Information supplied and copyrighted
by Joe Baugher
Service of General
Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
With Air National Guard
Last revised April 30,
2000
The Air National Guard (ANG) squadrons
are normally under the command of the appropriate state governor. Each governor is
represented in terms of state or terrritorial chain of command by an adjutant general.
However, the ANG units can be mobilized and called to active duty and assigned to an Air
Force command by the President or by Congress when needed for defense of the nation or to
enforce federal authority.
It had been traditional that Air National
Guard squadrons were second-string units, equipped with out-of-date aircraft that had been
handed down from the regular Air Force when they became obsolete. In the early 1980s, all
that was to change, and in an attempt to make the Air National Guard a credible fighting
force in case of a national emergency, it was decided that their squadrons were to be
equipped with the latest aircraft, sometimes even before some regular Air Force squadrons
had received them.
In March of 1982, the USAF announced that
ANG units would be supplied with F-16A/Bs. The first ANG unit to get the F-16 was the
169th Tactical Fighter Group of the South Carolina ANG, which acquired its first F-16s in
July of 1983. They replaced the LTV A-7D in the fighter-attack role.
In November 1988, the 174th TFW of the
New York ANG began transitioning from the A-10A Thunderbolt II to the F-16A/B, becoming
the first unit to operate the F-16 in a close air support role. Their F-16s are equipped
with a 30-mm GPU-8/A anti-armor gun pod carried underneath the fuselage, and these are the
only F-16s that are equipped with this weapon. They were deployed to the Persian Gulf
during Desert Storm, but they used the gun pod only once during the war.
In support of the Air National Guard's
new priority, it was assigned the primary responsibility of the aerial defense of the
continental United States, taking over this task from the now-defunct USAF Air Defense
Command. The F-106A Delta Dart interceptors were transferred from USAF control to ANG
control in support of this mission. Beginning in 1986, ANG units previously operating the
F-106 began to transition to F-16A/B Fighting Falcons that were supplied to it from the
USAF. The 162nd TFG of the Arizona ANG operated as the training unit for ADF ANG F-16
pilots. The 158th TFG of the Vermont ANG was the first to operate the F-16 in the ADF
role, replacing the F-4D Phantom in mid-1986. One of their primary responsibilities was
the interception and shadowing of Soviet aircraft flying near US territory.
In the mid-1980s, both the F-16 and the
Northrop F-20 Tigershark were evaluated against the Air Defense Fighter (ADF) requirement
to re-equip Air National Guard interceptor units. In October 1986, the decision was made
to adopt a modified F-16A equipped to carry and launch Sparrow semi-active radar homing
BVR missiles. The F-16 was chosen for this role primarily because it was available in
sufficiently large numbers and could be modified to carry the necessary armament. The
decision of the USAF not to adopt the F-20 for the ADF role was the key reason why the
program was cancelled. A contract was placed for kits to update and modify 270 F-16As at
the Ogden Alr Logistics Center in Utah. They were to be provided with HF radio and an
improved APG-66 radar that was compatible with the AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-120 AMRAAM
radar-guided missiles. A spotlight was to be installed on the side of the nose to aid in
the identification of nighttime intruders.
The ADF aircraft can be distinguished
from "standard" F-16A/Bs by several external identifying features. One of these
is a set of L-shaped blade antennae carried just forward of the canopy above the nose and
below the intake as part of the Teledyne/E-Systems AN/APX-109 MkXII Advanced
Identification Friend-or-Foe (AIFF) system. This system has not yet been approved for
export. The F-16A ADF is provided with a Bendix/King AN/ARC-200 high-frequency
single-sideband radio. Because of the addition of the HF radio's antenna to the leading
edge of the fin, a pair of hydraulic actuators for the rudder had to be repositioned,
resulting in a distinct narrow bulge to where the fin meets the base of the aircraft
(contrary to some reports, this bulge is not itself an antenna). A 150,000 candlepower
night identification spotlight is mounted on the port side of the nose. The Grimes-built
light is canted 70 degrees to the left of forward and 10 degrees up. ADFs are the only
American F-16s that carry this light, but some Danish and Norwegian F-16A/Bs have it as
well. F-16B ADF versions have the AIFF of the A version, but not the HF radios and the
distinctive thin bulge which identify F-16A ADFs. Both A and B ADF versions carry the
spotlight.
The F-16 ADF carries the Westinghouse
AN/APG-66(V)1 radar, which was modified to improve small target detection and to provide
the continous wave illumination needed by the Sparrow missile. The Sparrow missile can be
carried only on the middle underwing pylon, and even then only with pylons equipped with
RDRC. The ADF is the only American Fighting Falcon with Sparrow capability. Hughes AIM-120
AMRAAM missiles are usually carried on the outboard underwing pylons, and AIM-9 Sidewinder
infrared homing missiles are typically carried on the wingtips. Although it is not typical
practice, either Sidewinders or AMRAAMS can be carried at the wingtip points and on the
outermost pair of underwing pylons. The innermost pair of underwing pylons are reserved
for 360 US gallon droptanks, and the centerline hardpoint can carry a 300 US gallong
external fuel tank. The internal M61A1 20-mm cannon with 511 rounds is retained.
