[2023] Barak II: Lightning Over The Desert

A lil somethin somethin: You can find the details for this event on the announcement page here.

In the “Sons of Attila” major update, an Israeli modification of the F-16D two-seater fighter jet, lock and loaded to use modern high-precision weapons, will come to the top of the Israeli aircraft research tree as a flagship jet!

Barak II, jet fighter, Israel, rank VIII
Features:

• Excellent performance characteristics.
  
• Modern avionics.
  
• Expanded arsenal of guided weapons.

The two-seat F-16D Block 40, named by Israel as the Barak II, is a flagship jet that will be the most advanced aircraft in the Israeli aircraft research tree when the upcoming “Sons of Atilla” major update is released! Today, we’re going to talk about the features of this aircraft and some of its differences between similar US variants. Let’s dive into the details!

Unlike the F-16C, Israel will receive the two-seat version, which is one of the best modern jet fighters. The Barak II’s engine has a slightly higher afterburner thrust than the US single-seat version, but due to its higher take off weight, it loses some thrust-to-weight ratio. Nevertheless, the Barak II is almost identical to the F-16C in terms of top speed and climb rate, and combining this with its excellent acceleration and great maneuverability means that it will be a formidable force to play with and against in all game modes!




The Barak II’s radar is the same series of radar as the F-16C’s, as well as its RWR, which is identical to its American counterpart — both of these devices will ensure that you have the most up-to-date tracking information about threats in your matches. Oh, and not to forget, last week we published a detailed dev blog about updated RWRs, to be sure to have a look if you missed it.

Let’s move onto the Barak II’s weapon capability! Unlike the US version, the Barak II will receive the AIM-9P air-to-air missile with a rear-aspect IR seeker. In addition to this, a more advanced AIM-9L and AIM-9M and the heavier AIM-7M Sparrow also being present. You’ll also have brilliant electronics at your disposal, including a helmet-mounted target designation system. Moving onto what can be fired at ground vehicles. The Barak II receives the GBU-15(V)2/B guided bomb that has a thermal imaging seeker, and with the help of the LITENING II targeting pod, Paveway II bombs — the GBU-12 (8 in total!), the GBU-16 and GBU-10 — can also be carried!




As for unguided weaponry, these are similar to the payload on the F-16C variant — regular bombs, incendiary as well as high-drag tail fin bombs with a large total weight. All of these weapons, as well as the 20 mm cannon, are very conveniently controlled by a ballistic computer. When flying the Barak II, you’ll certainly encounter some air-to-air missiles tracking and following you, and therefore this aircraft can also carry 200 countermeasures — more than the F-16C, which only carries 120.




The Barak II will appear at the top of the Israeli aircraft research tree with the release of the upcoming “Sons of Atilla” major update. We’re currently finalizing and preparing for this update, but until then happy flying and see you soon!