First flown in December of 1976, the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon has become one of the most versatile aircraft in use today. In January 1979, the first operational F-16 was delivered to Hill Air Force Base, Utah. This aircraft’s maneuverability and combat radius make it ideal for air-to-air and air-to-surface combat.
Despite being relatively compact and low-cost ($14.6-$18.8 million per jet), the F-16 can withstand over 9 Gs (nine times the force of gravity), maneuver easily, and provide high-performance weapon systems and unobstructed vision for the pilot(s).
The F-16 has a wingspan of over 32 feet, a length of over 49 feet, and a height of 16 feet. It has around 27,000 pounds of thrust, a maximum takeoff weight of 37,500 pounds, and weighs about 19,700 pounds without fuel (but has 7000-12000 lb fuel capacity). Ammunition also adds to the load. An F-16 carries an M-61A1 20mm multibarrel cannon with 500 rounds and up to six air-to-air missiles, electronic countermeasures, and conventional air-to-air or air-to-surface munitions. Even with the weight, the F-16 can fly faster than 1,500 mph with a ceiling above 50,000 feet and a range of more than 1,740 nautical miles. To say the least, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is a force to be reckoned with.