War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F-16D Barak II

2023-10-17T18:23:10Z

U102713169:

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16d_block_40_barak_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

During the late 1970s, Israel was designing a new jet fighter with ideas borrowed from previous aircraft they utilized. It ultimately culminated in the IAI Lavi, a fierce competitor to the F-16 Fighting Falcon in the export market. Unfortunately for Israel, the project increased in cost and was canceled for budgetary reasons. The US also had a part in the demise of the Lavi as they viewed the Lavi as a threat to the F-16’s export capability. As compensation, the US sent 24 F-16Ds and around 50 F-16Cs in 1987. A year later, under the Peace Marble III program, Israel ordered 30 F-16Cs and 30 F-16Ds. The F-16Ds received extensive modifications like refinished Multi-Function Displays and Heads-Up Displays.

Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is one of the most advanced F-16s in-game. For ground striking it can utilize the LANTIRN pod, making it an effective all-weather platform. It also has a variety of bombs to use including dumb bombs and smart bombs like the GBU-16. For air combat, the Barak II also has a variety of ordnance to use. The Barak II has access to the AIM-9M Sidewinder, an extremely capable infrared missile that boasts a unique IRCCM system and a smokeless motor. It can also carry AIM-7M Sparrows for long-range engagements. The F-16D Block 40 Barak II is a very versatile aircraft for both ground striking and air combat.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric F110-GE-100 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,228 kg || colspan="3" | 447 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
|-
| 1,778 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 10,202 kg || 10,695 kg || 11,428 kg || 12,475 kg || 17,903 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,646 kgf || 10,966 kgf
| 1.07 || 1.03 || 0.96 || 0.88 || 0.61
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,914 kgf (1,200 - 1,400 km/h) || 14,603 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.43 || 1.37 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 0.82
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 200 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16C.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 4 || 4 || || || 4 || 4 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 4 || 4 || || || 4 || 4 || ||
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 2* || 2* || || || 2* || 2* || ||
|-
! [[GBU-16 Paveway II (1,092 lb)|1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[GBU-10 Paveway II (957 kg)|957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[GBU-15(V)2/B (2,000 lb)|GBU-15(V)2/B]] bombs
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! LITENING II targeting pod
| || || || || 1* || || || || ||
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
| colspan="12" | * LITENING II pod must be equipped when carrying Paveway guided bombs
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 16 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 8 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (2,216 kg total)
* 4 x 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs (4,368 lb total)
* 4 x 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs (3,828 kg total)
* 2 x GBU-15(V)2/B bombs (4,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

In the late 1970s, Israel began its ambitious project to produce its first locally-manufactured jet fighter, meant to replace the aging [[Kfir C.7|IAI Kfir]]. Learning from their previous work on the [[Mirage 5 (Family)|Mirage]] and Kfir programs, and borrowing ideas from America's then-new [[F-16A]] fighter jet (which had entered IAF service in 1980 as the "[[Netz]]"), Israeli aeronautic engineers were able to develop a highly-manoeuvrable, delta-wing, single-seat fighter of their own - the IAI Lavi.

After nearly a decade of development the Lavi's first prototype was flown in 1986, and reportedly proved extremely capable. The United States, which had up to that point supported and partially funded the Lavi project, was dismayed to learn that the new aircraft might be good enough to provide a much cheaper competitor for the F-16 on the export market. The Reagan administration soon began pressuring the Israeli government to cancel the project. Though Israel's defense minister Moshe Arens was strongly behind the Lavi, the project's ever-increasing pricetag made it easy for the rest of the Israeli government to agree to US demands. The Lavi project was finally canceled in late 1987.

As compensation for torpedoing Israel's fighter manufacture ambitions, the United States agreed to sell Israel additional F-16Cs and Ds. A significant number of them, all from the Block 30 model, had already been sold to Israel by that point, entering IAF service under the codename ''"Barak"'' (Lightning) in late 1987. In 1988, the US and Israel signed that new "compensation" deal - named "Peace Marble III" - delivering a total of 60 F-16s, all from Block 40, between 1991 and 1993. Half were F-16Cs and half were F-16Ds (single-seat and double-seat, respectively). In the IAF, these new Block 40 aircraft were named ''"Barak II"'' (Lightning II), correspondingly amending the name of the older Block 30 aircraft to ''"Barak I"'' (note: the IAF does not keep separate names for single- and double-seat variants of the F-16).

The F-16C/D has several advantages over the F-16A/B, but the most important is the ability to mount a LITENING II pod, turning the plane into an all-weather operator. As Israeli engineers had done with all other combat planes purchased for the IAF in the last 50 years, they also updated most of the avionics and introduced many locally-manufactured, cutting-edge improvements. This included completely redone Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and in-helmet Heads-Up Display (HUD), among multiple other additions like the newest locally-manufactured IR missile the Python-4 and later the Active-Radar-Homing Rafael Derby Missile.

