The American single-engine jet fighter of the fourth generation. Designed to gain air superiority, it is versatile and inexpensive. It is a carrier of nuclear weapons. It remains one of the most common fighters in the world. Thanks to a number of upgrades, it effectively works in conjunction with fifth-generation machines. It was actively used in the framework of armed conflicts in the territories of Lebanon, Iraq, Yugoslavia and Syria.
The history of the F-16
The F-16 Fighting Falcon was designed in the USA in 1974. The development was carried out within the framework of the LWF program (creation of a light fighter) to implement the theory of energy maneuverability. It was formulated by a group of American officers and analysts led by John Boyd and Thomas Christie in the late 1960s. At the same time, the experience of fighting in Korea and Vietnam was taken into account. General Dynamics Corporation managed to win the competition for the contract for participation in the program from Boeing, LTV, Northrop and Lockheed.
Interesting facts: The name "Fighting Falcon" was given to the aircraft in honor of the mascot The United States Air Force Academy. The fighter first appeared in the air by accident on January 20, 1974. Then high-speed taxiing was tested and an emergency situation arose. To avoid its development, the pilot had to take off and return to earth in six minutes. In 1993, Lockheed, which could not win the LWF competition, simply bought out General Dynamics' aviation business and received the right to produce the F-16.
The first scheduled flight of the car took place on February 2, 1974. From the summer of 1975 to 1978, 15 YF-16 prototypes were produced and all flight tests were completed. Among the prototypes there were both classic single (11 pieces) and experimental two-seater models. Serial production soon began, and in August 1978, the first F-16 squadron of the US Air Force was already formed. Accordingly, applications for the purchase of such an aircraft began to arrive from the US allies in the North Atlantic Alliance.
Design features and characteristics of the F-16 Fighting Falcon
Engineers sought to create an inexpensive and unpretentious aircraft. The price of various modifications for 43 years of production ranged from 4.5 million to 34 million dollars. For the first time, a teardrop-shaped non-flying lantern was used in its design, which significantly increased the viewing capabilities for the pilot. Handling was increased by installing a side handle instead of the traditional central one. Overloads were partially extinguished with the help of a reclining chair. The fighter was assembled from the most unified parts.
The base model (F-16C) was designed to be controlled by a single pilot. Its length is 15.03 m, height is 5.09 m. The wingspan is 9.45 m, and its area is 27.87 m2. The fighter is capable of rising to an altitude of up to 18.5 km at a speed of 275 m/s. But effective use is possible at altitudes up to 15.24 km. The flight range ranges from 3,981 to 4,472 km (depending on the availability of additional fuel tanks). The maximum range of combat use is 1,759 km. The design is capable of withstanding overloads up to 9 g.
The aircraft can be equipped with a Pratt&Whitney F100 dual-circuit turbojet engine or a General Electric F110 turbofan engine. Its mass without ammunition is 8910 or 9017 kg, respectively. If additional overhead tanks are used, the total weight increases by 448 kg. It is capable of carrying from 3,986 to 5,542 liters of fuel. The maximum take–off weight is 21,772 kg. The F100 provides an afterburnerless thrust of 7,900 kgf, and the F110 - 7,781 kgf. In afterburner mode, they give out 12,900 and 13,100 kgf.
The F-16 is capable of speeds up to 2,178 km/h at an altitude of up to 12.2 km. The standard set of weapons includes a 20-mm M61A1 Vulcan aviation cannon and 511 shells for it. In addition, seven types of air–to-ground missiles are mounted on nine suspension points (under the fuselage and wings): from AGM-45 to Penguin Mk3. Or nine types of air–to-air missiles: from AIM-7 to Phyton 4 and Magic 2. It also provides for the use of correctable, free-falling and cluster bombs and/or airborne radar stations of three types.
The history of the development of the model range[
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has become one of the most popular fighter jets in history. Unsurprisingly, it has many modifications. The first ones were created at the design and prototype testing stage. Then the F-16A, a single–seat aircraft designed to perform daytime tasks, and the F-16B, a two–seat combat training modification, were introduced. Their production for the domestic American market continued until 1985. As part of these models, Block 1,5,10,15 and 20 upgrades were made.
