General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 is the most common combat aircraft in the world.

American multifunctional light fighter of the fourth generation. Designed in 1974 by General Dynamics. Transferred to service in 1979.

In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to Lockheed Corporation (now Lockheed Martin).

The F-16, due to its versatility and relatively low cost, is the most massive fourth-generation fighter (as of June 2014, over 4,540 aircraft were assembled) and is a success on the international arms market (it is in service with 25 countries). The last of 2231 F-16s for the US Air Force were handed over to the customer in 2005. The upgraded F-16 will be exported until at least mid-2017.

Development.

The prototype machine, designated YF-16 (No. 72-01567), first flew on January 21, 1974, when the pilot was forced to take off while running around the airfield to avoid an emergency. The first flight under the test program took place on February 2 of the same year. In 1975, the F-16A appeared, and in 1977, the two-seat F-16B.

F-16 modifications

-Block 1

First flight August 1978. Basic modification


-Block 5

197 aircraft produced


-Block 10

312 built before 1980


-Block 15

November 1981. New tail assembly installed. Radar AN / APG-66. AIM-7 missiles, introduced the ability to carry 1000 pound bombs on underwing hardpoints. The cockpit is equipped with air conditioning. Issued 983 in 14 years.


-Block 15OCU (Operational Capability Upgrade)

Modernization in 1987, a total of 217 aircraft passed, the F100-PW-220 engine was installed, weapons: AGM-119 and AGM-65, AIM-120 AMRAAM. Installed radio altimeter. SIP AN/ALQ-131. Maximum weight 17,000 kg.


Modernization of 150 F-16OCU


June 19, 1984 Installed engines F100-PW-200E, radar AN / APG-68, can operate in air-to-ground mode. Implemented the principle of a glass cabin. Armament: AIM-120, AGM-65. Interference-proof HF station. Maximum weight 19640 kg. AN/ALQ-165 Jammer Station.


1985-1989 year. Collected 733. A new engine was installed, RPM was applied to the hull to reduce the RCS. Armament: AIM-120, added AGM-88


1989-1995, for Egypt, production resumed in 1999. Collected 615 pieces. Installed radar APG-68V5, overhaul life 100 hours. GPS navigation, ALE-47 traps, EDSU introduced. The maximum weight has increased to 19200 kg. Armament AGM-88 HARM II were added in 1989, GBU-10, GBU-12, GBU-24, GBU-15, AIM-120


-Block 50/52

An engine with a thrust of 12.9 kN was installed. Produced from 1990 to present. time. Radar AN / APG-68V5, on the latest versions of V7 and V8, added missile AGM-84, AGM-154, up to 4 missiles AGM-88. Over 830 issued.


-Block 52+

A V9 radar was installed, with the possibility of mapping, additional tanks were equipped on the fuselage.


An OLS was installed, as well as additional tanks, an AN / ASQ-28 container, a reduced EPR, a radar with an AN / APG-80 AFAR, an ALQ-165 SIP, an F110-GE-132 engine with a thrust of 19,000 dry pounds and 32,500 in afterburner. Empty weight 9900 kg, normal takeoff weight 13,000 kg, maximum 20,700 kg issued 80 for the UAE.


-QF-16

In 2010, the US Air Force signed a $69 million contract with Boeing to serially convert 126 end-of-life F-16 fighters into target aircraft. Unmanned QF-16s should replace the fleet of obsolete and close to exhaustion QF-4 vehicles. On September 19, 2013, the first flight of the QF-16 took place.

Promising programs

Further improvement programs for the F-16 include CCV (Controlled Configuration Aircraft) and AFTI, an experimental machine with a triple digital flight control system and large ventral fins. The tailless F-16XL could have powerful armament, longer range, and better maneuverability than the original F-16.

The first flight of the new aircraft took place in July 1982, but flight tests under this program were curtailed in the late 1980s. on the initiative of the US Air Force, and two built aircraft were transferred to NASA for research purposes.

"Night Falcon" and the "block 50" series

Since December 1988, the production of the Block 40/42 Night Falcon series began, with containers for the LANTIRN low-altitude sighting and navigation system, APG-68V radar, a digital flight control system and an automatic terrain following system. "Night Falcon" is capable of carrying the AGM-88B missile defense system. With an increase in the amount of equipment, the take-off weight of the aircraft increased, which led to the strengthening of the landing gear. Since December 1991, the "block 50" and "block 52" series began to be produced. These machines have an APG-68 radar, a new HUD combined with a night vision system, a more powerful computer, as well as dipole and IR trap spreaders. These latest F-16 variants are powered by the F110-GE-229 and F100-PW-220 engines.

Air defense interceptor fighter

Since October 1986, the US Air Force began to modernize 270 F-16A / B machines under the ADF program to convert aircraft into air defense fighter-interceptors. These machines received an advanced radar capable of tracking small targets, and a launcher for AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, which can hit objects beyond visual visibility. F-16 air defense can carry 6 AIM-120, AIM-7 or AIM-9 air-to-air missiles.

