Operator’s Handbook
Arguably the world’s most successful jet fighter, the Fighting Falcon has served in nations around the world, in conflicts spanning decades
The General Dynamics (later Lockheed, then Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon is widely regarded as the world’s most successful jet fighter. Originally designed in the early 1970s to meet a US requirement for a low-cost, low-weight fighter, it came after decades of building heavy fighters designed primarily as interceptors or strike attack aircraft. Experience in the Vietnam War convinced the military of the need for a pure-bred dogfighter – lean, light and agile. Ironically, from its inception as a day fighter, the F-16 would later be developed into a highly capable all-weather multi-role aircraft with a formidable ground-attack ability.
Even as the US Air Force (USAF) was announcing the adoption of the F-16 in 1975, a European group including Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway also declared their intention to purchase it. It would be the start of a prodigious overseas career for the aircraft. During its history, around 25 other countries would operate the F-16 (and several more have considered ordering the type), and the aircraft would be licence-built in several of those countries. Both Israel and Pakistan would use the type in combat before the US did, and, with over 4,500 built, it continues to be one of the most numerous and widely used fighters in the world.
ARMAMENT
The F-16 has a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan sixbarrelled cannon in the fuselage to the left of the cockpit, and also carries a fearsome array of other weaponry. Initially designed to carry two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, one on each wing tip, continuous developments have seen the number of hard-points rise to 11, of which nine can carry ordnance (the others carrying sensors and other systems) or external fuel tanks. Up to 16,975lb (7,700kg) of air-to-air or air-toground missiles, iron and smart bombs, or rockets can be carried to meet almost any mission requirement.
