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F-16A, a single-seat model, first flew in December 1976. The
first operational F-16A was delivered in January 1979 to the
388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base,
Utah
.
The
F-16B, a two-seat model, has tandem cockpits that are about the
same size as the one in the A model. Its bubble canopy extends
to cover the second cockpit. To make room for the second
cockpit, the forward fuselage fuel tank and avionics growth
space were reduced. During training, the forward cockpit is used
by a student pilot with an instructor pilot in the rear cockpit. |
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All
F-16s delivered since November 1981 have built-in structural and
wiring provisions and systems architecture that permit expansion
of the multirole flexibility to perform precision strike, night
attack and beyond-visual-range interception missions. This
improvement program led to the F-16C and F-16D aircraft, which
are the single- and two-place counterparts to the F-16A/B, and
incorporate the latest cockpit control and display technology.
All active units and many Air National Guard and Air Force
Reserve units have converted to the F-16C/D.
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The
F-16 was built under an unusual agreement creating a consortium
between the
United
States
and four NATO countries:
Belgium
,
Denmark
,
the
Netherlands
and
Norway
.
These countries jointly produced with the
United
States
an initial 348 F-16s for their air forces. Final airframe
assembly lines were located in
Belgium
and the
Netherlands
.
The consortium's F-16s are assembled from components
manufactured in all five countries.
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Belgium
also provides final assembly of the F100 engine used in the
European F-16s. Recently,
Portugal
joined the consortium. The long-term benefits of this program
will be technology transfer among the nations producing the
F-16, and a common-use aircraft for NATO nations.
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| This
program increases the supply and availability of repair parts in
Europe
and improves the F-16's combat readiness.
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USAF
F-16 multirole fighters were deployed to the
Persian
Gulf
in 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm, where more sorties
were flown than with any other aircraft. These fighters were
used to attack airfields, military production facilities, Scud
missiles sites and a variety of other targets.
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| During
Operation Allied Force, USAF F-16 multirole fighters flew a
variety of missions to include suppression of enemy air defense,
offensive counter air, defensive counter air, close air support
and forward air controller missions. |
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Mission
results were outstanding as these fighters destroyed radar
sites, vehicles, tanks, MiGs and buildings. |
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Since
Sept. 11, 2001, the F-16 has been a major component of the
combat forces committed to the Global War on Terrorism flying
thousands of sorties in support of operations Noble Eagle
(Homeland Defense), Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Iraqi
Freedom |
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General
Characteristics
Primary Function: Multirole fighter
Builder: Lockheed Martin Corp.
Power Plant: F-16C/D: one Pratt and Whitney
F100-PW-200/220/229 or General Electric F110-GE-100/129
Thrust: F-16C/D, 27,000 pounds
Length: 49 feet, 5 inches (14.8 meters)
Height: 16 feet (4.8 meters)
Wingspan: 32 feet, 8 inches (9.8 meters)
Speed: 1,500 mph (Mach 2 at altitude)
Ceiling: Above 50,000 feet (15 kilometers)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 37,500 pounds (16,875
kilograms)
Range: More than 2,000 miles ferry range (1,740
nautical miles)
Armament: One M-61A1 20mm multibarrel cannon
with 500 rounds; external stations can carry up to six
air-to-air missiles, conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface
munitions and electronic countermeasure pods
Unit cost: F-16A/B
, $14.6 million (fiscal 98 constant dollars); F-16C/D,$18.8
million (fiscal 98 constant dollars)
Crew: F-16C, one; F-16D, one or two
Date Deployed: January 1979
Inventory: Active force, F-16C/D, 738; Reserve,
F-16C/D, 69; and Air National Guard, F-16C/D, 473 |
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| Source
: USAF & Thunderbirds |
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