The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is designed as a single engine supersonic multirole fighter.
The F-16 has an airframe built from about 80% aluminium alloy, 8% steel, 3% composites and 1.5% titanium. For additional strength the leading edge flaps, ventral fins and stabilators are designed using honeycomb structured aluminium coated with graphite epoxy.
The air intake is positioned rearward of the nose to minimise aerodynamic drag.
The wing of the F-16 is a cropped blended delta wing and has a conventional tri-plane tail assembly with all moving stabilator tail plane.
The canopy is frameless for better visibility with an aerial refuelling boom located behind it.
The fly-by-wire control stick is located to the side of the pilot, usually on the right console, to ease control whilst manoeuvring.
An ejection seat is fitted, reclined at 30 degrees, to minimise the effect of g-forces on the pilot in the event of ejection.
PRODUCTION
The F-16 falcon was produced from 1976, with over 4,600 built.
ENGINE
General Electric F110-GE-100, producing 27,600 lb st.
Press play to hear the F-16
ARMAMENT
1 x M61A1 Vulcan 30mm cannon
12,000 lb (5,435 kg) Bombs/Rockets/Missiles load.
The F-16’s were first issued to 388th Tactical Fighter Wing in January 1979, with other aircraft issued to other fighter wings soon after.
The last F-16 built of the U.S. Air Force (U.S.A.F.) was delivered in 2005, although no longer being purchased by the U.S.A.F. improved versions are being built for export customers.
The F-16 is also used by the U.S.A.F. aerial display team, the Thunderbirds.
