The F-16A is a single-engine, single-seat, multi-role military jet aircraft developed and manufactured by American aerospace company General Dynamics. Designated the “Fighting Falcon,” pilots and crew typically call the airframe the “Viper.” The F-16A was the first production iteration of the F-16 family of aircraft, of which more than 4,600 have been delivered to militaries throughout the world.
The F-16A took its maiden flight in December of 1976 and was first delivered to the United States Air Force in January of 1979. The jet has performed a variety of mission sets, including air superiority, interdiction, strike, close air support, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) data collections, and others. In addition to combat roles, the F-16A is used by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration squadron.
The F-16A is armed with a 20mm 6-barrel rotary cannon and two wingtip air-to-air missiles (either Sidewinder or Sparrow). It has nine additional hardpoints allowing it to carry a combination of stores that include external fuel tanks, a targeting pod, and a range of munitions, both precision-guided and unguided, including bombs, rockets, and missiles.
The F-16A measures 49 feet, 6 inches in length and stands 16 feet, 5 inches tall. It features a cropped delta wing with a span of 32 feet, 10 inches, a traditional tail unit, and retractable tricycle landing gear. The aircraft’s frameless bubble canopy allows pilots maximum visual situational awareness, and its advanced fly-by-wire system with side-stick control enables precision handling at all speed ranges.
The F-16A is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 afterburning turbofan engine that delivers up to 14,670 pounds of thrust in full military power and up to 23,830 pounds with afterburner. The aircraft has a maximum range of 1,260 miles, a service ceiling of 55,000 feet above sea level, and a maximum climb rate of 62,000 feet per minute. It cruises at 577 miles per hour and has a maximum speed of 1,343 mph (Mach 2.05 at 40,000 feet above sea level). The jet is renowned for its nimbleness and can handle up to +9 g maneuvers.