Although 270 Block 15 F-16A/Bs were to
have been converted to ADF configuration, only 241 of these conversions actually appear to
have been carried out. General Dynamics carried out the first conversion, then shipped
modification kits for installation at the Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill AFB in Utah.
The Hill AFB modifications were completed in October of 1988. The first successful launch
of a Sparrow from an ADF F-16 took place in February of 1989. The first delivery was to
the 114th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron of the Oregon ANG in March of 1989. This is
the unit which provides training for ANG crews flying the fighter-interceptor mission. It
was followed shortly thereafter by the 194th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the
California ANG, which achieved IOC in late 1989. F-16s of the Florida ANG fired live AIM-7
missiles for the first time in tests at Tyndall AFB in Florida in June of 1991. 120 F-16
ADFs were in service with the ANG by December of 1994.
At its peak, the ANG ADF force equipped a
defensive chain which surrounded the entire perimeter of the continental United States.
However, with the end of the Cold War, there appears to be no longer any threat to
America's homeland from bombers or cruise missiles, and the ANG ADFs are scheduled to be
phased out, with many of the ADF F-16s being converted back to standard F-16A/B
configuration or placed in storage. About half of the ADF fleet has already been retired.
Some ANG units have been equipped with
later-version F-16C/D fighters. In the current military drawdown following the end of the
Cold War, many ANG F-16s are being retired and placed in storage. The first F-16A/Bs to be
retired from service entered storage with MARC at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona during 1993
with three aircraft from the 138th FS of the New York ANG, followed by 17 examples from
the 160th FS of the Alabama ANG. They joined 17 embargoed Pakistani F-16s, but this
storage is probably only temporary.
On October 1, 1994, in accordance with
the "one base-one wing" policy, all Air Force Reserve Groups were retitled as
Wings. The Air National Guiard followed suit on October 1, 1995.
Air National Guard units operating the
F-16:
- 103rd Tactical Fighter Group, 118th
Fighter Squadron, Connecticut ANG.
to
convert from A-10 to F-16C/D in 1994. Not sure this was done
- 104th Tactical Fighter Group, 131st
Fighter Squadron, Massachusetts ANG.
to convert from A-10 to F-16C/D in 1994. Not sure this was done.
- 107th Fighter Interceptor Wing, 136th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, New York ANG, Niagra Falls ANP.
Converted from F-4 to F-16A/B Block 15 in October
1990. All upgraded to ADF standards. In 1994, gave up its F-16s to re-equip with KC-135R
tankers.
- 113th Tactical Fighter Wing, 121st
Tactical Fighter Squadron, District of Columbia Air National Guard, Andrews AFB, Maryland.
Converted from F-4D to F-16A/B
Block 10 in January 1990. In mid-1994, received Block 30 F-16C/D as replacement.
- 114th Tactical Fighter Group, 175th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, South Dakota ANG, Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Acquired Block 30 F-16C/D in 1991/1992. 175th
became a Fighter Squadron in 1992. Helped man an ANG deployment to Turkey in 1994 for
Operation Provide Comfort
- 115th Fighter Wing, 176th Fighter
Squadron, Wisconsin ANG, Dane Coiunty RAP-Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin.
Operates Block 30 F-16C/D.
- 119th Fighter Interceptor Group, 178th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, North Dakota ANG, Hector Field, Fargo, North Dakota
In September 1990, received ADF F-16A/B Block 15s
as replacement for F-4D.
- 120th Fighter Interceptor Group, 186th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Montana ANG, Great Falls IAP, Montana.
In June 1987, became the second ANG unit to employ
F-16A/B in ADF role, replacing F-106A. Planes underwent conversion to ADF standards in
1990/1991. Changed designation to 186th Fighter Squadron in 1992.
- 122nd Tactical Fighter Wing, 163rd
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Indiana ANG, Fort Wayne, IAP, Indiana.
Operates Block 25 F-16C/D beginning in October
1991.
- 125th Fighter Interceptor Group, 159th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Florida ANG, Jacksonville IAP, Florida.
Received Block 15 F-16As in Sept 1986 to replace
the F-106A/B in ADF role, becoming first ANG unit to operate the F-16. Subsequently, has
been re-equipped with F-16A (ADF) Block 15s with AIM-7 Sparrow BVR missiles To convert to
F-16C/D in 1995/96 and transition to conventional fighter duties.
