General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the most widely used fighter jets in the world, flown by dozens of air forces since it entered service in 1978. It was one of the first fighters designed around 'relaxed static stability', deliberately made slightly unstable so a computerised fly-by-wire system could make it far more agile than a pilot could manage unaided. Its single engine and compact airframe made it cheaper to build and operate than many contemporaries, helping it become a commercial and military success. The distinctive frameless bubble canopy gives pilots an almost unobstructed view in every direction.
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Did you know?
The F-16 pioneered 'relaxed static stability' — deliberately unstable so its fly-by-wire computer could make it far more agile.
Specifications
| Length | 15.1 m (49 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 10 m (33 ft) |
| Height | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 11.8 t |
| Range | 2,950 NM (5,463 km) |
| Maximum speed | 1,328 kt (2,459 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 50,000 ft (15,240 m) |
| Rate of climb | 50,000 ft/min (254 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 1,000 m (3,281 ft) |
| Landing distance | 800 m (2,625 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 3,100 l |
| Engines | Pratt & Whitney F100/GE F110 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
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