F-16CJ and F-16DJ

The F-16CJ in the Block 50 modification was designed to replace the outdated F-4G Wild Weasel V anti-radar aircraft that had been in service with the US Air Force for 20 years. Unlike past "Wild Weasels" (US Air Force units designed specifically to deal with anti-aircraft missile systems), the F-16CJ is a single-seat aircraft - the computer takes over almost all the work of the co-pilot. There were also a few two-seat F-16DJ aircraft, but they are an exception to the rule.

With the new single-seat aircraft, the tactics of using Lasok also changed - aircraft began to be used in pairs, while past aircraft (F-100F, F-105G and F-4G) were operated in a group with simple fighter-bombers (usually the F-4G was used together with conventional F-4E or F-16C) that attacked ground targets after the F-4G cleared the radar.

F-16CJs carry AGM-88 HARM and/or AGM-45 Shrike missiles to destroy radar, and AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM to defend against enemy fighters.

F-16V

The American company Lockheed Martin has announced the creation of a new version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon - F-16V. The V in the aircraft index stands for Viper, "viper". The new version of the aircraft will be equipped with an active phased array radar, a new on-board computer and some improvements in the cockpit. According to the company, almost any F-16 fighter can be upgraded to the Viper version.

F-16I

The F-16I is a two-seat version of the Block 52 modification, created by special order from the Israeli Air Force. In September 1997, Israel arranges a competition for the supply of new fighters. The F-16I and F-15I take part in the competition. In July 1999, the victory of the F-16 is announced. On January 14, 2000, as part of the Peace Marble V program, an initial contract for 52 cars was signed. On December 19, 2001, the contract was extended to 102 aircraft. The Israeli Air Force F-16I received the designation Sufa (Thunderstorm). The first flight took place on December 23, 2003. On February 19, 2004, deliveries to combat units began. The approximate cost of each aircraft is $70 million (for 2006).

One of the main differences between the F-16I and the Block 52 is the replacement of approximately 50% of the onboard equipment with Israeli counterparts: for example, the ALE-50 Towed Decoy Anti-missile system was replaced by the Israeli Aerial Towed Decoy. The Autonomous Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation "Ehud" system was installed on the aircraft, which allows simulating real actions during training exercises. The aircraft also received a helmet-mounted guidance system, a head-up display (HUD), a new central on-board computer, and a display for displaying cartographic information. The F-16I can carry Israeli Rafael Python air-to-air missiles. To increase the range, a removable conformal external fuel tank manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries is mounted on the aircraft. The basic American systems are the F100-PW-229 turbofan engine (compatible with the F-15I) and the APG-68(V)9 radar.

Operating countries

Is in service

Bahrain - 16 F-16Cs and 4 F-16Ds, as of 2012
-Belgium - 50 F-16AM and 10 F-16BM, as of 2012
-Colombia - 60 F-16C/D block 50
-Venezuela - 17 F-16A and 4 F-16B, as of 2012
-Greece - 115 F-16C and 41 F-16D, as of 2012
-Denmark - 43 F-16AM and 11 F-16BM, as of 2012
-Egypt - 156 F-16A / C and 47 F-16B / D, as of 2012
-Israel - 78 F-16A, 24 F-16B, 78 F-16C, 48 F-16D and 101 F-16I, as of 2012
-Indonesia - 7 F-16A, 3 F-16B and 24 F-16C, as of 2012. As part of the Peace Bima-Sena program, 12 F-16A / B Block 15OCUs (including eight F-16As and four F-16Bs) were sold to Indonesia in 1989-1990. During operation, two cars were lost in flight accidents (in 1992 and 1997).


-Jordan - 3 F-16A / B and 39 F-16AM / BM, as of 2013. In February 2014, 12 F-16A Block 15 fighters and one F-16B Block 15 fighter were delivered to Pakistan.
-Netherlands - 79 F-16AM and 11 F-16BM, as of 2012
-Norway - 47 F-16AM and 10 F-16BM, as of 2012
-UAE - 53 F-16E and 25 F-16F, as of 2012
-Oman - 8 F-16C and 4 F-16D, as of 2012
-Pakistan - 24 F-16A, 21 F-16B, 12 F-16C Block 52 and 6 F-16D Block 52, as of 2013. In February 2014, 12 F-16A Block 15 fighters and one F-16B Block 15 fighter were purchased from Jordan, the aircraft entered service with the Pakistan Air Force in March 2014. 18 F-16 fighters upgraded to the Block 52 version were sold in 2010-2012.
-Poland - 48 F-16C "block-52M", as of 2011


-Portugal - 28 F-16AM and 6 F-16BM, as of 2012, the Portuguese Air Force received a total of 45 aircraft (including 38 F-16A and 7 F-16B). Two batches were acquired: as part of the Peace Atlantis I program in 1994, 20 F-16A / B Block 15OCUs were delivered and as part of the Peace Atlantis II program in 1999, 25 F-16A / B Block 15s were delivered, previously in service with the US Air Force ( of these, five cars were intended for parsing for parts). Aircraft purchased in 1999 are gradually being upgraded to the MLU standard. The first modernized aircraft entered the 301 squadron in 2003. During the operation, two cars were lost in flight accidents (in 2002 and 2008). The F-16s are in service with two squadrons based at the Monte Real airbase - the 201st Falcoes and the 301st Jaguares.
- Republic of Korea - 118 F-16Cs and 47 F-16Ds, as of 2012. Produced under license.
- Singapore - 32 F-16C and 43 F-16D, as of 2012


