granted by the US government in 2005. In March 2006, a meeting of the recruitment committee of flying personnel qualified for training on the F-16 was held at the DSP in Poland. Ten pilots took the exam conducted by the Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) of the US Embassy.
F-16 technical personnel.
Technical staff training. According to the agreement, one hundred and seventy-one officers and non-commissioned officers and two English language lecturers from the Air Force Academy in Dęblin will be trained in the USA. The training of technical personnel in the United States takes place in 23 training subgroups and is spread over time - the first trainee left for the USA in February 2005, and the main group of training participants left at the beginning of 2006. The last group of trained people will return to Poland in April 2007. Training time for technical personnel varies. Depending on the specialty, the training will last from three months to a year. In 2006, specialist training in English was completed in the USA by two lecturers from the WSOSP in Dęblin and an officer whose task will be to manage the main technical library at the Air Force Command. Still (September 2006), three specialists in unexploded ordnance disposal are being trained in the USA - at the US Navy base in Eglin, and eleven specialists in engine operation - at the DLI Lackland language training center. Engine specialists, when they leave Lackland, from January to September 2006, will continue their training - already specialized - in Hartford, Connecticut and in Fort Worth, Texas. in 2005 three more professional soldiers were sent to the language school in Lackland - specialists in aviation and technical supplies and operational logistics. 171 people from the group of technical personnel will be trained in the USA. Other persons in this group, necessary to perform direct aircraft maintenance and to provide services supporting the operation of these machines, will be trained in the country - in Dęblin and at the 31st Poznań Krzesiny Air Base. Currently, candidates for work on the F-16 deepen their knowledge of English during stationary courses in full-time language training centers of the Air Force and on ad hoc courses organized in units. We strive to prepare the technical staff in the best possible way for specialist training, which we intend to start after the return of the instructors from the USA, i.e. at the turn of 2006 and 2007. We strive to ensure that at the end of 2008 all technical staff are trained in the field of operation F-16 aircraft, and about 2,000 people will be needed to operate the aircraft.
Lockheed Martin Company.
Lockheed Martin is headquartered in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., in Bethesda, Maryland. Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 employees in the USA and around the world. Last year (2005), the company delivered equipment worth a total of $37 billion 200 million. The planes are built at a factory in Fort Worth, Texas.
"One day I looked at my passport and realized that I had already been to Poland thirty times" - says Mac Stevenson, vice president of the Trade Development Department at Lockheed Martin. An impressive feat - especially when you consider that all journeys have taken place in the last six years. They were an important part of the campaign to sell F-16 fighters to the Polish armed forces. “The plane that will be received by the Polish government is the best version of the F-16. The most modern in terms of electronic warfare systems and weapons. The aircraft is second to none in terms of performance and has higher capabilities than the F-16 used by the US Air Force,” emphasizes Stevenson. "It's a matter of national security. The Polish nation can feel proud because it led to a successful conclusion of the bid for the plane,” notes Stevenson. To clarify Mr. Mac Stevenson's statement, it should be said that only Saudi Arabia and Israel ordered a better version of the F-16 fighter.
Construction of Polish F-16 C/D Block 52+ aircraft. 2006.