Barak II aircraft have taken part in almost every Israeli military campaign since their introduction, including the Second Lebanon War of 2006. Nevertheless, the changing needs of the Israeli Air Force have created a demand for a more dedicated fighter in the long-distance and precision-strike roles, resulting in the birth of the F-16I "Sufa". This heavily-modified F-16D Block 52 has since completely replaced the ''Barak'' in those roles, leaving it only with mid-altitude interception duties, which it still performs to this day. However, with the F-35 ''"Adir"'' now increasingly filling ''that'' role, there are ever-growing calls within the Israeli military community to finally retire the Barak II.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{Israel jet aircraft}}

F-16D Barak II

2023-10-03T23:13:40Z

U102713169: /* History */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16d_block_40_barak_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric F110-GE-100 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,228 kg || colspan="3" | 447 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
|-
| 1,778 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 10,202 kg || 10,695 kg || 11,428 kg || 12,475 kg || 17,903 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,646 kgf || 10,966 kgf
| 1.07 || 1.03 || 0.96 || 0.88 || 0.61
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,914 kgf (1,200 - 1,400 km/h) || 14,603 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.43 || 1.37 || 1.28 || 1.17 || 0.82
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 200 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16C.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 4 || 4 || || || 4 || 4 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 4 || 4 || || || 4 || 4 || ||
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 2* || 2* || || || 2* || 2* || ||
|-
! [[GBU-16 Paveway II (1,092 lb)|1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[GBU-10 Paveway II (957 kg)|957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[GBU-15(V)2/B (2,000 lb)|GBU-15(V)2/B]] bombs
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! LITENING II targeting pod
| || || || || 1* || || || || ||
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
| colspan="12" | * LITENING II pod must be equipped when carrying Paveway guided bombs
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 16 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 16 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 8 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (2,216 kg total)
* 4 x 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs (4,368 lb total)
* 4 x 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs (3,828 kg total)
* 2 x GBU-15(V)2/B bombs (4,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

In the late 1970s, Israel began its ambitious project to produce its first locally-manufactured jet fighter, meant to replace the aging [[Kfir C.7|IAI Kfir]]. Learning from their previous work on the [[Mirage 5 (Family)|Mirage]] and Kfir programs, and borrowing ideas from America's then-new [[F-16A]] fighter jet (which had entered IAF service in 1980 as the "[[Netz]]"), Israeli aeronautic engineers were able to develop a highly-manoeuvrable, delta-wing, single-seat fighter of their own - the IAI Lavi.

After nearly a decade of development the Lavi's first prototype was flown in 1986, and reportedly proved extremely capable. The United States, which had up to that point supported and partially funded the Lavi project, was dismayed to learn that the new aircraft might be good enough to provide a much cheaper competitor for the F-16 on the export market. The Reagan administration soon began pressuring the Israeli government to cancel the project. Though Israel's defense minister Moshe Arens was strongly behind the Lavi, the project's ever-increasing pricetag made it easy for the rest of the Israeli government to agree to US demands. The Lavi project was finally canceled in late 1987.

As compensation for torpedoing Israel's fighter manufacture ambitions, the United States agreed to sell Israel additional F-16Cs and Ds. A significant number of them, all from the Block 30 model, had already been sold to Israel by that point, entering IAF service under the codename ''"Barak"'' (Lightning) in late 1987. In 1988, the US and Israel signed that new "compensation" deal - named "Peace Marble III" - delivering a total of 60 F-16s, all from Block 40, between 1991 and 1993. Half were F-16Cs and half were F-16Ds (single-seat and double-seat, respectively). In the IAF, these new Block 40 aircraft were named ''"Barak II"'' (Lightning II), correspondingly amending the name of the older Block 30 aircraft to ''"Barak I"'' (note: the IAF does not keep separate names for single- and double-seat variants of the F-16).

The F-16C/D has several advantages over the F-16A/B, but the most important is the ability to mount a LANTIRN pod, turning the plane into an all-weather operator. As Israeli engineers had done with all other combat planes purchased for the IAF in the last 50 years, they also updated most of the avionics and introduced many locally-manufactured, cutting-edge improvements. This included completely redone Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and in-helmet Heads-Up Display (HUD), among multiple other additions like the newest locally-manufactured IR missile the Python-4 and later the Active-Radar-Homing Rafael Derby Missile.

Barak II aircraft have taken part in almost every Israeli military campaign since their introduction, including the Second Lebanon War of 2006. Nevertheless, the changing needs of the Israeli Air Force have created a demand for a more dedicated fighter in the long-distance and precision-strike roles, resulting in the birth of the F-16I "Sufa". This heavily-modified F-16D Block 52 has since completely replaced the ''Barak'' in those roles, leaving it only with mid-altitude interception duties, which it still performs to this day. However, with the F-35 ''"Adir"'' now increasingly filling ''that'' role, there are ever-growing calls within the Israeli military community to finally retire the Barak II.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{Israel jet aircraft}}