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2001-04-27
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The F-16 has enjoyed the distinction of being the world's most sought-after new fighter since its
introduction two decades ago. Firm orders to date number more than 4,000 aircraft by 20
countries, making the F-16 the world's most popular modern fighter.
The F-16 design has been called timeless for several reasons. First, it was well ahead of its time
in areas such as structures, aerodynamics, flight control, avionics integration, and cockpit
features, most of which are becoming standard in today's "new" fighter designs. The F-16 has
demonstrated "design elasticity" - an ability to incorporate new systems as technology has
become available - such as in radars, engines, cockpit displays, and avionics. The avionic
processors in today's F-16 are hundreds of times more powerful than its state-of-the-art equipment
in the late 70s. The F-16 has been able to incorporate the latest in targeting pods and weapons,
mostly with just software changes to the aircraft's digital computers.
The F-16 has been very successful in the international fighter market - over 2,200 sold to the U.S
Air Force and over 1,800 to 19 other nations. In open competitions, the F-16 was selected in more
than 60% of the decisions, an unprecedented win rate. Besides the Thailand order for a handfull of
F-18s (which was cancelled), the F-16 has not lost a single competition during the last five years
and has accounted for all American fighter orders in that period.
The most recent F-16 buy is 80 advanced Block 60 versions for the United Arab Emirates. The
F-16 also was recently selected by both Greece and Israel, each for more than 50 aircraft. Both of
these configurations will be an advanced model F-16 designated as the Block 50+, which includes
the latest in avionics and weaponry and provides a significant range extension over current F-16s.
The U.S. Air Force has stated a need for 70 additional F-16s, 30 of which are included in budget
plans over the next four years.
Initial orders are an indication of customer confidence; whereas, follow-on orders are a strong
indication of customer satisfaction. The F-16 has been very successful in repeat orders by its
customers, which represent 75% of all F-16s sold. Fifteen countries have placed nearly 40
follow-on orders for new aircraft, dramatically more than any other fighter on the market today.
Greece became the ninth country to make three or more orders of the F-16. In addition, four
countries have acquired almost 100 additional used F-16s from the U.S. Air Force inventory.
Over its lifetime, the F-16 is believed to have more foreign sales than all other Western fighters
combined. Production rates have been the highest in the world for fighter aircraft since the
beginning of the program.
General Characteristics
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.
For further information and research material on the web
go to
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/fighter/f16a.htm
"Fighting Falcon" Description The world's most popular modern fighterColligo CorpInternet: www.ultimatebook.com