F-16 C aircraft have tactical numbers from 4040 to 4075 (in the USAF register: FY 03-0040 to FY 03-0075), and F-16 D - from 4076 to 4087. On March 15, 2006, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company (LMAC) informed about the first flight of the first Polish multi-role aircraft F-16 C Block 52 M+ No. 4040. Piloted by the test pilot of the company Paul Hattendorf, the aircraft flew on March 14, 2006, from the airport in Fort Worth, for a test flight lasting just over an hour. During the flight, the pilot conducted a number of tests, such as engine thrust tests at various altitudes and checking the functioning of the on-board radar system while chasing a simulated enemy. Hattendorf also broke the sound barrier and performed a number of maneuvers to test the machine's resistance to heavy overloads. Ms. Irma Sippel, who, on behalf of Lockheed Martin, manages the "Poland Peace Sky" program, covering the production of aircraft ordered by Poland, stated that the program is being implemented as planned, and the first test flight is an important milestone. In April 2006, the aircraft was transferred to the Edwards AFB Base, where it will be used for several months in the process of final integration of equipment and armament provided for in the Peace Sky contract. The tests are to include, first of all, verification of the aircraft's basic utility software, and then they will focus on verifying new avionics elements (including the Honeywell digital map), communication and data transmission system (new Honeywell AN/ARQ-232 radios, a variant of the Rohde Schwarz radio station M3AR plus Link-16 MIDS LTV terminals), integrated electronic warfare and self-defense system (ITT Advanced Integrated Defensive EW Suite - AIDEWS, including AN/ALQ-211(v)4 SIRFC) and armament (new Raytheon AIM-9 X missiles and AGM-154 C JSOW-C), etc. Covering the aircraft with new types of coatings that reduce the effective surface of radar reflection is also to be verified. The first flight of another Polish F-16, this time a two-seat variant, took place in May-June 2006. In September 2006, there were about 12 aircraft on the assembly lines. In accordance with the LOA, the Air Force received IT systems to manage the technical documentation of the F-16 aircraft. Lockheed Martin provided the IT system for operating the airframe (avionics) - International Technical Order Digitization (ITOD), and Pratt & Whitney provided the IT system for engine maintenance - Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM). The remaining documentation (Technical Order) provided by the US Air Force is partly public and classified.
F-16 ready for Poland. September 16, 2006.
During the official visit of Polish Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński to the USA, the first Polish F-16 aircraft was officially demonstrated. “Freedom must be secure, freedom must be defended; in order to do that, you have to really cooperate. ... This aircraft is not only modern, but also beautiful. ... Today is a successful day." - Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński said on Friday (September 16, 2006) at the Fort Worth Texas military base, where the ceremonial presentation of the capabilities of the F-16 aircraft took place.
What is the F-16 like?
The F-16 multi-role aircraft is in service with the armed forces of 23 countries. Poland became the 24th country. So far, over 4,300 of these machines have been produced. They spent a total of over 12 million hours in the air. 24 countries have already ordered it for a reason. It is a proven and so far reliable machine. Over 70 victories in air combat without own losses - this is an absolute record. The F-16s only fell to the ground after being knocked down by a surface-to-air missile or after running out of fuel. Experience in over 100,000 combat missions are the best references of the F-16. It was on its first versions (F-16 A / B) and on the F-15 in the Bekaa Valley in 1982 that Israeli pilots fought with the Syrians on the MiG-21 and MiG-23 one of the largest air battles of the Cold War. In one day, in several engagements, they shot down about 90 Soviet aircraft, without losing any! But the Falcons had their real baptism of fire a year earlier. On Sunday, July 7, 1981. from the base on the Sinai Peninsula (then occupied by Israel) at At 12.55 Greenwich time, eight Israeli F-16s and two F-15s took off. They moved east, towards the Osirak nuclear reactor near Baghdad, which was being built by Saddam Hussein. Entering Iraqi airspace, they descended to a height of only 30 m to avoid being detected by SR. At. At 17.35, 20 km from the target, the Falcons climbed to a height of 2,130 m and dived back towards the reactor. Each aircraft dropped two 1,000-kilogram bombs. They all hit the target, and Saddam's atomic dreams were nipped in the bud. The rapid escape to the altitude of 12,000 meters did not give the Iraqi anti-aircraft defense a chance. Even before dusk, all the Falcons, with a distance of 2,000 km behind them, returned to the base. – “None of us expected that all planes would return to the base. In the meantime, we all landed without even a single scratch" - says Col. Zeev Raz, one of the participants of this flight, years later. Another pilot, Col. Ilan Ramon, survived the Osirak raid, only to die 22 years later over Texas in the Columbia ferry disaster.
Falcons also served as "workhorses" during Operation Desert Storm against Iraq in 1991. During the Gulf War, they made 13.5 thousand. combat missions. They took part in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, they were also used, among others, in in peacekeeping operations in the Balkans. In July 2006, two F-16s appeared in the sky over Iraqi Bakuba. They flew over one of the buildings and dropped two laser-controlled, five-hundred-pound bombs on it. The bombs completely destroyed the house where Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, was hiding. Compared to other fighter aircraft, the F-16 is distinguished by its acceleration and maneuverability. During the Gulf War, one of the F-16 pilots managed to escape six surface-to-air missiles fired almost one after the other. Sokol's advanced electronics allow it to fight other planes from a long distance. After adding several types of rockets to the standard cannon, the pilot (thanks to information from the radar with a range of over 100 km) can hit the enemy from a distance of several dozen kilometers. Refueling in the air allows it to fly for many hours. Malicious people say that we bought an outdated structure from 30 years ago. But it's just like cars. The type seems to remain the same, but what lies under the hood of subsequent models makes a fundamental difference, believes Colonel Wojciech Krupa, commander of the 31st Air Base in Krzesiny.