-Iraq - Iraq ordered 36 aircraft worth $65 million from the US, but initial deliveries in 2014 were delayed for security reasons after ISIS fighters took over large swaths of Iraq. As a result, the delivery of the first four fighters from the United States to Baghdad was carried out in July 2015.
-Thailand - 43 F-16A / ADF and 15 F-16B, as of 2012
-Taiwan - 117 F-16A and 28 F-16B, as of 2012
-Turkey - 195 F-16C and 42 F-16D, as of 2012. Produced under license. On May 23, 2011, the Turkish Air Force received the first F-16 "block-50" of local assembly. Until December 2012, the Turkish company Turkish Aerospace Industries will build 50 F-16 "block-50".
- Chile - 31 F-16A / C and 11 F-16B / D, as of 2012
-Morocco - 18 F-16C "block-52" and 6 F-16D "block-52", as of August 2012. Moroccan Air Force F-16s are equipped with Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 EEP (Engine Enhancement Package) engines and AN/APG-68(V)9 radars. In 2007, the Moroccan Air Force ordered 24 F-16C / D "block-52" for a total of $ 2.4 billion.


-USA:
-US Air Force - 1018 F-16C / D, as of 2012
-US Navy - 14 F-16A / B, as of 2012
-US Air National Guard - 209 F-16C/D

Was in service

performance characteristics

Specifications

Crew: 1 pilot
- Length: 15.03 m
- Wingspan: 9.45 m; with missiles at the ends of the wing: 10.0 m
- Height: 5.09 m
- Wing area: 27.87 m2
- Wing profile: NACA 64A-204
- Wing aspect ratio: 3.2
-Sweep on the leading edge: 40 degrees.
- Chassis base: 4.0m
- Chassis track: 2.36 m
-Empty weight:
- with F100 engine: 8 910 / 9 358 kg (without / with conformal tanks (English) Russian)
- with F110 engine: 9,017 / 9,466 kg (without/with conformal tanks)
-Normal takeoff weight: (with two air-to-air missiles, without PTB)
- with F100 engine: 12,723 / 14,548 kg (without/with conformal tanks)
- with F110 engine: 12,852 / 14,661 kg (without/with conformal tanks)
-Maximum takeoff weight: 21,772 kg
- Mass of external load: (with full filling of internal tanks)
- with F100 engine: 8,855 / 9,635 kg (without/with conformal tanks)
- with F110 engine: 8 742 / 9 190 kg (without / with conformal tanks)
-Mass of fuel in internal tanks: 3228 kg
-Volume of fuel tanks: 3986 l
-Suspended fuel tanks: 1 x 1,136 l or 2 x 1,402 l
- Conformal tanks: 1,703 l
-Power plant: 1 x turbofan General Electric F110 (Block 50)
-Besforsazhnaya traction: 1 x n / a
- Afterburner thrust: 1 x 13100.6 kgf
-Powerplant: 1 x Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan (Block 52)
-Besforsazhnaya thrust: 1 x 7900.2 kgf
- Afterburner thrust: 1 x 12900.4 kgf

Flight characteristics

Maximum speed: corresponds to M=2.0 at an altitude of 12,200 m
- Combat radius: (Block 50)
- with conformal tanks, 3,940 l in PTB, 2x907 kg of bombs, along the profile large-small-small-high: 1,361 km
- with conformal tanks, 5,542 l in PTB, 2x907 kg of bombs, along the profile large-small-small-high: 1,565 km
- without conformal tanks, 3,940 l in PTB, 2xAIM-120, 2? AIM-9, air patrol: 1,759 km
- Ferry range: (Block 50)
- with conformal tanks, 3,940 l in PTB: 3,981 km
- without conformal tanks, 5,542 l in PTB: 4,472 km
- Practical ceiling: 15,240 m
- Climb: approx. 275 m/s
- Wing load: 781.2 kg/m2 (at maximum takeoff weight)
-Thrust-to-weight ratio: 1.03 (without hangers and conformal tanks)
-Maximum operating overload: +9 g