- 127th Tactical Fighter Wing, 107th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Michigan ANG, Selfridge ANGB, Michigan.
Received F-16A Block 10s for close-support role in
1990, replacing A-7D. Upgraded to Block 30 F-16C/D in 1994.
- 128th Tactical Fighter Wing, 175h Tactical
Fighter Squadron, Wisconsin ANG, Dane County RAP, Madison, Wisconsin
Re-equipped with Block 30 F-16C/D in 1992/1993.
- 132nd Tactical Fighter Wing, 124th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Iowa ANG, Des Moines MAP, Iowa.
Converted to Block 42 F-16C/D in 1993.
- 138th Tactical Fighter Group, 125th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Oklahoma ANG, Tulsa IAP, Oklahoma.
Converted to Block 42 F-16C/D in 1993.
- 140th Tactical Fighter Wing, 120th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Colorado ANG, Buckley ANGB, Colorado.
Converted to Block 30 F-16C/D 1991/1992.
- 142nd Tactical Fighter Group, 114th
Tactical Fighter Training Squadron, Oregon ANG, Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, Oregon
Began operations with F-16A/B in early 1989,
replacing the F-4C Phantom. After a brief period with the standard F-16A, the squadron
received the F-16A/B (ADF) Block 15 with AIM-7 Sparrow capability. Acts as training unit
for ANG crews in ADF role. Redesignated as a Fighter Squadron in 1992.
- 144th Fighter Interceptor Wing, 194th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, California ANG, Fresno Air Terminal, California.
Received F-16A/B Block 15 in 1989 to replace F-4D
Phantom in ADF role. Later re-equipped with ADF F-16A/B Block 15 aircraft with AIM-7
Sparrow capability. Converted to F-16C/D Block 25 in mid 1994.
- 147th Fighter Interceptor Group, 111th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Texas ANG, Ellington Field, Houston, Texas
Began receiving F-16A/B Block 15s in December
1989. Many of these aircraft have been upgraded to ADF F-16A/B Block 15 standard with
AIM-7 capability. Flies a secondary anti-drug trafficking mission along the southern
border.
- 148th Fighter Interceptor Group, 179th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Minnesota ANG, Duluth IAP, Minnesota.
Converted to ADF F-16A/B Block 15 interceptors in
July of 1990, replacing F-4D Phantom.
- 149th Tactical Fighter Group: 182nd
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Texas ANG, Kelly AFB, Texas.
Converted to Block 15 F-16A/B in early 1986, replacing the F-4D
Phantom in fighter/attack role. Now operates Block 30 F-16C/D.
- 150th Tactical Fighter Group, 188th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, New Mexico ANG, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico
Converted to Block 40 F-16C/D 1992/1993.
- 156th Tactical Fighter Group, 198th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Puerto Rico ANG, Muniz ANGB, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Converted to Block 15 F-16A/B ADF in 1992/1993.
- 158th Tactical Fighter Group: 134th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Vermont ANG, Burlington IAP, Vermont.
Converted to Block 15 F-16A/B in April 1986,
replacing the F-4D Phantom in ADF role. Upgraded to ADF F-16s in 1990. Switched to Block
25 F-16C/D in 1994.
- 162nd Tactical Fighter Group, Arizona ANG,
Tucson IAP, Arizona.
- 148th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron
- 152nd Tactical Fighter Training Squadron
- 195th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron
- ANG/AFRes Flight Test Center
- F-16A/B International Military School
Handles all ANG training duties. 195th
TFTS began F-16A/B operations in early 1986 as training unit. 148th TFTS operates a
Netherlands Air Force detachment. Dutch F-16 aircrew conversion ceased in 1995. The three
training squadrons operated the Block 10 F-16A/B for many years, but the first Block 25
F-16C/Ds arrived in 1995.
- 169th Tactical Fighter Group: 157th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, South Carolina ANG, McEntire ANGB, South Carolina.
First ANG operator of F-16A/B, receiving Block 10
planes in July 1983, replacing A-7D. Operated in *Desert Storm*. Upgraded to Block 52
F-16C/D in 1994.
- 174th Tactical Fighter Wing: 138th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, New York ANG, Hancock Field, Syracuse, New York.
Reequipped with Block 10 F-16A/B in November of
1988, replacing the A-10A Thunderbolt II. First F-16 unit with a dedicated CAS mission,
and only operational F-16s wired to carry GPU-5/A Pave Claw gun pod. Served in Desert
Storm, but the Pave Claw was carried on only one day. Converted to Block 40 F-16C/D in
1992/92.
- 177th Fighter Interceptor Group: 119th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, New Jersey ANG, Atlantic City IAP, New Jersey.
Transitioned from F-106A to F-16A/B Block 15 in
July 1988. Received ADF F-16A/B Block 15 fighters modified for the ADF mission in November
1990. Converted to Block 25 F-16C/D in early 1995 and transitioned to conventional fighter
duties.
