OVERVIEW: The F-16B Block 10 Fighting Falcon is a low-cost, single-engine, two seat, very maneuverable, supersonic, 4th generation multirole fighter. 


DETAILS:  The F-16 was designed to be a cost-effective combat "workhorse" that can perform various missions and maintain around-the-clock readiness. It uses advanced aerodynamics and avionics, including the first use of a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire (RSS/FBW) flight control system to achieve enhanced maneuver performance. Highly maneuverable, the F-16 can pull 9-g maneuvers and can reach a maximum speed of over Mach 2. Innovations include a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick, and reclined seat to reduce g-force effects on the pilot. It has a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than one, providing power to climb and accelerate vertically.


NOTES: IOC June 1979. The F-16B initially delivered to Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark and Norway were all Block 1 aircraft, subsequently updated to Block 5 and Block 10 standards by mid-1984. These updates primarily consisted minor internal improvements to the aircraft and the painting the conspicuous black radome a subdued grey. The RNIAF aircraft were assembled by Fokker.


SOURCES: "F-16 Fighting Falcon." U.S. Air Force. Last modified September 23, 2015. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104505/f-16-fighting-falcon/#:~:text=The%20F%2D16%20Fighting%20Falcon,United%20States%20and%20allied%20nations; "F-16A/B." F-16.net - The Ultimate F-16, F-22, F-35 Reference. Accessed December 24, 2020. https://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article3.html; https://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article8.html 