General dynamics f-16 fighting falcon

The F Fighting Falcon is one of the most popular combat aircraft in the world. First developed by General Dynamics in the early s, the general dynamics f-16 fighting falcon Fighting Falcon is still being used by various air forces to this day. Let's take a look at a brief history of a model that has seen well over 4, examples produced.

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.

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 According to U. Air Force statistics, CFIT incidents account for 26 percent of aircraft losses and a staggering 75 percent of all F pilot fatalities. Lockheed Martin has more than 36 years of weapon integration experience with the F — enabling it to be one of the most versatile multirole fighters ever. No one else can match this weapons integration experience. In concert with the U. Air Force and multiple F Foreign Military Sales customers, Lockheed Martin has certified more than 3, carriage and release configurations for greater than weapon and store types. That means a highly reliable, readily maintainable jet of at least 40 years of service life for most air forces, with no expected extended structural repairs throughout that entire lifetime. The conformal fuel tanks provide increased fuel and added range, without sacrificing the aerodynamic performance of the jet, along with an improved performance engine. The F has more than suppliers around the world. Learn more. Liz Lutz Alex Curry Products F Fighting Falcon.

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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.

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. Established by General Dynamics specifically for the United States Air Force, the inception of the remarkable F dates back to its maiden flight in December with the introduction of the FA variant, which was a single-seat configuration. It was designed using cutting-edge aerospace technology and dependable components from other aircraft, including the F and F Together, they collaborated with the United States to manufacture the first Fs for their respective air forces. The Fs were assembled with parts from all five countries, with maintenance, repair, and overhaul work also being shared between them. In , the number of Fs currently operational in 25 nations exceeds 3, Despite being over 40 years old, the F remains of key importance to the United States military and its allies. However, further upgrades and modernization efforts are planned to keep it competitive against emerging threats.

General dynamics f-16 fighting falcon

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. It was discovered that the Block 1 aircraft's black radome became an obvious visual identification cue at long range, so the color of the radome was changed to the low-visibility grey for Block 5 aircraft. During the operation of F Block 1, it was discovered that rainwater could accumulate in certain spots within the fuselage, so drainage holes were drilled in the forward fuselage and tail fin area for Block 5 aircraft. The Soviet Union significantly reduced the export of titanium during the late s, so the manufacturers of the F used aluminum instead wherever practical.

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Senior, Tim Retrieved 5 February Time Inc. Read Edit View history. We fly in France. F Fast Facts. The 'Block 60' designation had also previously been set aside in for the A, but this model was dropped. Plans to further upgrade Romanian Fs to the M. Archived from the original on 22 February Archived from the original on 21 February Associated Press. Beginning in , the Belgian Air Force replaced its own Mirage 5BR reconnaissance aircraft with at least a dozen FA R equipped with loaned Orpheus pods and Vinten cameras from the Mirages; these were replaced with more capable Per Udsen modular recce pods from to Retrieved: 11 July Retrieved 1 March

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.

They provide US gallons 1, L or approximately 3, pounds 1, kg of additional fuel, allowing increased range or time on station and free up hardpoints for weapons instead of underwing fuel tanks. The Japan Times. Retrieved 19 June New production Fs leverage structural and capability upgrades that ensure the international F fleet can operate to and beyond. It also has a warning system and modular countermeasure pods to be used against airborne or surface electronic threats. CP24 Toronto News. Archived from the original on 25 June Retrieved 15 March Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. Retrieved 7 November