Armament

Small arms: 1 x 20-mm six-barreled gun M61A1 (ammunition - 511 rounds)
- Suspension points: 9
- Combat load: (at +5.5 g)
-under the fuselage: 1,000 kg
- internal: 2 x 2041 kg
- central: 2 x 1 587 kg
- external: 2 x 318 kg
- at the ends: 2 x 193 kg
- additional points for hanging equipment on the sides of the air intake: 2 x 408 kg
-Guided missiles:
-air-to-air missiles: AIM-7, 6xAIM-9, 6xAIM-120, AIM-132, Python 3, Python 4, Derby, Sky Flash, Magic 2
-air-to-surface missiles: 6xAGM-65A/B/D/G, AGM-45, 2xAGM-84, 4xAGM-88, AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-158 JASSM, Penguin Mk.3
- Bombs:
-adjustable: 4xGBU-10, 6xGBU-12, GBU-15, GBU-22, GBU-24, GBU-27, 4xGBU-31 JDAM
-adjustable cassettes (with WCMD): CBU-103, CBU-104, CBU-105,
- free-falling: Mark 82, 8xMark 83, Mark 84
- Gun pods: 1 x GPU-5/A with 30mm gun
-BRLS (airborne radar station):
-AN/APG-66
-AN / APG-68 (aviation radar with a range of about 160 miles (250 km))
-AN/APG-80

"F-16 Fighting Falcon" - multirole fighter. It forms the basis of the US Air Force and many of the 19 countries that have purchased it. The most common of the foreign jet fighters of the fourth generation.

The development of pre-production aircraft began in 1974. From mid-1975 to 1978, the first 15 aircraft were produced. From the end of 1976 to the middle of 1978, all flight tests were carried out, in 1978, deliveries of F-16 aircraft to the US Air Force began.

The F-16 is a mid-wing monoplane with an engine in the rear fuselage. The smooth articulation of the wing and fuselage allows the fuselage to create additional lift at high angles of attack. The structure is 78.3% aluminum alloy, 4.2% titanium alloy, 4.2% carbon fiber and 3.7% steel.

All-metal semi-monocoque fuselage. The cab is equipped with a regenerative air conditioning and pressurization system. The McDonnell-Douglas ACESII ejection seat ensures the escape of the aircraft in the parking lot and in flight at a speed of 1100 km/h at altitudes up to 15000 meters.

In the second half of the 1980s, F-16C / D aircraft were equipped with means of reducing visibility (the cockpit canopy was metallized on the inside, radar-absorbing materials were used in the air intake area).

There are several modifications of the fighter:

The F-16A is a single-seat multi-role fighter, mainly for operations during daylight hours. The first production version of the F-16. Production ended in March 1985. Produced only for foreign customers.

F-16В - two-seat combat training version of the F-16А. Production for the USAF ceased in 1985.

F-16C is a single-seat advanced multirole fighter. Supplied to the US Air Force since July 1984.

F -16D - two-seat combat training version of the F -16C. Supplied to the US Air Force since September 1984.

F-16ADF - air defense fighter for the US Air National Guard. In this version, 279 previously built F-16A and F-16B were modified in 1989-1992.

RF-16C (F-16R) - reconnaissance variant.

The F-16 fighter has the following Main characteristics:

Wingspan - 9.45 m

Aircraft length - 15.03 m

Aircraft height - 5.09 m

Wing area - 27.87 square meters

Weight of the empty aircraft in kilograms:

  1. F-16A-7365
  2. F -16V - 7655
  3. F-16C-8275
  4. F-16D‑8855

Mass of fuel in kilograms:

1. F-16A/C-3105

2. F-16B/D-2565

Takeoff weight (calculated with a full supply of fuel) in kilograms:
F-16A , F-16C /D - 11839.

Takeoff weight (maximum with external load) in kilograms:
F-16A, F-16C - 19190.

Landing speed - 226 km / h.
Practical ceiling - 15240 m.
Practical range - 1315 km, ferry range - 3890 km.

The latest best military aircraft of the Air Force of Russia and the world photos, pictures, videos about the value of a fighter aircraft as a combat weapon capable of providing "air supremacy" was recognized by the military circles of all states by the spring of 1916. This required the creation of a special combat aircraft that surpasses all others in terms of speed, maneuverability, altitude and the use of offensive small arms. In November 1915, Nieuport II Webe biplanes arrived at the front. This is the first aircraft built in France, which was intended for air combat.

The most modern domestic military aircraft in Russia and the world owe their appearance to the popularization and development of aviation in Russia, which was facilitated by the flights of Russian pilots M. Efimov, N. Popov, G. Alekhnovich, A. Shiukov, B. Rossiysky, S. Utochkin. The first domestic machines of designers J. Gakkel, I. Sikorsky, D. Grigorovich, V. Slesarev, I. Steglau began to appear. In 1913, the heavy aircraft "Russian Knight" made its first flight. But one cannot fail to recall the first aircraft creator in the world - Captain 1st Rank Alexander Fedorovich Mozhaisky.

Soviet military aircraft of the USSR of the Great Patriotic War sought to hit the enemy troops, his communications and other objects in the rear with air strikes, which led to the creation of bomber aircraft capable of carrying a large bomb load over considerable distances. The variety of combat missions to bombard enemy forces in the tactical and operational depth of the fronts led to the understanding of the fact that their performance should be commensurate with the tactical and technical capabilities of a particular aircraft. Therefore, the design teams had to resolve the issue of specialization of bomber aircraft, which led to the emergence of several classes of these machines.

