Chile enhances forces

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Date Posted: 28-Apr-2004

JANE’S DEFENCE WEEKLY – MAY 05, 2004

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Chile bolsters fighter force
ROBERT HEWSON Editor, Jane’s Air-Launched Weapons
Santiago, Chile

The Fuerza Aérea de Chile (FACh – Chilean Air Force) is implementing a series of capability enhancements for its frontline fighter force and plans to keep its entire upgraded combat aircraft inventory in service after its new F-16C/D Block 50Ms arrive in 2006.

During the 29 March-4 April FIDAE exhibition, details emerged about two significant continuing upgrade programmes, plus efforts to bring the Rafael Derby active-radar air-to-air missile (AAM) into full service.

Chile’s ENAER and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) are now working on the next stage of an upgrade for the FACh’s F-5E Tigre IIIs. IAI developed the original Tigre III upgrade for Chile in the early 1990s, adding the EL/M-2032B multimode radar, Display And Sight Helmet (DASH) and an improved cockpit. The aircraft were also made compatible with the Rafael Python 3 and Python 4 AAMs. Chile began to integrate the Rafael Derby active-radar beyond- visual-range missile on its Tigre IIIs in 2002 (JDW 26 April 2002). That work continues, following at least two airborne test launches. Israeli industry sources told JDW that the new systems upgrade for the Tigre IIIs would introduce the final operational capability for the Derby missile. This upgrade, known as Tigre III Plus, began last year and involves integrating a new mission computer fit, datalink and new cockpit systems, including paired colour multifunction liquid-crystal displays.

In September 2003, five or six F-5s – including two F-5Fs – were undergoing work at ENAER’s El Bosque facility. Since then, at least three upgraded F-5Es have re-entered service with Grupo 7, based at Antofagasta. Chile has an operational fleet of 13 F-5Es and three F-5Fs.

As part of a hastily convened FIDAE briefing on its offset programmes in Chile, Rafael made a de facto contract announcement confirming that it would supply further weapons and systems to the FACh – both for the F-16 fleet and other aircraft. This previously unannounced deal, signed at the end of 2003, is believed to cover Python 4/5 and Derby AAM integration for the F-16s. Rafael stated that it would also deliver “capabilities” for other FACh platforms. Raytheon confirmed at FIDAE that there is no process in place to supply Chile with the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and that it has not even received a request for the missile from the Chilean authorities.

Rafael’s Litening laser designator pod system has been selected for Chile’s F-16s and the FACh has been briefed on the derivative RecceLite reconnaissance system.

The FACh also wants to equip its F-16s with Rafael’s Spice electro-optic-guided glide bomb system and Rafael has confirmed that it now has export orders for the Spice. The company would not identify the customers involved and said no weapons have yet been delivered.

In a second upgrade programme, the FACh is fitting its Elkans – upgraded Mirage 5MAs – with a new air-to-air refuelling system, bringing these aircraft to a common standard with its ENAER Panteras – upgraded Mirage 50C/FCs. Grupo 8 at Antofagasta operates the Elkans. ENAER began work on the Elkan conversion project at the end of 2003.

* The first three of 10 F-16 Block 50Ms for Chile were on Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth production line by April 2004. The Block 50M is a further advance on the Block 50+ standard. Chile’s aircraft will be equipped with the latest Modular Mission Computer, ALQ-211(V)4 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, APG-68(V)9 radar and will be powered by F110-GE-129 engines.

The aircraft will have provision for conformal fuel tanks and the four two-seat F-16Ds will use the missionised ‘big spine’ configuration. The first aircraft is due to fly before the end of the year, perhaps as early as August. It will be delivered to the US Air Force in January 2005 and will arrive in Chile in 2006.

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