Why F-16 of the Armed Forces carry only 4 rockets, although suspension points 9-explanation of Defense Express
About it writes Defense Express. It is reported that the F-16 was armed with only four air-air missiles, so to knock down two more, they used a regular 20mm M-61 automatic gun. In some photos, the F-16 fighter is simply armed with weapons and carries 16 rockets and bombs (the so-called Beast Mode). But the photo below is the latest version of the F-16V Block 70/72 and for such a photo it was necessary to use special multi-point pylons-Amber (Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejector Racks).
In general, the F-16 arms suspension points 9: one under fuselage, six under the wing, two at the extremities of the wing. But not all of them support the placement of air-air-air missiles. Only six, four under the wings and two on the extremities are allocated under this weapon. Only the pylons located closer to the wing and under the fuselage can only be hung weapons like "air-land", containers with additional equipment and hanging fuel tanks.
They are also used to carry additional fuel: without these additional tanks, the F-16 combat radius is greatly reduced. Estimated fuel consumption F-16 during combat patrol is 2800-3000 liters per hour of flight. With real combat use with active maneuvers and foster modes - up to 9000 liters per hour or more. The fuel consumption depends on the height, speed, changes in speed and load. Fuel in the internal tanks of the F-16 approximately 4000 liters (officially-3175 kg of fuel).
Therefore, the vast majority of the F-16 photos will be with additional air tanks. F-16 with special ECIPS/CJS Pilon containers, which are responsible for the HRS and protection of the aircraft from rocket attacks, were received from partners. And maybe they are simply not adapted to start the air-air missiles and only bombs can be hung on them. Any photos could not be found where AIM-120 or AIM-9 missiles were on this ECIPS/CJS.
And if the assumption is correct, then there are only four points of suspension for the air-air missile. The thing may be that for even greater flight range and an increase in the patrol zone, it is necessary to use not only two hanging tanks under the wings, but also one on 300 gallons under fuselage or two 600 gallons. To intercept the winged rockets, it is necessary to carry out low -high flights, which very actively consume fuel due to more air resistance.