Types and classification, the latest models of military aircraft in Russia and the world. It was obvious that it would take time to create a specialized fighter aircraft, so the first step in this direction was to try to equip existing aircraft with small arms offensive weapons. Mobile machine-gun mounts, which began to equip the aircraft, required excessive efforts from the pilots, since the control of the machine in a maneuverable battle and the simultaneous firing of an unstable weapon reduced the effectiveness of fire. The use of a two-seat aircraft as a fighter, where one of the crew members played the role of a gunner, also created certain problems, because an increase in the weight and drag of the machine led to a decrease in its flight qualities.

What are the planes. In our years, aviation has made a big qualitative leap, expressed in a significant increase in flight speed. This was facilitated by progress in the field of aerodynamics, the creation of new more powerful engines, structural materials, and electronic equipment. computerization of calculation methods, etc. Supersonic speeds have become the main modes of fighter flight. However, the race for speed also had its negative sides - the takeoff and landing characteristics and the maneuverability of aircraft deteriorated sharply. During these years, the level of aircraft construction reached such a level that it was possible to start creating aircraft with a variable sweep wing.

In order to further increase the flight speeds of jet fighters exceeding the speed of sound, Russian combat aircraft required an increase in their power-to-weight ratio, an increase in the specific characteristics of turbojet engines, and also an improvement in the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft. For this purpose, engines with an axial compressor were developed, which had smaller frontal dimensions, higher efficiency and better weight characteristics. For a significant increase in thrust, and hence the flight speed, afterburners were introduced into the engine design. The improvement of the aerodynamic forms of aircraft consisted in the use of wings and empennage with large sweep angles (in the transition to thin delta wings), as well as supersonic air intakes.

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 is the most common combat aircraft in the world.

American multifunctional light fighter of the fourth generation. Designed in 1974 by General Dynamics. Transferred to service in 1979.

In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to Lockheed Corporation (now Lockheed Martin).

The F-16, due to its versatility and relatively low cost, is the most massive fourth-generation fighter (as of June 2014, over 4,540 aircraft were assembled) and is a success on the international arms market (it is in service with 25 countries). The last of 2231 F-16s for the US Air Force were handed over to the customer in 2005. The upgraded F-16 will be exported until at least mid-2017.

Development.

The prototype machine, designated YF-16 (No. 72-01567), first flew on January 21, 1974, when the pilot was forced to take off while running around the airfield to avoid an emergency. The first flight under the test program took place on February 2 of the same year. In 1975, the F-16A appeared, and in 1977, the two-seat F-16B.

F-16 modifications

-Block 1

First flight August 1978. Basic modification


-Block 5

197 aircraft produced


-Block 10

312 built before 1980


-Block 15

November 1981. New tail assembly installed. Radar AN / APG-66. AIM-7 missiles, introduced the ability to carry 1000 pound bombs on underwing hardpoints. The cockpit is equipped with air conditioning. Issued 983 in 14 years.


-Block 15OCU (Operational Capability Upgrade)

Modernization in 1987, a total of 217 aircraft passed, the F100-PW-220 engine was installed, weapons: AGM-119 and AGM-65, AIM-120 AMRAAM. Installed radio altimeter. SIP AN/ALQ-131. Maximum weight 17,000 kg.


Modernization of 150 F-16OCU


June 19, 1984 Installed engines F100-PW-200E, radar AN / APG-68, can operate in air-to-ground mode. Implemented the principle of a glass cabin. Armament: AIM-120, AGM-65. Interference-proof HF station. Maximum weight 19640 kg. AN/ALQ-165 Jammer Station.


1985-1989 year. Collected 733. A new engine was installed, RPM was applied to the hull to reduce the RCS. Armament: AIM-120, added AGM-88


1989-1995, for Egypt, production resumed in 1999. Collected 615 pieces. Installed radar APG-68V5, overhaul life 100 hours. GPS navigation, ALE-47 traps, EDSU introduced. The maximum weight has increased to 19200 kg. Armament AGM-88 HARM II were added in 1989, GBU-10, GBU-12, GBU-24, GBU-15, AIM-120


-Block 50/52

An engine with a thrust of 12.9 kN was installed. Produced from 1990 to present. time. Radar AN / APG-68V5, on the latest versions of V7 and V8, added missile AGM-84, AGM-154, up to 4 missiles AGM-88. Over 830 issued.


-Block 52+

A V9 radar was installed, with the possibility of mapping, additional tanks were equipped on the fuselage.


An OLS was installed, as well as additional tanks, an AN / ASQ-28 container, a reduced EPR, a radar with an AN / APG-80 AFAR, an ALQ-165 SIP, an F110-GE-132 engine with a thrust of 19,000 dry pounds and 32,500 in afterburner. Empty weight 9900 kg, normal takeoff weight 13,000 kg, maximum 20,700 kg issued 80 for the UAE.


-QF-16

In 2010, the US Air Force signed a $69 million contract with Boeing to serially convert 126 end-of-life F-16 fighters into target aircraft. Unmanned QF-16s should replace the fleet of obsolete and close to exhaustion QF-4 vehicles. On September 19, 2013, the first flight of the QF-16 took place.

