One of the most versatile warplanes in existence, the F-16 was designed by General Dynamics in the early 1970s to satisfy the USAF requirement for a lightweight fighter. The first YF-16 prototype flew on February 2, 1974. The F-16 was taken over by Lockheed Martin since its purchase of General Dynamics' fighter division.
Elements the Fighting Falcon excel in include its fly-by-wire control system, a clear-view bubble canopy that offers a superior field of vision, a high thrust to weight ratio, and advanced avionics for accurate long-range targetting, resulting in an aircraft that is an exceptional multi-role fighter.
Countries that fly the F-16 include Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, USA, and Venezuela.
Prime Contractor: Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems
Country of origin: United States of America.
Type: Multi-role fighter.
Power plant: One 122.8kN (27,600lb) General Electric F110-GE-100 turbofan.
Accommodation: F-16C pilot only, F-16D two in tandem
Max. Speed: At 40,000ft > Mach 2.0 (2125km/h)
Range: ferry range with drop tanks 3900km, radius with two AIM-9's, four 2000lb bombs and
external fuel 630km. Radius with two AIM-9's and two AIM-7's and external fuel 2hr CAP at
370km.
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 10m (32ft 10in)
Length: 15.03m (49ft 4in)
Height: 5.01m (16ft 5in)
Wing Area: 28.9sq m (300.0sq ft)
Weights: Empty 19,100lb (8665kg), max. take off 42,300lb (19,190kg)
Armament: one M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon, six under wing, one centerline and two wingtip hard points carry up to 12,000lb (5435kg). Options are AIM-9 , AIM-120, AGM-65 Maverick ASM , Penguin anti-ship missile, GUB-10 and GUB-12 laser guided bombs
Operators: Bahrain, Egypt, Greece, Israel, South Korea, Turkey and USA
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