F-16 Squadrons

OFP versions are updated continually to integrate new mission capabilities, weapons, targeting pods, and improved avionics. F-16 OFPs are developed 100% organically by the 309th Software Engineering Group (SWEG) at Hill AFB, UT. Increment 2 OFP is comprised of annual OFP production releases consisting of pre-block called "SCU” and post-block "M-Series” software releases. Main thrusts will integrate new precision weapons, advanced targeting pods, and improved avionics to meet DoD mandates in order to modernize the F-16's architecture. Systems Integration Labs (SILs) are required to integrate software into the various hardware, validate user requirements, and review system safety and security prior to release to flight test. These labs require annual upgrades to increase development and test efficiencies which also includes Development-Security-Operations (DevSecOps) technologies. The OFP effort also contains Program Management Administration (PMA) support activities to include, but are not limited to, travel, office supplies, training courses, Video Teleconferencing (VTC), support contractors, nuclear certification support, and to support flight test personnel and equipment in order to keep facilities active.

F-16 Integrated Test provides Developmental and Operational flight testing (DT/OT) for programs across the USAF. This DT/OT addresses F-16 programs as well as other platform weapons, hardware, and software upgrades. Integrated Test funding includes scheduling, managing, and performing sorties, providing test infrastructure (including chase aircraft), facilities, range support, aircraft maintenance, test aircraft modifications, instrumentation, test planning, analysis and test reports required to complete F-16 OFP software and hardware development. Supports F-16 DT/OT infrastructure, facilities (including Special Access Program Facilities (SAP-F)) and communications, contractor support and personnel to enable all other F-16 flight testing and required modifications at Eglin, Edwards and Nellis AFBs. Continued test aircraft instrumentation updates and relocation due to support current and future program displacement. Procurement of captive carry and live fire weapon integration assets and other weapons for F-16 OFP DT/OT.

Advanced Capability Improvements include, but are not limited to, sensor upgrades, radar updates and other self- protection/electronic protection (EP) enhancements, 4th/5th gen fighter network communications, Radio Frequency (RF) compatibility, requirements and studies analysis, lab, and/or on-aircraft evaluation of potential subsystem changes / capability improvements, and battery replacement.

The MMC upgrade on the F-16 post-block aircraft, (Blk 40, 42, 50, 52) resolves shortfalls in mission computer processing, memory and throughput. MMC upgrade also incorporates new cybersecurity protection for avionics sub-systems and is the key component to support full AESA Radar capability. Funding includes development, design, integration, and ground/flight test for fielding of improved MMC capabilities with the Increment 1 OFP. The PDG upgrade allows a fully integrated multifunction display solution including Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) integration with Sensor of Interest (SOI), format swapping, and high definition video on 4x4 displays, and provides a sustainable approach to address growing DMS concerns with the current PDG. Both programs require the addition of an Ethernet based High Speed Data Network (HSDN) that facilitates future increments of combat capability with higher data bandwidth rates for system compatibility and interoperability. This program is a critical element to a modernized F-16 technology digital backbone and necessary to modernize the F-16 beyond its current computing capability. Additionally this effort enables the F-16 to effectively communicate with advanced platforms to improve battlefield situational awareness. Without it, all current and future F-16 modernization efforts cannot be supported.

F-16 STP supports the development, acquisition, fielding, and integration of F-16 Simulators. It enables the USAF to exercise and train using the latest F-16 capabilities available to multiple aircraft configurations, while reducing the overall cost of maintenance and aircrew training. In order to maintain concurrency with the aircraft OFP, this funding supports development, test, and integration of simulator upgrades. Funds may be used to address emerging and short notice Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortage (DMSMS) issues. Implements requirements and standards defined under the Simulator Common Architecture Requirements and Standards (SCARS) initiative and may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver F-16 weapon system simulator capabilities.

AIFF/Mode 5 provides hardware and software/firmware updates required to comply with DoD mandates for Advanced Identify Friend or Foe (AIFF) Mode 5. AIFF provides positive identification for Air Traffic Control reporting, combat targeting, and fratricide prevention. Development of next gen AIFF APX-127 solution. Development of APX-127 solution is cost-shared between USAF and FMS Countries Taiwan and Morocco.

The AESA Program provides an upgrade from the current, mechanically scanned APG-68 system to an APG-83 electronically scanned AESA radar that offers advanced targeting and electronic protection capabilities as well as improved reliability and maintainability. Ongoing radar Operational Flight Program (OFP) development includes the full Phase III capability development document (CDD) implementation. AESA Phase 3.3 radar software capabilities include additional Maritime detection, combat identification and track; additional classified A-A and A-G Combat Identification; and Enhanced missile Data Link capabilities from the RMP CDD is nearing completion.

IVEWS is a Section 804 Middle Tier Acquisition program providing improved Digital Radar Warning Receiver performance and Active Jamming capability, with future growth upgrades, in an internal suite. This rapid acquisition program was initiated to design, develop, test, and produce a mature electronic warfare system that is internal to the F-16, interoperable with the Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, designed to Open Missions Systems Tier II requirements, and provisioned for long-term growth capability to support future upgrades such as Fiber Optic Towed Decoy, and Adaptive Processing. Operational Assessment completed in FY 2024 and MTA closure. IVEWS moved into S&T program to complete additional flight test and final program reports.

The current aircraft Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) system suffers from Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) shortfalls. New security requirements and mandated M-code Enhancement of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capacity (PNT) hardware support drive the need for a new EGI solution to support modern resilient weaponry and mission systems. Selected solution Resilient-EGI, development managed by AFLCMC/WNY. F-16 will then integrate R-EGI onto the F-16 platform.

Data Buy Cyber Security: provides increased cyber resiliency for platforms that use MIL- STD 1553. This program will provide an active network-based defensive device to increase the security of the data bus against cyberattacks. The solution will alter messages as they pass through the bus with minimal delay making it difficult for an attacker to disable security and will also prevent loading of malicious OFPs. If one avionics box or Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) has been compromised by an attacker, the attempt by an attacker to access other avionics boxes via the 1553 bus is noticed and action is taken. This funding will support the first phase of implementation in the F-16 fleet.