F 16 variants

This chapter provides a description of F variants. The first three blocks featured only minor changes.

Cybermodeler Online. The appearance of U. Air Force, U. Army, U. Navy, U. Marine Corps, U. This article will provide a quick overview of each of the F Fighting Falcon versions and what is visibly different about them.

F 16 variants

The details of the F variants, along with major modification programs and derivative designs significantly influenced by the F, are described below. The first YF was rolled out at Fort Worth on 13 December and accidentally accomplished its first flight on 21 January , followed by its scheduled "first flight" on 2 February The second prototype first flew on 9 March Over the years, these aircraft have been used as test demonstrators for a variety of research, development and modification study programs. Most were later upgraded to the Block 10 configuration in the early s. There were 94 Block 1, Block 5, and Block 10 aircraft produced. Block 1 is the early production model with the radome painted black. It was discovered that the Block 1 aircraft's black radome became an obvious visual identification cue at long range, so the color of the radome was changed to the low-visibility grey for Block 5 aircraft. During the operation of F Block 1, it was discovered that rainwater could accumulate in certain spots within the fuselage, so drainage holes were drilled in the forward fuselage and tail fin area for Block 5 aircraft. The Soviet Union significantly reduced the export of titanium during the late s, so the manufacturers of the F used aluminum instead wherever practical. New methods were also used: the corrugated aluminum is bolted to the epoxy surface for Block 10 aircraft, replacing the old method of aluminum honeycomb being glued to the epoxy surface used in earlier aircraft. Block 15 is the most numerous variant of the F, with produced.

Identify aircraft Identify by airplane characteristics Identify by helicopter characteristics Identify by main f 16 variants types Contact Archive Search. This serves as an avionics bay for additional capabilities for the aircraft. The ADF machines retained Block 15 ground attack capability.

The F is one of the most common single engine fighters since the s, so you are likely to encounter one. While officially called Fighting Falcon, it is also known by the nickname Viper. The number of different detailed versions of the F is numerous and often they are not easy to distinguish. It doesn't help that even within major variants Block versions there are a lot of options with regard to sensors, weapon systems, etc. Below the main Block versions of the F are described and they can be recognised by looking at:. The YF already looks a lot like the production version. The YF is slightly shorter though.

The F Fighting Falcon is a versatile combat aircraft with a long history of being tested and proven effective in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. This compact jet offers a high-performance weapon system at a relatively low cost, making it an attractive choice for the United States and its allies. Established by General Dynamics specifically for the United States Air Force, the inception of the remarkable F dates back to its maiden flight in December with the introduction of the FA variant, which was a single-seat configuration. It was designed using cutting-edge aerospace technology and dependable components from other aircraft, including the F and F Together, they collaborated with the United States to manufacture the first Fs for their respective air forces. The Fs were assembled with parts from all five countries, with maintenance, repair, and overhaul work also being shared between them.

F 16 variants

The details of the F variants, along with major modification programs and derivative designs significantly influenced by the F, are described below. The first YF was rolled out at Fort Worth on 13 December and accidentally accomplished its first flight on 21 January , followed by its scheduled "first flight" on 2 February The second prototype first flew on 9 March Over the years, these aircraft have been used as test demonstrators for a variety of research, development and modification study programs. Most were later upgraded to the Block 10 configuration in the early s. There were 94 Block 1, Block 5, and Block 10 aircraft produced.

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Foreign users also carry their own stores. The concept aircraft was originally referred to as the "Block 60". United States Air Force 25 other users see operators page. Several engine fits were considered. This type is often used for training, with the student pilot occupying the forward cockpit and the instructor pilot occupying the rear cockpit. All but the earliest Block 50 models have been upgraded to Block 50D standard. The pod's precise capabilities remain classified. The USAF had helped set up the program, but withdrew. For example, Norwegian Fs carried the Penguin Mark 3 antiship missile, and Israeli Fs have carried the big Rafael "Popeye" electro-optic guided standoff missile. Chengdu J The same can be said about the Chengdu J DoD Transformation. The F Falcon Century program, a survey and evaluation of new technologies and new capabilities that began in , was also relied upon to identify new concepts for integration onto the F through the MSIP derivative development effort. Lockheed Martin acquired a valuable asset with the F and has continued to refine the type. Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor News.

Designed as an air superiority day fighter , it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft with over 4, built since

Ethiopian Airlines has become the first carrier on the African continent to place an order for the Boeing…. Engine problems with the F persisted, so the decision was made to dual-power the F In South Korea this version is locally designated as KF, but earlier Block versions don't seem the have one. The number of different detailed versions of the F is numerous and often they are not easy to distinguish. Some early production Block 52 machines were temporarily retrofitted with the older FPW, due to bugs in the new engine variant. Other features include passive missile warning, terrain-referenced navigation, and provisions for the US gal 2, litre external fuel tanks and conformal fuel tanks. For example, Norwegian Fs carried the Penguin Mark 3 antiship missile, and Israeli Fs have carried the big Rafael "Popeye" electro-optic guided standoff missile. Retrieved 25 July Wall Street Journal. The F Low-Observable Axisymmetric Nozzle LOAN demonstrator was an FC fitted in late with a prototype nozzle with significantly reduced radar and infrared signatures and lowered maintenance requirements. In parallel with the technical upgrades, the US F fleet has been run through an ongoing "service life extension program SLEP " as time accumulates on their airframes, with the SLEP providing structural refurbishment to make sure they can keep on flying.