History:
The original F-16 was designed as a lightweight air-to-air day fighter, but air-to-ground responsibilities transformed the first production F-16s into multirole fighters. The first F-16 first flew in December 1976. The first operational F-16A was delivered in January 1979 to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The F-16 was one of the first aircraft to use the now standard fly-by-wire control system . The pilot's controls communicate with the F16 's electronics which in turn move the aircraft's flying surfaces. This system uses a sidemounted control stick instead of the conventional stick between the knees.
In a fighter role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In a bomber role, the F-16 can fly more than 5860 kilometers, 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. With a full load of internal fuel, the F-16 can withstand up to nine G's which exceeds the capability of other current fighter aircraft.
All F-16s delivered since November 1981 have built-in structural and wiring provisions and systems architecture that permit expansion of the multirole flexibility to perform precision strike, night attack and beyond-visual-range interception missions. This improvement program led to the F-16C (single-seater) and F-16D (double-seater) aircraft which incorporate the latest cockpit control and display technology. All active units and nearly all Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units have converted to the F-16C/D.
U.S. Air Force F-16 multi-mission fighters were deployed to the Persian Gulf in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm and flew more sorties than any other aircraft. These fighters were used to attack airfields, military production facilities, Scud missiles sites and a variety of other targets.
F-16s from the U.S. and allies have been a major player in operations over Iraq since 1991 and over the Balkans since 1993. The aircraft played a major role in Operation Deliberate Force over Bosnia in 1995. In Operation Allied Force, over Kosovo and Serbia in 1999, Air Force F-16 multi-mission fighters flew a variety of missions to include suppression of enemy air defense, offensive counter air, defensive counter air, close air support and forward air controller missions. Mission results were outstanding as these fighters destroyed radar sites, vehicles, tanks, MiGs and buildings. F-16s have also played a major role in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom.
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| Function: | Multirole fighter |
| Dimensions (wingspan/length/height): | 9.8 m / 14.8 m / 4.8 m |
| Weight: | 19,187 kg max. takeoff weight |
| Engines: | 1 x General Electric F110-GE-100 engine with 122,77 kN thrust |
| Max. speed: | Mach 2 |
| Range: | 547 km (in Hi-Lo-Hi profile) |
| Ceiling: | 15.240 m |
| Armament: | One M-61A1 20mm multibarrel cannon with 500 rounds; external stations for up to six air-to-air missiles, conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions and electronic countermeasure pods with a max. of 9276 kg |
| Crew: | 1 |
| Manufacturer: | Lockheed Martin Corp.; USA |
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