F-16s at Misawa get M7.1 upgrade

The 35th Fighter Wing’s F-16 fleet at Misawa air base, Japan are currently getting the M7.1 software upgrade.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sonethasinh Sayasaeng, a 35th Maintenance Squadron avionics technician, prepares an F-16 Fighting Falcon for an M7.1 upgrade at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 13, 2017. The upgrade will provide pilots with more tactical information to be applied to dynamic missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert)

Both 13th and 14th Fighter Squadrons will have the updates on their fighters by Aug. 1.

Lt. Col. Wesley Hales, the 13th Fighter Squadron director of operations said the new software improves the pilot’s situation awareness.

“The M7.1 also changes the way the aircraft physically interfaces with the pilot. Multiple changes to hands-on throttle and stick functionality enables pilots to more effectively use the displays while keeping their hands on the controls of the aircraft,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Kenkel, the 14th Fighter Squadron director of operations.