General dynamics f-16 fighting falcon

It delivers greater situational awareness, flexibility and quicker all-weather targeting and provides pilots with unprecedented target area detail and digital map displays that can be tailored with slew and zoom features. Air Force in late

The F, a highly agile light fighter chosen by the US Air Force in January over the YF , has been the subject of intensive production and several licensing agreements. Among the systems carried by the F are inertial navigation platforms, a Doppler pulse radar, an air data system and a fire control computer. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with a flight computer, fly-by-wire controls, and automatic slats and flaps for the leading and trailing edges. After a test flight against the competing Northrop YF, the General Dynamics product underwent further development and became the larger, more capable FA Fighting Falcon. Thus began an export odyssey that continues today and has seen more than 4, of the F built for 28 nations. Although successive variants have progressively increased in weight, avionics, and capability, all Fighting Falcons retain the key features of the original production model, including Command Configuration Vehicle CCV technology and fly-by-wire controls, as well as a generous thrust-to-weight ratio thanks to a single engine powered by a fixed ventral intake. The result combines good overall performance with exceptional agility, roll rate, climb and acceleration.

General dynamics f-16 fighting falcon

Designed as an air superiority day fighter , it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft with over 4, built since Air Force, improved versions are being built for export. In , General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation , [5] which became part of Lockheed Martin after a merger with Martin Marietta. The F has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and 11 hardpoints. In addition to active duty in the U. The F has also been procured by the air forces of 25 other nations. US Vietnam War experience showed the need for air superiority fighters and better air-to-air training for fighter pilots. Boyd's work called for a small, lightweight aircraft that could maneuver with the minimum possible energy loss and which also incorporated an increased thrust-to-weight ratio. Air Force F-X proponents were opposed to the concept because they perceived it as a threat to the F program, but the USAF's leadership understood that its budget would not allow it to purchase enough F aircraft to satisfy all of its missions. The request for proposals issued on 6 January called for a 20,pound 9, kg class air-to-air day fighter with a good turn rate, acceleration, and range, and optimized for combat at speeds of Mach 0.

There were 94 Block 1, Block 5, and Block 10 aircraft produced. India Defense, general dynamics f-16 fighting falcon. Lockheed Martin officials stated that phase I of field trials was over and the week-long training phase was in preparation for Phase II of field trials, which began 7 September and lasted two weeks.

The details of the F variants, along with major modification programs and derivative designs significantly influenced by the F, are described below. The first YF was rolled out at Fort Worth on 13 December and accidentally accomplished its first flight on 21 January , followed by its scheduled "first flight" on 2 February The second prototype first flew on 9 March Over the years, these aircraft have been used as test demonstrators for a variety of research, development and modification study programs. Most were later upgraded to the Block 10 configuration in the early s. There were 94 Block 1, Block 5, and Block 10 aircraft produced. Block 1 is the early production model with the radome painted black.

Designed as an air superiority day fighter , it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft with over 4, built since Air Force, improved versions are being built for export. In , General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation , [5] which became part of Lockheed Martin after a merger with Martin Marietta. The F has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and 11 hardpoints. In addition to active duty in the U. The F has also been procured by the air forces of 25 other nations.

General dynamics f-16 fighting falcon

Having stood the test of time with half a century of continuous evolution since its maiden flight in , the F has become a symbol of innovation and adaptability. Designed as a versatile multi-role fighter, the F has served in the air forces of numerous nations more on this later. As we delve into its lengthy evolution, we witness the remarkable journey of an aircraft that has not only withstood the challenges of changing warfare landscapes but has also stood the test of time. The F's journey began in the early s. In April that same year, General Dynamics won the contract for its single-engine YF, while Northrop was awarded the contract to develop its twin-engine YF prototype. On January 20, , the YF took flight for the first time — though inadvertently.

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The KF will also be integrated with stealth cruise missiles. Air Force F-X proponents were opposed to the concept because they perceived it as a threat to the F program, but the USAF's leadership understood that its budget would not allow it to purchase enough F aircraft to satisfy all of its missions. YF flight tests were not sufficient to expose the issue; later flight testing on the FSD aircraft demonstrated a real concern. Don Taggart. Retrieved 23 September Retrieved 5 November Air Mobility Command. Archived from the original on 5 April Archived from the original on 19 August Strakes allow a smaller, lower- aspect-ratio wing, which increases roll rates and directional stability while decreasing weight. Air Force Magazine. In designing the F, advanced aerospace science and proven reliable systems from other aircraft such as the F and F were selected. Retrieved 28 November The USAF announced that it would order at least aircraft with the option for up to 1, examples. F Fighting Falcon flies towards Rimini, Italy to join with the Italian air force in a training mission.

The F Fighting Falcon is a versatile combat aircraft with a long history of being tested and proven effective in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. This compact jet offers a high-performance weapon system at a relatively low cost, making it an attractive choice for the United States and its allies.

The first reconnaissance variant was a USAF FD experimentally configured in with a centerline multi-sensor bathtub-style pod. Other avionics improvements include advanced data links, satellite communications and helmet-mounted tracking systems. Republic of China Air Force Taiwan. Archived from the original on 2 May At one time, this version was incorrectly thought to have been designated "FU". A variety of software, hardware, systems, weapons compatibility, and structural enhancements have been instituted over the years to gradually upgrade production models and retrofit delivered aircraft. Defence Journal. Korean Aerospace Industries opened a production line for the KF program, producing Block 52s from the mids to mids decade. The Diplomat. The bubble cockpit of the F16 provides an unobstructed view for the pilot. Retrieved 20 October Although the LWF program called for a structural life of 4, flight hours, capable of achieving 7. Archived from the original on 5 March