Promising programs

Further improvement programs for the F-16 include CCV (Controlled Configuration Aircraft) and AFTI, an experimental machine with a triple digital flight control system and large ventral fins. The tailless F-16XL could have powerful armament, longer range, and better maneuverability than the original F-16.

The first flight of the new aircraft took place in July 1982, but flight tests under this program were curtailed in the late 1980s. on the initiative of the US Air Force, and two built aircraft were transferred to NASA for research purposes.

"Night Falcon" and the "block 50" series

Since December 1988, the production of the Block 40/42 Night Falcon series began, with containers for the LANTIRN low-altitude sighting and navigation system, APG-68V radar, a digital flight control system and an automatic terrain following system. "Night Falcon" is capable of carrying the AGM-88B missile defense system. With an increase in the amount of equipment, the take-off weight of the aircraft increased, which led to the strengthening of the landing gear. Since December 1991, the "block 50" and "block 52" series began to be produced. These machines have an APG-68 radar, a new HUD combined with a night vision system, a more powerful computer, as well as dipole and IR trap spreaders. These latest F-16 variants are powered by the F110-GE-229 and F100-PW-220 engines.

Air defense interceptor fighter

Since October 1986, the US Air Force began to modernize 270 F-16A / B machines under the ADF program to convert aircraft into air defense fighter-interceptors. These machines received an advanced radar capable of tracking small targets, and a launcher for AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, which can hit objects beyond visual visibility. F-16 air defense can carry 6 AIM-120, AIM-7 or AIM-9 air-to-air missiles.

F-16CJ and F-16DJ

The F-16CJ in the Block 50 modification was designed to replace the outdated F-4G Wild Weasel V anti-radar aircraft that had been in service with the US Air Force for 20 years. Unlike past "Wild Weasels" (US Air Force units designed specifically to deal with anti-aircraft missile systems), the F-16CJ is a single-seat aircraft - the computer takes over almost all the work of the co-pilot. There were also a few two-seat F-16DJ aircraft, but they are an exception to the rule.

With the new single-seat aircraft, the tactics of using Lasok also changed - aircraft began to be used in pairs, while past aircraft (F-100F, F-105G and F-4G) were operated in a group with simple fighter-bombers (usually the F-4G was used together with conventional F-4E or F-16C) that attacked ground targets after the F-4G cleared the radar.

F-16CJs carry AGM-88 HARM and/or AGM-45 Shrike missiles to destroy radar, and AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM to defend against enemy fighters.

F-16V

The American company Lockheed Martin has announced the creation of a new version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon - F-16V. The V in the aircraft index stands for Viper, "viper". The new version of the aircraft will be equipped with an active phased array radar, a new on-board computer and some improvements in the cockpit. According to the company, almost any F-16 fighter can be upgraded to the Viper version.

F-16I

The F-16I is a two-seat version of the Block 52 modification, created by special order from the Israeli Air Force. In September 1997, Israel arranges a competition for the supply of new fighters. The F-16I and F-15I take part in the competition. In July 1999, the victory of the F-16 is announced. On January 14, 2000, as part of the Peace Marble V program, an initial contract for 52 cars was signed. On December 19, 2001, the contract was extended to 102 aircraft. The Israeli Air Force F-16I received the designation Sufa (Thunderstorm). The first flight took place on December 23, 2003. On February 19, 2004, deliveries to combat units began. The approximate cost of each aircraft is $70 million (for 2006).

One of the main differences between the F-16I and the Block 52 is the replacement of approximately 50% of the onboard equipment with Israeli counterparts: for example, the ALE-50 Towed Decoy Anti-missile system was replaced by the Israeli Aerial Towed Decoy. The Autonomous Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation "Ehud" system was installed on the aircraft, which allows simulating real actions during training exercises. The aircraft also received a helmet-mounted guidance system, a head-up display (HUD), a new central on-board computer, and a display for displaying cartographic information. The F-16I can carry Israeli Rafael Python air-to-air missiles. To increase the range, a removable conformal external fuel tank manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries is mounted on the aircraft. The basic American systems are the F100-PW-229 turbofan engine (compatible with the F-15I) and the APG-68(V)9 radar.

Operating countries

Is in service

Bahrain - 16 F-16Cs and 4 F-16Ds, as of 2012
-Belgium - 50 F-16AM and 10 F-16BM, as of 2012
-Colombia - 60 F-16C/D block 50
-Venezuela - 17 F-16A and 4 F-16B, as of 2012
-Greece - 115 F-16C and 41 F-16D, as of 2012
-Denmark - 43 F-16AM and 11 F-16BM, as of 2012
-Egypt - 156 F-16A / C and 47 F-16B / D, as of 2012
-Israel - 78 F-16A, 24 F-16B, 78 F-16C, 48 F-16D and 101 F-16I, as of 2012
-Indonesia - 7 F-16A, 3 F-16B and 24 F-16C, as of 2012. As part of the Peace Bima-Sena program, 12 F-16A / B Block 15OCUs (including eight F-16As and four F-16Bs) were sold to Indonesia in 1989-1990. During operation, two cars were lost in flight accidents (in 1992 and 1997).


