The Belgian Air Component has been forced to ground its entire F-16 fleet for urgent checks, following an incident on 11 February when an aircraft experienced pipe burn problems with its engine after take-off.
A subsequent investigation by the Directorate of Aviation Safety of Defence found that ‘several engines are likely to present the same problem’, the Belgian MoD announced on 9 March, having taken advice from the USAF, F-16 manufacturer Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. ‘Therefore, all F-16 engines must be controlled and the fleet immobilised pending results.’
It added: ‘Whether other countries are experiencing the same problem is currently under investigation.’
Shephard Defence Insight calculates there are 54 aircraft in the Belgian F-16 fleet.
The repair time is estimated at five working days per engine. ‘However, there is a shortage of spare parts on the market,’ the Belgian MoD noted.
It added that ‘necessary steps’ are being taken to make F-16s (with replacement engines) available for Quick Reaction Alert operations over Belgian and Dutch airspace will remain operational after the inspection.
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