F/A-50s Also Capable of 'Maritime Strike Missions'

F/A-50 is also capable of conducting maritime strike missions. (photo : PTV News)

Manila -- Aside from having the capability to defend and protect the country's airspace against hostile intruding aircraft, the F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" is also capable of conducting maritime strike missions.

This was confirmed by Department of National Defense (DND) undersecretary Patrick Velez at the sidelights of the signing of the P18.9 billion F/A-50 contract Friday(March 28).

This refers to the capability to attack targets (e.g. ships) in the high seas.

Velez said that the F/A-50s can be configured to do this role by installation of weapons and sensors designed for this function.

The F/A-50 has provisions for anti-ship missiles, stand-off weapons, and sensors, he said.

Aside from this, the aircraft is fitted with three-barrel cannon version of the M-61 Vulcan internally behind the cockpit, which fires linkless 20 mm ammunition.

Velez said its wingtip rails can accommodate the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air missile.

Compatible air-to-surface weapons include the AGM-65 "Maverick" missile, Hydra 70 and LOGIR rocket launchers, CBU-58 and Mk-20 cluster bombs, and Mk-82, −83, and −84 general purpose bombs, he said.

(PTV News