-Jordan - 3 F-16A / B and 39 F-16AM / BM, as of 2013. In February 2014, 12 F-16A Block 15 fighters and one F-16B Block 15 fighter were delivered to Pakistan.
-Netherlands - 79 F-16AM and 11 F-16BM, as of 2012
-Norway - 47 F-16AM and 10 F-16BM, as of 2012
-UAE - 53 F-16E and 25 F-16F, as of 2012
-Oman - 8 F-16C and 4 F-16D, as of 2012
-Pakistan - 24 F-16A, 21 F-16B, 12 F-16C Block 52 and 6 F-16D Block 52, as of 2013. In February 2014, 12 F-16A Block 15 fighters and one F-16B Block 15 fighter were purchased from Jordan, the aircraft entered service with the Pakistan Air Force in March 2014. 18 F-16 fighters upgraded to the Block 52 version were sold in 2010-2012.
-Poland - 48 F-16C "block-52M", as of 2011


-Portugal - 28 F-16AM and 6 F-16BM, as of 2012, the Portuguese Air Force received a total of 45 aircraft (including 38 F-16A and 7 F-16B). Two batches were acquired: as part of the Peace Atlantis I program in 1994, 20 F-16A / B Block 15OCUs were delivered and as part of the Peace Atlantis II program in 1999, 25 F-16A / B Block 15s were delivered, previously in service with the US Air Force ( of these, five cars were intended for parsing for parts). Aircraft purchased in 1999 are gradually being upgraded to the MLU standard. The first modernized aircraft entered the 301 squadron in 2003. During the operation, two cars were lost in flight accidents (in 2002 and 2008). The F-16s are in service with two squadrons based at the Monte Real airbase - the 201st Falcoes and the 301st Jaguares.
- Republic of Korea - 118 F-16Cs and 47 F-16Ds, as of 2012. Produced under license.
- Singapore - 32 F-16C and 43 F-16D, as of 2012


-Iraq - Iraq ordered 36 aircraft worth $65 million from the US, but initial deliveries in 2014 were delayed for security reasons after ISIS fighters took over large swaths of Iraq. As a result, the delivery of the first four fighters from the United States to Baghdad was carried out in July 2015.
-Thailand - 43 F-16A / ADF and 15 F-16B, as of 2012
-Taiwan - 117 F-16A and 28 F-16B, as of 2012
-Turkey - 195 F-16C and 42 F-16D, as of 2012. Produced under license. On May 23, 2011, the Turkish Air Force received the first F-16 "block-50" of local assembly. Until December 2012, the Turkish company Turkish Aerospace Industries will build 50 F-16 "block-50".
- Chile - 31 F-16A / C and 11 F-16B / D, as of 2012
-Morocco - 18 F-16C "block-52" and 6 F-16D "block-52", as of August 2012. Moroccan Air Force F-16s are equipped with Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 EEP (Engine Enhancement Package) engines and AN/APG-68(V)9 radars. In 2007, the Moroccan Air Force ordered 24 F-16C / D "block-52" for a total of $ 2.4 billion.


-USA:
-US Air Force - 1018 F-16C / D, as of 2012
-US Navy - 14 F-16A / B, as of 2012
-US Air National Guard - 209 F-16C/D

Was in service

performance characteristics

Specifications

Crew: 1 pilot
- Length: 15.03 m
- Wingspan: 9.45 m; with missiles at the ends of the wing: 10.0 m
- Height: 5.09 m
- Wing area: 27.87 m2
- Wing profile: NACA 64A-204
- Wing aspect ratio: 3.2
-Sweep on the leading edge: 40 degrees.
- Chassis base: 4.0m
- Chassis track: 2.36 m
-Empty weight:
- with F100 engine: 8 910 / 9 358 kg (without / with conformal tanks (English) Russian)
- with F110 engine: 9,017 / 9,466 kg (without/with conformal tanks)
-Normal takeoff weight: (with two air-to-air missiles, without PTB)
- with F100 engine: 12,723 / 14,548 kg (without/with conformal tanks)
- with F110 engine: 12,852 / 14,661 kg (without/with conformal tanks)
-Maximum takeoff weight: 21,772 kg
- Mass of external load: (with full filling of internal tanks)
- with F100 engine: 8,855 / 9,635 kg (without/with conformal tanks)
- with F110 engine: 8 742 / 9 190 kg (without / with conformal tanks)
-Mass of fuel in internal tanks: 3228 kg
-Volume of fuel tanks: 3986 l
-Suspended fuel tanks: 1 x 1,136 l or 2 x 1,402 l
- Conformal tanks: 1,703 l
-Power plant: 1 x turbofan General Electric F110 (Block 50)
-Besforsazhnaya traction: 1 x n / a
- Afterburner thrust: 1 x 13100.6 kgf
-Powerplant: 1 x Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan (Block 52)
-Besforsazhnaya thrust: 1 x 7900.2 kgf
- Afterburner thrust: 1 x 12900.4 kgf

