General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

The General Dynamics F‑16 Fighting Falcon is a single‑engine, multirole fighter that entered service in 1978 and quickly became one of the most prolific combat aircraft in the world. Developed from the 1972 Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program, the F‑16 was designed to combine agility, low cost, and advanced avionics. Its frameless bubble canopy provides excellent visibility, while its side‑mounted control stick and fly‑by‑wire digital flight control system enable pilots to perform extreme maneuvers such as high‑alpha turns and rapid rolls. The airframe incorporates relaxed static stability, which, together with the computer‑controlled system, grants superior maneuverability. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 turbofan, the aircraft can exceed Mach 2 and carry a wide array of air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground weapons on its 9‑hardpoint payload. Over 4,600 units have been produced, serving in more than 25 nations and participating in conflicts from the Gulf War to contemporary operations against asymmetric threats. The F‑16’s adaptability, export success, and continuous upgrades, including the Block 70/72 and Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, have cemented its role as a cornerstone of modern air power and a benchmark for future fighter development.

General Dynamics

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

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