The Falcon's Features
Revolutionary by design, the F-16 Fighting Falcon has evolved to incorporate sophisticated systems for night, under-the-weather and all-weather operations. A true 4th generation aircraft, the F-16, with its timeless design and incorporation of the latest technology, will retain its edge in the skies as long as it is operational.This multirole, multimission fighter provides high-performance capabilities to the air forces of 19 countries. Its success throughout the world is confirmed by follow-on buys from 13 of those countries.
The F-16, victorious in all of its 69 air-to-air combat engagements, proved its reputation as the USAF workhorse of Desert Storm. It was the tough enforcer of Operation Deny Flight and the relentless executor of the Bosnian peace accords. Combat proven, constantly evolving, backed by The Fighter Enterprise's dependable global logistics network, and known as the NATO standard, this fighter assures deployability and interoperability.Lethal and survivable, the F-16 employs a wider variety of weapons than any other fighter aircraft. So versatile and economical in this respect, the F-16 is the test bed for USAF advanced weaponry.
Primary Function: Multirole fighter
Builder: Lockheed Martin Corp.
Power Plant: F-16C/D: one Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 or General Electric F110-GE-100/129
Thrust: F-16C/D, 27,000 pounds(12,150 kilograms)
Length: 49 feet, 5 inches (14.8 meters)
Height: 16 feet (4.8 meters)
Wingspan: 32 feet, 8 inches (9.8 meters)
Speed: 1,500 mph (Mach 2 at altitude)
Ceiling: Above 50,000 feet (15 kilometers)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 37,500 pounds (16,875 kilograms)
Range: More than 2,000 miles ferry range (1,740 nautical miles)
Armament: One M-61A1 20mm multibarrel cannon with 500 rounds; external stations can carry up to six air-to-air missiles, conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions and electronic countermeasure pods.
Unit cost: F-16C/D, $20 million plus
Crew: F-16C: one; F-16D: one or two
Date Deployed: January 1979
Inventory: Active force, 444; Air National Guard, 305; Reserve, 60.
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