Ukrainian ace pulls off legendary aerial feat with F‑16 jets
Ukrainians have a new "Ghost of Kyiv," echoing scenes from a Top Gun movie script. This Ukrainian pilot accomplished the incredible feat of shooting down six targets during a single combat mission, using just four missiles. Here, we explain the details of this achievement and highlight the performance of the aircraft involved.
Besides a handful of F-16A/B MLU aircraft, Ukrainian military aviation also includes the remnants of the MiG-29 and Su-27 fleet. The F-16 jets, supplied by countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, are primarily used by Ukraine to hunt drones and cruise missiles. There have been instances, however, of these jets intercepting targets like the Su-34 aircraft.
Recently, as reported by Ukrainian aviation, one F-16 aircraft made history by shooting down six Russian cruise missiles during a mission on December 13. The pilot achieved this by using all four carried air-to-air missiles and the onboard six-barrel M61A1 Vulcan 20 mm cannon.
This feat can be compared to the famous air combat scenes in Top Gun movies, which involve onboard cannons in close-range combat. To engage with the missiles, likely of the Kh-101 type, the Ukrainian F-16 had to maneuver very close as they flew just above the ground at a speed of Mach 0.9.
F-16 for Ukraine — Cold War veterans that scare Russia
The aircraft transferred to Ukraine are F-16AM/BM models, which underwent a Mid-Life Update (MLU) in the 1990s. These units have been stripped of certain equipment reserved for NATO members, but they've been modified to significantly enhance their capabilities beyond standard MLU versions.
The Ukrainian versions reportedly feature modern weaponry, including the French AASM Hammer bombs and are equipped with advanced targeting pods like the AN/ASQ-213 HTS. These modifications provide full capabilities for utilizing anti-radiation missiles such as the AGM-88 HARM.
The changes likely include updated radars, such as the AN/APG-66 or AN/APG-68, and possibly even newer solutions like the AN/APG-83 SABR, which offer improved performance. The result is an aircraft classified between the basic F-16A/B MLU models and the newer F-16C/D Block 52+.
The F-16's armament includes a six-barrel M61A1 Vulcan cannon of 20 mm caliber and 11 pylons with a total payload capacity of 15,400 pounds. However, the two pylons located at the wingtips are specifically designated for short-range AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Additionally, it is common practice for two to three pylons under the fuselage to hold targeting pods and fuel tanks, leaving only six wing pylons for additional ordnance, such as AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles or bombs.
