F-16V Fighter Jet Nearly Blasts Its Own Vessel with a 2000 Pounds MK-84 Bomb; Taiwan’s Air Force Apologizes
Surprisingly, the Taiwanese Air Force disclosed that Viper or F-16V fighter jet missed its target during training, causing a bomb to land dangerously close to a Coast Guard Administration’s vessel on 9 August.
In a routine press briefing on 15 August, General Tsao Chin-ping, the Air Force Chief of Staff, revealed and extended its apology to the Coast Guard Administration (better known as the CGA).
General Tsao discussed that a twin-seater F-16V model miserably failed to hit its intended sea target and inadvertently released a 2,000-pound MK-84 bomb into the waters adjacent to the military base of Pingtung’s Jioupeng while participating in a training session.
The detonation of the bomb resulted in a powerful shockwave that impacted a Coast Guard Administration (abbreviated CGA) vessel with personnel on board.
However, the vessel was positioned many nautical miles from where the bomb landed. Hence, zero casualties were reported.
On 14 August, reports were circulating that multiple CGA members needed medical attention owing to the impact of the shockwave of the bomb.
The Air Force has also issued an apology and decided to administer stringent disciplinary actions against the pilot as well as the instructor, who exhibited a lapse in supervising the bomb drop mission adequately, per General Tsao.
Taiwanese news outlets also quoted that the Air Force underlined that competent personnel had been directed to add pre-flight mission reminders and strengthen their learning skills alongside bolstering simulator program drills to boost the efficacy of planned training.
Among fighter aircraft in Taiwanese inventory, F-16V is the most advanced in terms of technology, outfitted with an exceptional radar system that facilitates simultaneous and careful tracking of more than 20 targets.
Taiwanese F-16s enabled with MK-84 bombs engage in military activities replicating scenarios involving a probable Chinese invasion.
The American Mk-84 general-purpose bomb weighs a whopping 2,000 pounds and encompasses a steel casing of about 1,000 pounds with a 946-pound Tritonal filler — made of TNT and aluminium.
The composition imparts the Mk 84 with an explosive yield that equals nearly half a ton of TNT, factoring in Tritonal’s almost 20% higher potency than TNT.
The Mk 84 also has a lethal radius; it can result in fatalities of about 1,181 feet, while the capacity for inflicting severe injuries extends to distances of nearly 2,624 feet.
References: Eurasian Times, WION
Shipping News You Would Like:
Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction
Latest Shipping News You Would Like:
55 Chinese Sailors Presumed Dead After Nuclear Submarine Became Trapped Underwater, According To Sources
All Three Of Ukraine’s Major Black Sea Ports Have Reopened To Ships
Four In Court Regarding A €157 million Cocaine Seizure From A Cargo Vessel
World’s Largest Cruise Ship “Icon Of The Seas” Will Make its Debut in January 2024
Remains Of US Navy Sailor Killed In The Pearl Harbor Attack Identified After 80+ Years
Get the Latest Maritime News Delivered to Your Inbox!
Our free, fast, and fun newsletter on the global maritime industry, delivered everyday.