Updated October 2014

Mission

United States Navy -- Training and adversary combat tactics. The aircraft serves in an aggressor-training role with simulation capability of current threat aircraft in fighter combat mode.

Description

The F-16A is a single seat model, single-engine multi-role jet fighter aircraft with superior maneuverability and sophisticated tracking and weapon systems for the interception and attack of other aircraft. The F-16B is a two-seat version typically used for training by a student pilot with an instructor pilot in the rear cockpit. This aircraft is considered to be an agile modern fighter and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. F-16 training aircraft focus on tactics development, assessment, graduate-level training, joint interoperability, and standardization of training within the aviation communities.

The F-16 provides excellent flight control through its “fly-by-wire” system, side-stick controller, highly accurate inertial navigation system, UHF/VHF radios, instrument landing system, AN/APG-66/68 radar warning system, and modular countermeasure pods. All F-16s delivered since November 1981 have built-in structural and wiring provisions and systems architecture that permit the multi-role flexibility to perform precision strike, night attack and beyond-visual-range interception missions.

Specifications

Primary Function: Adversary fighter
Date Deployed: 2002
Propulsion: One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 turbofan engine of 23,000 pounds static sea level thrust each with afterburner
Length: 47 feet 8 inches (14.52 meters)
Wingspan: 31 feet (9.45 meters)
Height: 16 feet 5 inches (5.01 meters)
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 37,500 (16,875 kilograms)
Airspeed: 1.73 Mach (2123 km/h) at 39, 870 feet (12,000 meters)
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,420 meters)
Range: Max, 1,260 miles (2027 kilometers)
Crew: F-16A: One; F-16B: Two
Prime Contractors: Lockheed Martin Corp. & Pratt & Whitney

Program Status

Production Phase: Operational
Inventory: F-16A – 10; F-16B – 4
Initial Operational Capability Date: F-16A – 2002; F-16B - 2002