The F-16C Fighting Falcon is a renowned multirole fighter aircraft celebrated for its agility, versatility, and combat-proven performance. Developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin), this single-seat fighter has been a cornerstone of the United States Air Force (USAF) and numerous other air forces worldwide since its introduction in the late 1970s. The F-16C is equipped with a powerful Pratt & Whitney or General Electric turbofan engine, enabling it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 2 and climb rapidly to high altitudes. Its combat radius and ferry range are impressive, allowing it to undertake various missions with a diverse array of weaponry, including air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and a 20mm Vulcan cannon. The F-16C's avionics package, featuring the AN/APG-68 radar and sophisticated electronic countermeasure systems, enhances its combat effectiveness and survivability in complex operational environments.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 (pilot)
- Length: 15.06 m (49.4 ft)
- Wingspan: 9.96 m (32.66 ft)
- Height: 4.88 m (16 ft)
- Empty weight: 8,570 kg (18,900 lb)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 19,200 kg (42,300 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 or General Electric F110-GE-100/129 turbofan, 120 kN (27,000 lb) thrust.
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 2 (2,414 km/h) at high altitude
- Ferry range: 3,670 km (1,983 nmi) with drop tanks
- Service ceiling: 15,000+ m (50,000+ ft)
- Rate of climb: 254 m/s (50,000 ft/min)
Armament
- Guns: 1 × 20 mm M61 Vulcan gatling gun, 511 rounds
- Hardpoints: 2 × wing-tip Air-to-air missile launch rails, 6 × under-wing, and 3 × under-fuselage pylon stations with a capacity of up to 7,700 kg (17,000 lb) of stores, including:
- Missiles: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM
- Bombs: JDAM series, Paveway series, Mk 80 series