The F-16C and D are upgraded versions of previous models designed to control one and two (in modification D) pilots. Serial production began in 1984. They were created according to the Block 25 standard: improved avionics, expansion of the range of weapons, the possibility of all-weather operation. Later versions used the Block 30/32 standards (new engine and radio-absorbing hull materials), 40/42 (new radar and navigation system) and 50/52 (improved engine, radar and armament).
The F-16E and F are improved versions of previous models (single and double). Upgraded according to the Block 60 standard (equipped with an optical-location station, a laser targeting system, a new radar and a more powerful engine). The F-16IN is an export option for India. It is distinguished by the presence of FADEC controls, IRST infrared search and tracking system and a redesigned cockpit. The F16IQ is an export version for Iraq. It has been cut in terms of technology and equipment.
The F-16N is a modification designed to simulate the actions of a likely enemy in a training battle. It was actively used by the US Navy. The air cannon, the electronic jamming system (ASPJ) and all missile armament were removed from the aircraft. Therefore, it became the most maneuverable fighter of the series. The F-16V is the 2015 version. It is equipped with a new radar system with an active phased array, an electronic warfare system and modern weapons. QF-16 – unmanned target aircraft converted from decommissioned vehicles.
Distribution in the world
The increased interest in the F-16 from foreign partners has led to the widespread distribution of the model in the world. By 2018, more than 4,600 copies had been released. They are still in service with the US Air Force and National Guard, as well as Bahrain, Belgium, Venezuela, Greece, Denmark, Egypt, Israel, Indonesia, Jordan, Iraq, Taiwan, Morocco, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Romania, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and Chile. Deliveries of aircraft to Bulgaria, Slovakia and Ukraine are planned.
Interesting facts: According to the Chinese magazine Sohu for 2020, the F-16 did not suffer a single defeat in battles with Soviet and Russian-made aircraft and was able to win 65 victories. These were mainly the victories of Israeli pilots over the Syrians. But by 2016, 650 accidents had been reported, which led to the destruction of such fighters and the death of more than 300 people. This model is actively popularized in movies ("In the center of the Sun", "Iron Eagle") and video games (War Thunder, Strike Commander).
Combat use
The first participation of the F-16 in combat operations took place on April 26, 1981. As part of the escalation of the civil war in Lebanon, Israeli pilots attacked Palestinian ground targets. Two days later, the first aerial victory was won: the destruction of the Syrian Mi-8T helicopter. On July 14, the Israeli Air Force shot down the first enemy aircraft: a Syrian MiG-21. In June 1982, a major three-day air battle took place, in which 44 aircraft were destroyed.
In addition, Israel used the F-16 during the Second Intifada, during the destruction of Iraq's nuclear program and the bombing of a Tunis suburb. These aircraft made it possible to suppress enemy ground forces during the Second Lebanon War. They were used in raids on the Gaza Strip (operations "Cast Lead", "Pillar of Cloud" and "Indestructible Rock"), in which a significant number of civilians were killed. The aircraft were actively used during the Syrian Civil War.
Venezuela deployed F-16s to oust the Colombian navy from its territorial waters in 1987, as well as to suppress a military coup in 1992. They also shot down drug smugglers' planes three times. A flight of F-16s of the US Air Force participated in the operation to invade Panama in 1989-1990. 249 aircraft made almost 13.5 thousand sorties as part of the Persian Gulf War. These aircraft became the main strike force during the 2003-2011 Iraq War.
Since the second half of the 1980s, fighter jets transferred to Pakistan have stopped massive violations of the border with Afghanistan. They have become one of the key factors in resolving the Indo-Pakistani conflict. NATO F-16 forces to establish a no-fly zone during the Bosnian War and the Yugoslav crisis. These aircraft took an active part in the military operation in Afghanistan in 2001-2021. They were used by the government forces of Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia during the conflict in Yemen.
Conclusion
Many experts consider the F-16 to be an outdated fighter, because only its combat use has been going on for more than 40 years. However, this machine has repeatedly proved its effectiveness even in competition with new models. The aircraft is inferior to them in speed and manufacturability, but still remains a more reliable and cheaper option. Therefore, the F-16 still dominates the fleets of most countries of the world and will remain relevant for at least 10 years.