- 178th Tactical Fighter Group, 162nd
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ohio ANG, Springfield-Beckley MAP, Ohio.
Transitioned to Block 30 F-16C/D in 1993.
- 180th Tactical Fighter Group: 112th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ohio ANG, Toledo Express AP, Ohio.
Transitioned to Block 25 F-16C/D 1992/93.
- 181st Tactical Fighter Group: 113rd
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Indiana ANG, Hulman Field, Terre Haute, Indiana.
Transitioned to Block 25 F-16C/D 1991. In 1995,
began a minor upgrade to Block 30 variant.
- 182nd Fighter Interceptor Group: 169th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Illinois ANG, Greater Peoria AP, Illinois.
Re-equipped with F-16A/B Block 15 ADF in 1992.
Converted to C-130H in 1995.
- 183rd Tactical Fighter Group: 170th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Illinois ANG, Capital MAP, Springfield, Illinois.
Received F-16A/B Block 15 aircraft in October
1989, replacing F-4 Phantom. Converted to Block 30 F-16C/D beginning in late 1994.
- 184th Tactical Fighter Group, Kansas ANG,
McConnell AFB, Kansas
- 161st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron
- 177th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron,
- 127th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Received Block 1, 5, and 10 F-16As in
September 1987, replacing the F-4D Phantom. Operates as training unit for ANG pilots. The
three squadrons operated the aircraft on a pooled basis. Converted to Block 25 F-16C/D in
1990/91. Disbanded 1994 in light of reduced pilot requirements. 184th TFG converted from
F-16C/D to B-1B within one squadron, deactivating the other two.
- 185th Tactical Fighter Group, 174th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Iowa ANG, Gateway AP, Sioux City, Iowa
Converted to Block 30 F-16C/D 1991/92.
- 187th Tactical Fighter Group: 160th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Alabama ANG, Dannelly Field, Mongtomery, Alabama.
Acquired Block 10 F-16A/Bs in October 1988.
Converted to Block 30 F-16C/D in 1993.
- 188th Tactical Fighter Group: 184th
Tactical Fighter Squadron, Arkansas ANG, Fort Smith MAP, Arkansas
Converted to F-16A/B Block 15 in June 1988,
replacing F-4C Phantom in fighter-attack mission.
- 191st Fighter Interceptor Group: 171th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Michigan ANG, Selfridge ANGB, Michigan.
Converted to Block 15 F-16A/Bs in August 1990,
replacing F-4D Phantom. Aircraft later upgraded to ADF F-16A Block 15 standard. In 1994,
was first of the ADF squadrons to deactivate. Converted to C-130E in 1994.
- 192nd Fighter Interceptor Group, 149th
Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Virginia ANG, Byrd IAP, Richmond, Virginia.
Converted to Block 30 F-16C/D beginning in 1991.
In 1995, Virginia ANG chose to test a Lockheed Martin multi-sensor reconnaissance pod as a
replacement for the RF-4C.
- 201st Fighter Wing, 457th Fighter
Squadron, Texas ANG, NAS Fort Worth, Texas.
Operates F-16C/D Block 30
- 419th Fighter Wing, 466th Fighter
Squadron, Utah ANG, Hill AFB, Utah.
Operates Block 30 F-16C/D.
- 482nd Fighter Wing, 92rd Fighter Squadron,
Florida ANG, Dade County Homestead RAP, Florida.
Operates Block 32 F-16C/D.
- 944th Fighter Wing, 302nd Fighter Squadon,
Arizona ANG, Luke AFB, Arizona.
Operates
Block 32 F-16C/D.
Sources:
- Combat Aircraft F-16, Doug Richardson,
Crescent, 1992.
- General Dynamics Aircraft and their
Predecessors, John Wegg, Naval Institute Press, 1990.
- The American Fighter, Enzo Angelucci and
Peter Bowers, Orion, 1987.
- United States Military Aircraft Since
1909, Gordon Swanborough and Peter M. Bowers, Smithsonian, 1989.
- F-16 Fighting Falcon--A Major Review of
the West's Universal Warplane, Robert F. Dorr, World Airpower Journal, Spring 1991.
- The World's Great Interceptor Aircraft,
Gallery, 1989.
- Modern Military Aircraft--F-16 Viper, Lou
Drendel, Squadron/Signal Publications, 1992.
- Lockheed F-16 Variants, Part 1, World
Airpower Journal, Volume 21, Summer 1995.
- Lockheed Martin F-16 Operators, Part 1,
David Donald, World Airpower Journal, Volume 23, 1995.
- United States Air Force, Tom Kaminski and
Mel Williams, Combat Aircraft Vol 2 No. 5, March-April 2000.
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