F-16 Fighting Falcon

F-16 Fighting Falcon. . , The F-16 Fighting Falcon, a compact, multi-role, highly maneuverable fighter aircraft, has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. In an air combat role, its maneuverability and combat radius exceeds that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft. In an air-to-surface role, it can fly more than 500 miles, deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft and return to its starting point. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions., The cockpit and its bubble canopy give the pilot a greatly improved, unobstructed vision, both forward and upward. Through its "fly-by-wire" system, electrical wires relay commands to pilots, replacing the usual cables and linkage controls. A side stick controller provides easy and accurate control during high G-force combat maneuvers., Avionics systems include enhanced global positioning and inertial navigation systems. It also has a warning system and modular countermeasure pods to be used against airborne or surface electronic threats., The F-16B can carry one or two pilots. All active units and many Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units have converted to the F-16C/D., The F-16 was built under an unusual agreement creating a consortium between the United States and four NATO countries: Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters deployed in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm, where more sorties were flown that with any other aircraft., Since Sept. 11, 2002, the F-16 has been a major component of the combat forces committed to the war on terrorism flying thousands of sorties in support of operations Noble Eagle (Homeland Defense), Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi Freedom., This aircraft is on loan from the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona.,

General Characteristics , Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp. , First Operational Flight: January 1979 , Power plant: F-16C/D: (1) Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 or General Electric F110-GE-100/129 engine , Wingspan: 32 feet, 8 inches , Length: 49 feet, 5 inches , Height: 16 feet , Weight: 19,700 pounds without fuel , Maximum takeoff weight: 37,500 pounds , Airspeed: 1,500 mph (Mach 2 at altitude) , Range: 1,740 nautical miles , Ceiling: above 50,000 feet , Crew: F-16C, one; F-16D, one or two , Unit cost: F-16A/B, $14.6 million; F-16C/D, $18.8 million