ROCAF begins operational testing of F-16V JHMCS

For the first time Taiwan’s F-16V Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) has been employed by the 17th Tactical Fighter Group (TFG) – a part of the Republic of China Air Force’s (ROCAF’s) 5th Tactical Composite Wing – as operational test and evaluation (OT&E) efforts begin at Hualien Air Base.

**A ROCAF F-16 pilot assigned to the 17th TFG at Hualien AB in deep discussion while standing next to the new F-16V JHMCS and one of the unit's Fighting Falcons.** ROCAF

The F-16V JHMCS and AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile are initially being used and trained on by the 17th TFG, which serves as Taiwan’s ‘Aggressor Group’, providing adversary air training services for other units in the ROCAF. The unit is familiarising itself with the characteristics of the newly acquired equipment and assessing when best to employ the F-16V JHMCS and AIM-9X.

Since Taiwan only purchased 40 F-16V JHMCS systems, the relevant function tests are being performed by experienced pilots who have completed F-16V flight training. The evaluation unit has also completed performance tests and evaluations, with the next and final stage of the process being the handover of the system to other groups to complete various installations and training. Both tactical testing and the formulation of application criteria are being carried out by the 17th TFG and will be implemented to each of the ROCAF’s frontline F-16V units.