F-16 vs. MiG-29.
Two flagship productions of two superpowers on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain. Let's compare. The F-16 has one engine (the MiG-29 has two), it is smaller (15 m long), lighter, generally more maneuverable and more versatile. It has a longer range (up to 3,900 km), can refuel in the air and takes a larger load. It also has better visibility from the cabin than the MiG-29. Unlike his Soviet colleague, the F-16 pilot can calmly see if anyone is on his tail. The falcon is also easy to use for the pilot. But the Soviet machine (17.3 m long) designed more to protect troops and facilities in its own backyard than to perform long-distance missions has its advantages. Yankee pilots who during joint exercises with the Germans in Sardinia in 1995. switched to the MiG-29, they were shocked by their maneuverability at lower speeds. They also paid attention to the power, the air-to-air missile thermal guidance system and the capabilities of the aiming system in the pilot's helmet. The MiG-29, unlike the F-16, does not require a flat runway and can land at field airports. And the disadvantages? Poor ergonomics and complicated apparatus. - "You must be an octopus to handle it all" - summed up one of the Americans. Which aircraft would win in head-to-head combat? The skill of the pilots would probably decide.
Krzesiny on November 8, 2006.
On November 8, 2006, at On February 15, the first two Polish multi-role F-16 C aircraft No. 4043, 4044 landed at the airport of the 31st airbase in Krzesiny. New planes with obscured identification marks flew over the airport, accompanied by two Polish MiG-29s. The planes were brought by Yankee pilots. "The flight was very successful, I'm glad I landed safely" - Col. Mike Meyer of the US Air Force, who piloted F-16 No. 4044, told journalists. American pilots told journalists that there were faults in the air refueling system and that they would be corrected on site in Poland. "These are not serious defects" - added Col. Mike Meyer. Journalists gathered at the airport wanted to find out why the planes arrived later than announced, and whether the base in Krzsiny is fully ready to handle the F-16. "The planes landed as planned , we agreed with the manufacturer that they would be in Poland for a ceremonial takeover on Thursday, and they landed. As for the second question, if the base wasn't ready, these planes wouldn't land here" - said the spokesman for the commander of the Air Force, Major Stanisław Grzegorzewski. The first two F-16 planes were to arrive in Poland on Monday (November 6, 2006). However, they returned to the USA due to a defect. The plenipotentiary of the Minister of Defense for the implementation of the F-16, Piotr Łukaszewicz, asked the American side for explanations regarding the defects that delayed the arrival of the first aircraft of this type to Poland, the spokesman said on Wednesday (November 8, 2006). Ministry of National Defense Piotr Paszkowski added that the director of the F-16 office at the Ministry of National Defense expects a response on Friday.
Krzesiny on November 9, 2006.