Flight characteristics

Maximum speed: corresponds to M=2.0 at an altitude of 12,200 m
- Combat radius: (Block 50)
- with conformal tanks, 3,940 l in PTB, 2x907 kg of bombs, along the profile large-small-small-high: 1,361 km
- with conformal tanks, 5,542 l in PTB, 2x907 kg of bombs, along the profile large-small-small-high: 1,565 km
- without conformal tanks, 3,940 l in PTB, 2xAIM-120, 2? AIM-9, air patrol: 1,759 km
- Ferry range: (Block 50)
- with conformal tanks, 3,940 l in PTB: 3,981 km
- without conformal tanks, 5,542 l in PTB: 4,472 km
- Practical ceiling: 15,240 m
- Climb: approx. 275 m/s
- Wing load: 781.2 kg/m2 (at maximum takeoff weight)
-Thrust-to-weight ratio: 1.03 (without hangers and conformal tanks)
-Maximum operating overload: +9 g

Armament

Small arms: 1 x 20-mm six-barreled gun M61A1 (ammunition - 511 rounds)
- Suspension points: 9
- Combat load: (at +5.5 g)
-under the fuselage: 1,000 kg
- internal: 2 x 2041 kg
- central: 2 x 1 587 kg
- external: 2 x 318 kg
- at the ends: 2 x 193 kg
- additional points for hanging equipment on the sides of the air intake: 2 x 408 kg
-Guided missiles:
-air-to-air missiles: AIM-7, 6xAIM-9, 6xAIM-120, AIM-132, Python 3, Python 4, Derby, Sky Flash, Magic 2
-air-to-surface missiles: 6xAGM-65A/B/D/G, AGM-45, 2xAGM-84, 4xAGM-88, AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-158 JASSM, Penguin Mk.3
- Bombs:
-adjustable: 4xGBU-10, 6xGBU-12, GBU-15, GBU-22, GBU-24, GBU-27, 4xGBU-31 JDAM
-adjustable cassettes (with WCMD): CBU-103, CBU-104, CBU-105,
- free-falling: Mark 82, 8xMark 83, Mark 84
- Gun pods: 1 x GPU-5/A with 30mm gun
-BRLS (airborne radar station):
-AN/APG-66
-AN / APG-68 (aviation radar with a range of about 160 miles (250 km))
-AN/APG-80

"F-16 Fighting Falcon" - multirole fighter. It forms the basis of the US Air Force and many of the 19 countries that have purchased it. The most common of the foreign jet fighters of the fourth generation.

The development of pre-production aircraft began in 1974. From mid-1975 to 1978, the first 15 aircraft were produced. From the end of 1976 to the middle of 1978, all flight tests were carried out, in 1978, deliveries of F-16 aircraft to the US Air Force began.

The F-16 is a mid-wing monoplane with an engine in the rear fuselage. The smooth articulation of the wing and fuselage allows the fuselage to create additional lift at high angles of attack. The structure is 78.3% aluminum alloy, 4.2% titanium alloy, 4.2% carbon fiber and 3.7% steel.

All-metal semi-monocoque fuselage. The cab is equipped with a regenerative air conditioning and pressurization system. The McDonnell-Douglas ACESII ejection seat ensures the escape of the aircraft in the parking lot and in flight at a speed of 1100 km/h at altitudes up to 15000 meters.

In the second half of the 1980s, F-16C / D aircraft were equipped with means of reducing visibility (the cockpit canopy was metallized on the inside, radar-absorbing materials were used in the air intake area).

There are several modifications of the fighter:

The F-16A is a single-seat multi-role fighter, mainly for operations during daylight hours. The first production version of the F-16. Production ended in March 1985. Produced only for foreign customers.

F-16В - two-seat combat training version of the F-16А. Production for the USAF ceased in 1985.

F-16C is a single-seat advanced multirole fighter. Supplied to the US Air Force since July 1984.

F -16D - two-seat combat training version of the F -16C. Supplied to the US Air Force since September 1984.

F-16ADF - air defense fighter for the US Air National Guard. In this version, 279 previously built F-16A and F-16B were modified in 1989-1992.

RF-16C (F-16R) - reconnaissance variant.

The F-16 fighter has the following Main characteristics:

Wingspan - 9.45 m

Aircraft length - 15.03 m

Aircraft height - 5.09 m

Wing area - 27.87 square meters

Weight of the empty aircraft in kilograms:

  1. F-16A-7365
  2. F -16V - 7655
  3. F-16C-8275
  4. F-16D‑8855

Mass of fuel in kilograms:

1. F-16A/C-3105

2. F-16B/D-2565

Takeoff weight (calculated with a full supply of fuel) in kilograms:
F-16A , F-16C /D - 11839.

Takeoff weight (maximum with external load) in kilograms:
F-16A, F-16C - 19190.

Landing speed - 226 km / h.
Practical ceiling - 15240 m.
Practical range - 1315 km, ferry range - 3890 km.