Another two machines flew from the base in Spangdahlem in Germany to Krzesiny on Thursday, November 9, 2006. These were the F-16 C Block 52 + No. 4042 and the F-16 D Block 52 + No. 4077. For this day, i.e. November 9, 2006, at noon, an official-ceremonial reception of the first Polish F-16s combined with their dedication, baptism and giving the name Jastrząb. They took part in the celebrations; Polish President Lech Kaczyński, his wife Maria Kaczyńska, Minister of National Defense Radosław Sikorski and others. Radoslaw Sikorski did not hide his satisfaction. He said, among other things, that the F-16 is a fighter that shot down 70 enemy planes, and was not shot down even once. The celebrations took place at the F-16 C aircraft No. 4043. The aircraft in the rear part of the fuselage on the left side received the inscription Jastrząb. The rear part of the fuselage with the vertical tail was covered with a blue curtain pulled down during the ceremony. The event was hampered by gusty winds. "Fly safely, glorify Polish aviation. I give you the name Jastrząb" - said the president. F-16 C No. 4044 is on display in the hangar. A copy of the F-16 C No. 4042, which flew from Germany a few hours earlier, was demonstrated in the air. Earlier, the commander of the Air Force, General Stanisław Targosz, reported to President Lech Kaczyński about the adoption of the first F-16 aircraft to equip the army. President Lech Kaczyński said that the decision to purchase the F-16 made years ago was the right one. He emphasized that the Polish army requires transformation, and the Polish Armed Forces must correspond to the size of our country, its place in Europe and existing - though potential - threats. "I assure you that we will make every effort to introduce this aircraft fully to the Air Force, so that it will guard the Polish sky, as well as the sky of our allies for the glory of our Most Serene Republic" - said General Targosz on the tarmac of the airport in Krzesiny. "Mr. President, you ordered us to transform the Polish Army. Today we are receiving a proven aircraft that has already performed 100,000 combat missions, which is used in seven NATO air forces. This is proof that we are doing the job" - said the Minister of National Defense, Radosław Sikorski, addressing President Lech Kaczyński.
How were F-16 aircraft delivered from the USA to Poland?
The method best mastered by the Yankees was chosen, i.e. by flying from the USA to the American base in Germany. During the flight, the planes were refueled in the air. Then also by flight to Poland to Krzesiny. The aircraft were equipped with three additional fuel tanks. For the duration of the flight, Polish identification marks were covered with a black foil that could be easily peeled off. American identification marks also in black were placed on the planes, which could be easily removed. The first pair delivered to Poland were F-16 C No. 4043, 4044. They were originally supposed to arrive on November 6, 2006. But they were unlucky. Initially, a problem with the SR of one of them delayed the departure. It was probably caused by a blown fuse. After takeoff, over the Atlantic Ocean, it turned out that one of the machines could not take fuel from the flying tanker. It was decided to change the route and land at the US airport in the north-east. After analysis, it was found that the fault could be repaired in Poland. Therefore, it was decided to continue the flight directly to Poland with a stopover in Iceland. In this way, on November 8, 2006, around 1502, the first Polish F-16 C No. 4044 piloted by Mayk Mayer landed at the Krzesiny base. Behind him, No. 4043 landed. These were exemplary landings in very good weather conditions. The second pair reached Poland as planned in the early morning hours on November 9, 2006, and consisted of F-16 C No. 4042 and the first F-16 D No. 4072, piloted, among others, by the first Polish pilot-instructor, Lt. Col. Rościsław Stepaniuk . The Polish pilot landed on the fourth, but on that day there was a very strong, gusty wind.
Name Hawk (Jastrząb).
In several countries, the F-16 aircraft has names that differ from those adopted in the United States - Fighting Falcon. In Israel, the F-16 aircraft, depending on the version, has as many as three different names: F-16 C Barak (Lightning), F-16 D Brakeet (Thunderbolt) and F-16 I Suefa (Storm). In the United Arab Emirates, the F-16 Block 60 received a name referring to the American equivalent - Desert Falcon. The name for the Polish F-16 was selected in a competition. The ten most frequently reported are: Bald Eagle, Blyskawica, Phoenix, Grom, Arrowhead, Hawk, Hobbill, Sparrowhawk, Eagle and Hornet. The proposals also included, among others, Piorun, Sztorm, Wędrowny Sokół, Waleczny Orzeł, Sikor (from General Władysław Sikorski), Skalski (from General Stanisław Skalski) and Winged Wasps Carrying Pain, Walkiria, Janosik, Halny, Orzełpol, Predatory Colorado , Praying Mantis, Crazy Chicken and SZPON - the Air National Defense Rampart. The name Jastrząb is a reference to the historical Polish fighter P-51 Jastrząb, which did not manage to take part in the defensive war in 1939. Undoubtedly, it is the most appropriate name connecting the Second Republic with the Fourth Republic, which has been built since 2005.
November 11, 2006.
On November 11, 2006, on the Polish National Day, an Open Barracks Day was organized at the 31st Air Base in Krzesiny. During this event, the public had the opportunity to see the Polish F-16 for the first time. The planes were not demonstrated in flight. You have to wait for the public show of Polish Hawks in flight.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman